spring feels

This spring we're feeling a little moody, a little bold, more mysterious overall. Pearlescent moonstones, splashes of bright yellow gold, sienna-hued diamonds and lush emeralds share the field. The days are getting longer, leaving us with a few more sun-filled hours of daylight—we couldn't be happier. Read on for some of our most coveted pieces, layered up, shadows and all.

Marla Aaron Mega Curb Link Bracelet and Regular Lock. Info on rings below.

(left): Index & pinky rings: Kathleen Whitaker. Ring finger: Gillian Conroy 18k Gold Bands -in shop. Middle: Gillian Conroy 18k Black Diamond Ring-in shop,  Gabriella Kiss Moonstone Ring, Antique Knot Ring-in shop. (right) Antique Arts & Crafts Silver bangle bracelet.

Ring finger: Gabriella Kiss 18k Eye Ring, Variance Objects Aquamarine Ring-in shop. Middle: Antique 22k Gold Band-in shop. Index: Antique Moss Agate Ring-in shop. Gillian Conroy 18k Oval Emerald Ring.

Hat: Ryan Roche. Ceramics: Adrianne George-in shop.  Framed photo: Paul Tsang-in shop. 

On right arm: Antique Buckle Bracelet. Index: B.C.E. Australian Opal & Diamond Ring. Middle: B.C.E. Boulder Opal Ring-in shop, Rebecca Overmann 14k Red Rosecut Diamond Ring. Antique Snake Ring-in shop. Ring finger: Antique Victorian Pink Sapphire Band-in shop, Antique Single Set Diamond Ring-in shop. Pinky: Gabriella Kiss Mauve Emerald-Cut Ring. On left arm: Antique Rolled Stripe Bangle-in shop, Victorian Gutta Percha Cuff-in shop, Retro Link Bracelet-in shop. Pinky: Kathleen Whitaker Ring. Ring finger: Gabriella Kiss 18k Eye Ring, Antique Turquoise Dome Ring. Middle: Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring, Gabriella Kiss 18k Garnet Ring. Index: Rebecca Overmann Diamond Pave Band. Antique Diamond Buckle Ring, Gillian Conroy 18k Black Diamond Ring-in shop.

Q&A with Marla Aaron

One of the best things about owning a jewelry shop is learning more about the designers whose work fills our velvet-lined cases. We starting carrying Marla Aaron's eponymous line in December after getting a glimpse of one of her badass locks on a customer—we fell for her even more on Instagram. What began with the now classic carabiner lock has evolved into the versatile collection it is today. Inspired by tools and industrial landscapes, the carabiner remains the central component of the line. Below Marla shares everything from her preferred footwear to a transformative beauty tip...read on for more!

Oh she glows...

Can you tell us a little about how you started your jewelry-making career? Did you have a concrete "aha" moment?

I had a very specific idea about a collection of jewelry, but I also had a job that had absolutely nothing to do with jewelry and children and a life that definitely did not support the concept of me "finding myself". It was pure fantasy. I would sit at home at night and teach myself how to solder. I was constantly reading and studying. My lunch hours were spent on 47th street, talking to people and trying to find my way. I knew I had a collection that I could bring to life, but I was too scared to do it. I was dreaming, plotting and thinking about it constantly.

And then, with my job I had a terrible business trip to France—I will not go into details, but suffice it to say, I had an accident on the trip and was seriously injured. I literally decided while I was there that when I got home I was going to talk to my husband, quit my job and launch my company. On the plane ride home, I wrote a Powerpoint presentation (cause that's the stuff I use to do) for my husband explaining why I had to do it right that very minute. He agreed to it and here we are four years later. I would say that the collection today is precisely what I thought it would be. What I would never have imagined is how women have taken what I have made and made it 'their own' in totally surprising ways.

Marla Aaron 18" Heavy Sterling Silver Curb Chain Necklace, Marla Aaron Medium Lock in 14k Yellow Gold, Antique Egyptian Revival 14k Enamel and Diamond Locket,  Marla Aaron 14k Medium Curb Link Chain 18",  Marla Aaron Sterling Silver Heart Lock, Antique Victorian 15k Gold Enamel & Diamond Horseshoe Locket,  Antique Sterling Silver Padlock Charm, Marla Aaron 16" Sterling Silver Medium Curb Chain, Marla Aaron Sterling Silver Baby Lock, Antique Victorian Niello Zebra Striped Locket, Antique Victorian 14k Gold Bloomed Oval Locket with Cushion Cut Diamond

We'd love to hear your two cents when it comes to mixing metals in terms of wearing & styling jewelry. Any thoughts?

