Show some love with Atlanta-made jewelry for February’s red-letter day.
Eco-chic
Trecy Bleich did not start off with ambitions to be a jewelry designer. In college, she majored in marketing and later worked in the kitchen, bath and tile industry. It wasn’t until after she was married and took a basic jewel-making class that she discovered her passion: jewelry design.
In 2010, Bleich launched Vella Mode, her Atlanta-based jewelry design studio. In her pieces, Bleich combines modern twists with traditional designs.
The Drape, one of her unique designs, is a best-seller. Hand beaded, it features bold matte chains. The popular lariat is from her eco collection called “Evella,” named in honor of her stylish mother. Her can’t-miss colors include blues and greens, as well as designs with combinations of mixed gold and silver. For 2013, Bleich’s geometrics jewelry line is off to a good start.
Prices for necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets range from $28 to $200. To order, visit vellamode.com. Find her sustainable collection at 5 Continents Boutique (5continents.us), 2986 Grandview Ave. in Atlanta, and Re-inspiration (reinspirationstore.com), 591 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta.
P.S. Valentine’s Day special: At vellamode.com order the lariat (pictured) for $95 ($136 value). The offer is good through Feb. 12.
Vintage yet modern
Lisa Resnick has long loved fashion and art. She also enjoys scouring flea markets and antique shops for treasures. With her Lisa Jill Jewelry collection, the Roswell designer combines both interests.
In her one-of-a-kind creations, Resnick uses reclaimed and recycled pieces, including vintage chains, cherished charms and unusual trinkets. She also uses semi-precious gems and pearls in her handmade necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Prices range from $50 to $375.
For customers who like to personalize their jewelry, Resnick offers a “design your own heirloom” section. She provides assorted chains, plus hundreds of vintage charms and gemstones. Charms range from $10 to $100 each. Chains range from $20 to $70.
Her jewelry can be found at Urban Farmhouse (
Farmhouse). The home and gift store is at 12680 Crabapple Road in Alpharetta. Also check Veronica’s Attic (veronicasattic.com) in Sandy Springs. For information about Resnick or her upcoming shows, check www.lisajilljewelry.com or
Silver & sophisticated
Like many women, Amy Bubes loves wearing jewelry. She also enjoys designing it. After taking several metal-smithing classes at Chastain Arts Center in Atlanta, Bubes started Amy Bubes Jewelry in 2007. In her work, Bubes uses Argentium sterling silver, which is more tarnish resistant and a higher quality than traditional sterling silver.
Her signature ribbon bangles, which can be dressed up or down and mixed with other pieces, are best-sellers. Some designs are accented with champagne and white diamonds. In others, Bubes has added gemstones to provide a pop of color. All are timeless and classic. Her lightweight hoop earrings, chunky rings and stepping stone cuff are also must-have pieces for your jewelry collection.
Prices for bangles range from $110 to $275. Cuffs are $250 to $800 and rings are $110 to $350. Earrings range from $90 to $275. A pair of earrings accented with diamonds can cost up to $2,000.
Learn more about her wearable art at amybubesjewelry.com. Find her jewelry at the Topaz Gallery (topazgallery.net) in Atlanta and Worthmore Jewelers (worthmorejewelers.com) in Midtown Atlanta and Decatur.
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If, so please share them with us. Send your suggestions to: ljerkins@bellsouth.net. In the subject line, write Southern Made. Please include your name and a contact number.
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