LAINE

A new collection...

2010-11-16T08:21:00.001-08:00

The first couple pieces from the brand new Love Token Collection are online! Watch for more pieces to be added in the next week, and we will be having a "name that collection" contest featuring these pieces at the end of the year (the winner will get the piece of their choice from this new collection).

Other Things I Make: White Pizza topped with Toasted Pecans & Greens in a Maple Vinaigrette

2010-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

If I save this blog for only jewelry news it is quite boring, and my posting is sporadic at best during the slow times of year, so I am introducing a little "everyday" creativity to my blog. Which brings me to the first in a new "things I make besides jewelry" series of posts!

I patiently await the return of cooler weather here in Charleston so I can start baking again...one of the quirks of living in a home that is about 170 years old is that my kitchen has a giant fireplace but no air conditioning. So when it hits 90 or 100 outside the very last thing I want to do is turn on my oven. Now that the fall-ish 70-degree weather has arrived though one of the first things I wanted to make is pizza, and as a bonus this recipe uses some of the gourmet impulse buys that crowd my cabinets like citrus sea salt and maple vinegar!

White Pizza topped with Toasted Pecans & Greens in a Maple Vinaigrette

This is actually really easy, and if you have dough already made or use purchased dough this can be on the table in under 30 minutes. If you want to make your own dough this recipe and this one (the second link is the recipe I use all the time, only with double the honey for sweeter pizzas like this one) are very good.

Preheat your oven to 450F (or whatever your chosen dough tells you to do).

Once your dough has risen, shape it into thin, flat pizza-esque forms on your pizza stone or baking sheet (put down cornmeal or cover your baking sheet with parchment so the dough doesn't stick). Brush the dough with olive oil and top with your chosen cheeses (I used mozzarella and goat cheese), then sprinkle with pepper & citrus sea salt* and a drizzle of olive oil. Now you can bake your pizzas (mine were rather small, so they baked for just 10 minutes).

While your pizza is baking take out a small bowl and add 1-1.5 tablespoons maple vinegar, the zest of half a lemon, and small pinches of salt & pepper to the bowl; now whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add your greens, herbs and anything else you want to the bowl and toss (this makes enough vinaigrette for two individual sized pizzas). In a small pan, toast your pecans for just a few minutes until they smell nutty & toasty.

Once your pizzas are finished cooking and the crust is nicely browned, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with a little parmigiano-reggiano. Plate the pizzas and top with the greens and a sprinkle of pecans, and you're done!

*If you don't have these ingredients you can easily substitute: citrus sea salt = salt + lemon zest, maple vinegar = white wine vinegar + maple syrup

New Shop in SF!

2010-10-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Select one of a kind pieces from the Vitrine collection (like the Aida Necklace shown above) are now available through Circle & Square in San Francisco, CA!

New for Summer 2010 - The Isa Necklace...

2010-05-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Isa Necklace - A tahitian pearl wrapped with oxidized sterling silver & 18k gold and an antique victorian 15k rose gold locket filled with 5.08 carats of rough diamonds have been hung from an 18" oxidized sterling silver chain.

One of a kind.

LAINE now available in Austin, TX...

2010-05-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

You can now find select designs from my tendrils, gem-set, vitrine and caviare collections at Eliza Page in Austin, TX!

Eliza Page
229 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
www.elizapage.com

Preview of the new Bohème Collection...

2010-03-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek of my new bohème collection of antiqued brass & silver pieces featuring victorian & georgian antique elements and lots of draped & woven chain! The entire bohème collection will be available online in May but this preview piece, the Isoude Bracelet, is available online now!

The Isoude Bracelet features hand-wrought antiqued brass and fine oxidized sterling silver chain have been accented with a single polished ruby and woven together to create a lacy cuff nearly 2" wide. The bracelet closes with an antique georgian *pinchbeck mourning clasp c. 1800, with a top glass compartment to hold a photo or memento.

(*Pinchbeck is a brass alloy that was popular as a substitute for gold from the late-1700s to the mid-1800s, but fell out of favor after 9K gold was legalized)

New Signature Tendrils...

2010-03-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

{Sarah Earrings} Asymmetrical pieces of natural pink branch coral been topped with cascading tendrils of solid 18k gold, oxidized sterling silver, creamy, white freshwater pearls and sapphire in shades of golden yellow, orange & pink. Hung from solid 18k gold french wires.

{Isabella Earrings} These opulent statement earrings feature large, eye-clean faceted london blue topaz briolettes (weighing 41 carats each) topped with cascading tendrils of solid 18k gold, london blue topaz and sapphire in shades of blue, purple and pale silver. Hung from hand-fabricated solid 18k gold earwires.