The more variety the better. I have no interest in matching…anything. I wear what I love. I would not wear any jewelry I didn't love.

16" Sterling Silver Medium Curb Chain, 14k Yellow Gold Baby Lock, 14k Medium Curb Link Chain 18", Medium Lock in 14k Yellow Gold, 18" Heavy Sterling Silver Curb Chain Necklace, Sterling Silver Heart Lock (All Marla Aaron)

How would you describe your personal style in a sentence or two? 

Wild gypsy caravan served up with fine china on white tablecloths and high heels. In my day-to-day, this translates into a key silhouette that revolves around the right proportion which I can only describe as wide, long and voluminous. I mostly wear Stylenanda so I can splurge on key pieces by Dries Van Noten and Gary Graham. And I am either wearing clogs or stilettos—I really don't have an in-between on that.

Various Marla Aaron Locks available  in-shop and online. 

Do you have any jewelry designers you particularly admire or are inspired by?

Hemmerle, Suzanne Belperron, Paul Flato. Most inspiring of all are the women who surprise me with the way they wear my jewelry, which feeds me with endless ideas and ways to iterate and improve [my line].

16" Sterling Silver Medium Curb Chain, 14k Yellow Gold Baby Lock, 14k Medium Curb Link Chain 18", Medium Lock in 14k Yellow Gold, 18" Heavy Sterling Silver Curb Chain Necklace, Sterling Silver Heart Lock (All Marla Aaron)

How do you unwind? Any chill-out rituals you swear by?

Bikram Yoga, Tequila and Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant. By wearing the later I can be certain that no one will disturb me…check it out you'll see why.

Mega Curb Sterling Silver Bracelet Finished in Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver Heart Lock, Sterling Silver and Yellow Gold Regular Lock (All Marla Aaron) 

Thank you, Marla!

Please note, some of the pieces pictured above are not yet available online. Call 415-590-2998 or email info@metiersf.com for more info. 

Just in: Estate Jewelry

We are often asked why we buy what we buy. With regards to estate & antique jewelry, we're drawn to the sentimentality, the history, and the vast range of styles born from various periods. For us, it's more about an instinctual magnetism, pulling us toward unusual stones, rare cuts, and lost art forms. Estate jewelry offers an element of mystery alongside seductive beauty and allure. Our curations are reflections of our own personal influences and aesthetics, but also serve as art pieces in themselves—suitable for admirers and collectors alike. Scroll down for some of our favorite estate pieces new to the shop. 

From top to bottom: Victorian 14k Diamond Cluster Ring, Victorian Sterling Greek Key Locket on Niello Curb Chain, Art Deco French Platinum Onyx Moonstone Diamond Ring,  Georgian Yellow Zircon & Diamond Ring with Navy & White Enamel, Georgian Revival Platinum and Diamond Earrings

18k Memento Mori Pendant c. 1696, Georgian 15k Rose Gold Navette Memorial Pendant c. 1780's, Victorian 14k Fringe Tassel Necklace

The memento mori pendant (pictured above) exemplifies the rarity and beauty we love to stumble upon. Memento mori jewelry, latin for "remember that you must die," was made with an intent of remembrance and reflection for the wearer. This particular piece features a faceted crystal face, intricate hairwork, gold cipher initials, ivory skull & crossbones, set in 18k gold. The inscription on the back (pictured below) is most likely a day of death, but also provides a general timeframe as to the pendant's production.

French Silver and Rose Gold Eagle Bangle, 1940s Retro 18k Tank Track Bracelet, Victorian 14k Gold Wide Bangle Bracelet with Fine Granulation, Sterling Silver & Jade Bracelet, Victorian 9k Curb Link Bangle, Victorian Wide Buckle Motif Bangle Bracelet

Honestly WTF!

We let out a collective "eek!" upon hearing the news of a mention from one of our favorite blogs, none other than content connoisseurs, Honesty WTF. Thank you, Erica for listing us as one of your go-to antique jewelry shops, we're beyond flattered! Click through to read more.

to a shiny happy new year

As 2016 fast approaches, we’re taking time to reflect on what a phenomenal year it’s been for our little labor of “jewel” love. We’re beyond grateful to have such loyal customers and friends who continue to grow with us. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite shots of 2015...

