have a sparkling new year

as 2012 comes to a close and we pop open some bubbly and ring in the new year, I want to wish everyone good health and much happiness in the new year. 

whatever your resolution (s) are/is, I hope you start of off the year with a bang.

and don't forget:

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my favorite design of 2012

every december I reflect back on the events of the year and think about what I'm proud of, what lessons I've learned, and what I want to accomplish in the coming year.

I also always pick my favorite piece I've designed. this year it is my poppy gemstone bracelet. it incorporates everything I love: color, neon, and sparkle!

available here

wishing you a merry xmas

wishing all of my followers a very merry christmas! may santa bring you everything you wanted and may you be surrounded by loving family and friends (and wine) :) 

xoxo

katie

and here are a few images that make me feel festive:

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behind the scenes: my mom's xmas gift

over the years, my mom has built up quite a collection of my jewelry. every mother's day, birthday, and christmas she gets a new piece that I create for her. sometimes its a piece that is from one of my existing collections that she fell in love with, and other times I will custom make a piece for her. this year I decided to custom make her a necklace and bracelet. she loved my hillary bracelet so I decided to tweak the design a bit for her christmas jewelry. check out my design and construction process, and the final product!

the before shot

determining the labradorite and chrysoprase pattern

stringing the necklace

almost done

ta da!

lapis and chrysoprase stones

stringing the bracelet

ta da!

holiday jewelry shows

take a look at some images from my holiday jewelry trunk shows!

my natalie and samantha necklaces

my hannah and janna earrings

one of a kind spike necklace (email katie@katiebartels.com for details)

my table at the greenwich academy holiday show

ribbon from my natalie necklace

janna, hannah, and sarah laser cut wood

and onyx earrings

some colorful gemstone necklaces and bracelets

color inspiration: neon pink

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december deal of the week: freshwater pearl and coral newport necklace!

my december deal of this week is my freshwater pearl and coral newport necklace. one of my bestsellers, this necklace is perfect for your winter getaway to the beach. freshwater pearls mixed with red, green, blue, or pink coral, this classical statement necklace is the perfect holiday gift! originally $260, available for $180 this week only!

the newport necklace with red coral

the newport necklace with green coral

sunday brunch sparkle: how to wear the shira necklace

1. katie bartels shira necklace with bright red ribbon // 2. j. crew oversized merino pocket sweater // 3. essie nail polish in she's pampered // 4. rag and bone jean the skinny mid-rise jeans // 5. kate spade king's jewels bon shopper // 6. charles philip shanghai sheila striped wool loafers

holiday soiree sparkle: how to wear the shira necklace

1. katie bartels shira necklace with bright red velvet ribbon // 2. alice and olivia woven jersey peplum maxi dress // 3. deborah lippmann nail polish in boom boom pow // 4. kotur morley croc-embossed metal box clutch // 5. christian louboutin spiked patent-leather pumps

office sparkle: how to wear the shira necklace

1. katie bartels shira necklace with bright red ribbon // 2. nina ricci lace-front cotton-blend top // 3. essie nail polish in beyond cozy // 4. halston heritage draped wool-jersey skirt // 5. marc by marc jacobs too hot to handle textured leather hobo bag // 6. cole haan chelsea high pump in black patent

sentimental rubies: a custom project

one of my gemology school friends and I were recently discussing pieces of jewelry and gemstones that have sentimental value to us because they remind us of loved ones who have a special place in our heart. she mentioned that rubies are very special to her because her late grandmother's engagement ring had a ruby. then she said she had always wanted a ruby necklace to remind her of her grandmother. ah ha I said, let's make one for you! so I took her to my gemstone dealer in the diamond district and we looked at strand after strand of faceted rubies to find the perfect one. she fell in love with an 89 ct strand of dainty, faceted rondelle rubies. check out the construction process and final product on pj!:

gorgeous rich red rubies

89 cts!

stringing the rubies

ta da!

pj rocking her new ruby necklace!

december deal of the week: hannah laser cut wood and onyx earrings!

my december deal of this week is my multicolor {red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, hot pink, and light pink!} laser cut wood and onyx hannah earrings! originally $40, these incredibly lightweight statement earrings are only $30 through the end of the week. they are the perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift, and gift for yourself!

hannah earrings

vote for zoe!

yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting zoe boutique in alexandria, va and was super excited to see that my marilyn necklace was part of their gorgeous christmas window display! susan, the chic and lovely owner of zoe, let me know that they are participating in the old town boutique district window wonderland contest. their display is very festive chic, including pops of their signature magenta. so please click here and vote for zoe!

sotheby's magnificent jewels

this past weekend I previewed the jewels that are part of sotheby's magnificent jewels auction. there were some truly stunning pieces. my personal highlight was getting to try on evelyn lauder's 22 ct diamond ring. it was an afternoon full of sparkle!

so much sparkle

I was completely obsessed with this diamond, emerald, and sapphire

peacock feather brooch

an imperial russian diamond brooch

you can never go wrong with colored diamonds

I have a weakness for emeralds...

an amazing diamond necklace from the collection of

mrs. charles wrightsman

evelyn lauder's 22 ct diamond ring. on my finger. swoon.

feature is DC magazine!

I'm thrilled to announce that my poppy gemstone bracelet and marilyn gold sparkle necklace were featured in the october and november issues of DC magazine! 

for those in the DC area, both of the pieces can be found at zoe boutique in alexandria, va!