Gem Dandies
Lately it seems anyone with free time and a Beadworks habit is calling herself a jewelry designer. Here are three that stand out from the pack.
1. Louise Douglas Following stints designing for Anthroplogie and Urban Outfitters, Douglas debuted a freshwater pearl collection inspired by her native New Zealand. The beachy-elegant line is utterly authentic: Douglas works with objects she finds on both local and far-flung shores. Gold charm bracelet, $315, Louise Douglas Showroom, 46 Waltham St., Boston, 617-378-8890, louisedouglas.com.
2. Line1 Melissa Finelli and Alexandra Grenham launched this collective after meeting at South End boutique Turtle, where Grenham is a salesclerk. Necklaces and earrings meld Finelli's delicate, architectural aesthetic with Grenham's signature Lucite-heavy approach for charmingly oddball results. Sterling silver earrings, $205, Turtle, 619A Tremont St., Boston, 617-266-2610, turtleboston.com.
3. Michele Mercaldo Ranging from platinum wedding bands to one-of-a-kind diamond-studded lockets, Mercaldo's handiwork is modern and clean without being cold. As she puts it, "The forms are geometric and precise, but not machined." 24-karat gold slide pendant, $2,100, Michele Mercaldo Jewelry, 280 Shawmut Ave., Boston, 617-350-7909, michelemercaldo.com.