Thank you and happy new year! 

sheri's personal collection on gem gossip

We're humbled to be featured on one of our favorite jewel-centric blogs, Gem Gossip. Their recent series,  Jewelry Collection Stories, provides fascinating insights into some of the most unique, not to mention, pin-worthy personal jewelry collections. Read on for an intimate look into what moves Sheri to layer on one more bangle, ring or locket. 

Photography by Rebecca Goldschmidt

                                                    

Welcome Winter Solstice

Antique Georgian Gilt "Pinchbeck" and Enamel Floral Earrings, Victorian Gold Wedding Bracelets, Victorian Gutta Percha and Gold Bracelet

Antique Carnelian Signet Ring, Variance Objects Moldavite Large Ring

Photography Kara Brodgesell, Makeup Shawn Burke,  Model Frances Tomei

Special Holiday Hours

Bells are ringing...

Sneak Peek: Antique Jewelry Trunk Show

We are culling three centuries of coveted and collectable pieces for an antique trunk show Saturday, December 5th.

Celebrate the holidays and join us for a day of gorgeous treasures and storied gems. 

Victorian 14k pear shaped foiled moss agate & rose-cut diamond ring.

Victorian 14k granulated drops, faux tortoise urn earrings, Victorian 14k foiled rose-cut leaf earrings, Early Victorian 14-18k natural citrine earrings, Early Victorian 12k rose gold articulated drops. 

Victorian 15-18k navy enamel, natural pearls and Euro-cut diamond bangle. Late Georgian foiled natural topaz surrounded by pearls set in 14k rose gold, Georgian portrait miniature surrounded by seed pearls set in 14k rose gold. Navette red and white enamel ring with a diamond star and locket back.

Georgian 15-18k hand engraved foiled garnet ring, Victorian 14k Persian turquoise pave oval ring, Victorian navy enamel dome ring with foiled diamond star. Georgian 14k foiled garnet, turquoise and  natural pearl ring. Georgian blue enamel and silver set silver rose-cut diamonds.

Still Photography Shannon Sinclair

SAVE THE DATE: Antique Trunk Show

Gabriella Kiss

We are excited to announce the arrival of Gabriella Kiss's stunningly beautiful jewelry to Metier. Inspired by flora and fauna, and fascinated by nature's life cycles, Gabriella meticulously crafts treasures in fine metals featuring precious and semi-precious stones often in combination with found natural materials. These elements are fashioned into tiny green gold bug studs, delicate horn butterfly wing earrings, trailing vine necklaces and luminescent gem rings. Beyond just adornment, these timeless pieces speak deeply personal meanings to the wearer.

Gabriella Kiss Rings, Variance Objects Herkimer Earrings

Gabriella Kiss Fly Earrings

Gabriella Kiss Earrings. 18k Black Rutilated Quartz, 14k Green Gold Large Horn Butterflies, 18k Oval Ceylon Moonstone Earrings,  Oxidized Bronze Bird Heads with Black Pearls. 

Gabriella Kiss Rings, Antique Mourning Ring on Index Finger

Gabriella Kiss 18k Small Agate Pendant Necklace & 18k Large Crystal Lens Pendant Necklace

Gabriella Kiss Rings. (top) Large 18k Hand Ring Inscribed with "Amicitia", 18k Mens Band Ring Inscribed with "Omnia Vincit Amor", (bottom) 18k Teardrop Pink Diamond Slab Ring, 18k Band Ring Inscribed with "Omnia Vincit Amor", 18k Mauve Emerald Cut Sapphire Ring.

See the lovely film below for an insight into Gabriella Kiss' imaginative and finely tuned world.        


Photography Kara  Brodgsell, Still Photography Shannon Sinclair, Makeup Shawn Burke,  Model Frances Tomei 

metier's freda girl(s) moment

Recently we were honored to be a part of the inspiring Freda Girl series started by the talented San Francisco-based footwear design duo, Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo-Nelson, of Freda Salvador. Longtime fans of their shoes - think insanely well-made, walkable flats and heels with major cool-girl appeal - we were thrilled to wear our current favorites for some fun photos in our hood.

Click through to read our interview and learn more about our creative process. And be sure to get yourself online or into the Freda store to see what these lovely ladies are up to. Thanks Freda!

Freda Salvador Flagship Store

This Saturday: Variance Objects Trunk Show

Join us this Saturday, September 26 from 12-6pm for a trunk show with Variance Objects.
Meet the designer, Nicole Rimedio, and explore the latest of her hand-cut and finely crafted jewelry pieces. A small selection of loose stones will also be available at the show for clients to work together with Nicole to create custom rings.
A 15% discount will be offered in-store at the event. We hope to see you there! 

Variance Objects exposes natural beauty and form with each hand-cut and hand-set stone. Designer, Nicole Rimedio, chooses stones that are often overlooked in the world of fine jewelry —

rusty carnelians, rare goshenite, and rutilated quartzes -- and elevates them, in their natural state, 

to a place of rough elegance. To read more about Variance Objects see our Q&A interview with Nicole in our next blogpost below. 

Q&A with Variance Objects Designer, Nicole Remedio

A trained landscape architect and self-taught jeweler, Nicole Remedio is exactly the kind of artist we enjoy working with — disciplined, driven but grounded. Her work challenges the typical aesthetics of fine jewelry by employing hand-cut stones, mixing metals, and "anti-polish" attitude that we love. Here she talks about her art and what inspires her: 

Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Shaker Heights Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.  My parents still live in the house I grew up in.  It's a beautiful suburb, but still a suburb.  

We were automatically drawn to the rawness of Variance Objects pieces. Why do you prefer to use uncut stones and materials as opposed to more polished, processed ones?

Actually, all of our stones are cut and polished in our studio, but we cut them in a way that leaves their rough, natural character intact, so they appear to be uncut.  I love seeing the natural formations of stones.  In a way I find their natural state more evocative than the spectacular flawless faceted form they usually take in fine jewelry.  By approaching a gem with a different set of priorities it frees us up to rough beauty instead of human mastery.

You were trained in architecture, specifically landscape architecture— how does that play into your work, be it the designs, the process, or just your point of view?

There are ways that placing a stone on a band is like siting a building on a hillside; there's a relational balance between them that can be beautiful.  Also, I learned about rigorous process and how to design in grad school. Both of those things were helpful in the early stages of Variance and continue to benefit me as I Variance evolves, but most of all Architecture taught me what I didn't want my life to look like.  I learned that I just wasn't good at working in an office, and working on projects that I couldn't wrap my hands around.  I realized that I needed to take a sharp left turn and be an artist.

If you had to switch lives with another designer or artist, who would you choose?

Jimi Hendrix.  It seems like he was on another plane and I think I'd like to experience what it was like for him as an artist.  

What’s the best part of being in a creative/business relationship with your partner, Scott?

It allows me to be fully absorbed, but really we both are.  Variance is a project between us as much as it is my artistic pursuit.  To have a set of eyes that can look at the work with the same intimacy and investment as I have, but totally fresh and unbiased (usually) is invaluable.  Also there is a process between me completing a piece and Scott photographing the piece that is invaluable. I am able to see things in the piece through his photography that I didn't see with my eyes.  In a way it really speeds up and simplifies my internal design process.  Having a business takes so much determination, focus, and time, so it is really nice that we can be in it together.  We work a lot, but it doesn't (usually) feel like work, just art and life.

Describe your ultimate day off.

Hmmm.  These don't come very often, so I'll make it extra ultimate. Scott and I start off with good pot of Puerh tea, then a long walk either through the city or a good walking beach.  Then lunch, maybe Gracias Madre if we're in SF.  Then perhaps the Alameda flea market is happening magically in the afternoon for my day off, so we go there, find some killer scores, like a pair of Art Nouveau plique-à-jour day/night earrings and a couple of vintage Hermes bags.  Then we run into some friends and we all go to dinner somewhere fun.  Finally, we drive home at sunset on Hwy 1.  At home we immerse ourselves in multiple episodes of some great Netflix series.

What are you reading right now? What songs are playing in the studio while you’re working?

We listen to audio books in the studio and we just finished In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Peter Matthiessen, and before that was The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn.  When we play music, it is usually a Pandora station of either Bob Marley or Krishna Das.

Favorite snacks, type of weather, philosopher, place to go to think?

Cashew cheese and spicy pumpkin seeds on a seaweed rice cake.  Or a dark Ecuadorian mocha from Mutari chocolate.  

What’s your vision of Variance Objects for the next few years?
Refinement in both process and product.  As we grow we are constantly shown ways we can improve, so our goal is to always see those ways and take those opportunities.