{Marguerite Earrings} Large faceted lapis lazuli briolettes (weighing approx 24 carats each) have been topped with cascading tendrils of solid 18k gold, oxidized sterling silver and creamy, white freshwater pearls. Hung from solid 18k gold french wires.

"Best Jewelry Brand 2010"

2010-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Voting is now open for the 2010 juli b Style Awards! LAINE is a finalist as "Best Jewelry Brand 2010" (woohoo!) and you can vote for us by clicking on "fashion", then "best jewelry brand" at http://www.julib.com/2010styleawards/

please note - you must be a subscriber of julib.com or a juli b newsletter to vote. If you are not subscribed please visit www.julib.com and subscribe, then click on the style awards icon to vote

New Gem-set Pieces...

2010-02-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

I've had many, many requests for more affordable pieces featuring gemstones with diamonds & other gems set within them, so I've created some simple one of a kind & limited edition pieces featuring these gems that all retail for under $600!

The first four pieces are online now, you can find them in the Melange Collection of mixed metal pieces, with more to come later this month.

Wonderful...

2009-12-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was very, very excited to receive a christmas present from a good friend, this antique wooden jewelers/watch-makers trunk!! It is going right on my desk to hold my tools and all my antique lockets & findings. Thank you MB!!

LAINE now available in San Francisco...

2009-12-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

Through the holidays, our customers in the San Francisco area can find select
LAINE piece (including some exclusive designs not available online!) at Gordon Aatlo Designs in San Carlos, CA!

Gordon Aatlo Designs
1217 San Carlos Avenue
San Carlos, CA, 94070
www.gordonaatlo.com

Holiday Shipping Deadlines...

2009-12-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note...the last day for guaranteed delivery on or before December 24th is this Friday, December 18th. Orders placed between December 19th and 21st are guaranteed delivery by the 24th only if the overnight shipping option is selected.

{pictured above: Mia Necklace}

LAINE trunkshow this weekend!

2009-11-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

LAINE will be exhibiting with Gordon Aatlo and Arlee Kasselman at the International Gem & Jewelry Showcase in San Mateo, CA from November 27-29. Visit our booth to find lots of LAINE designs (including some brand-new earrings & antique locket bracelets which are so new they haven't even made it on the website yet!) at trunkshow prices!

Hours are Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. The show will be held at The San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 South Delaware in San Mateo, CA (directions & map)

Vanilla bean-lavender poached apples...

2009-11-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

I don't blog nearly as often as I should, so I'm making some changes in an effort to make this an active blog, rather than just a "when I remember I actually have a blog" type of blog. I'm going to be posting the occasional recipe, photo, studio shot, post about another designer/shop I admire, etc...and of course LAINE news as well.

So I'll start off my new blogging resolution with a photo or two and a recipe...

Vanilla bean-lavender Poached Apples
2 small apples - peeled, cored and cut into wedges
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean - split & scraped (or 1 scant tbs vanilla extract)
Lavender sugar*

Add water, sugar and vanilla bean to a pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat just a bit and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Next, add the apples and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the apples are softened. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lavender sugar. This is excellent over pound cake (as seen above) and with yogurt or ice cream.

*to make your own lavender sugar just mix 2 tbs lavender flowers with 1 cup sugar and a vanilla bean (optional), store in an air-tight container for about 2 weeks before using, shaking occasionally.

Only two weeks left to win a pair of Caviare Earrings!

2009-11-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already entered to win a pair of my signature Caviare Earrings there are only two weeks left before the winners are chosen. Visit http://www.womansday.com/Giveaways/Caviare-Sterling-Silver-Earrings-Giveaway to enter to win one of 5 pair Woman's Day Magazine is giving away!

The Dixon Necklace...

2009-10-04T10:31:00.001-07:00

The newest addition to the Amulette Collection, The Dixon Necklace, featuring a very unique late-victorian locket!

A lengthy chain of sterling silver, faceted black garnet and peacock freshwater pearls, accented by tourmalinated quartz, australian 'lightning ridge' black opal, polished & faceted london blue topaz, a tahitian pearl and cascading clusters of black garnet. In the center of the necklace is an antique (c. 1900, possibly slightly earlier) gilt case inset with a round magnifying lens, that opens to reveal a tiny english dictionary!

Original red leather cover with gilt lettering. All pages present & secure in the binding, slight discoloring on the cover from handling over the years, in original gilt metal case with magnifying lens, overall in very excellent condition.

Called "The Smallest English Dictionary in the World", the 384 page book measures only 26mm X 18mm. These books were printed by David Bryce and Son, Glasgow, around 1890-1900.

Woman's Day Magazine Giveaway...

2009-09-25T13:22:00.001-07:00

LAINE has partnered with Woman's Day Magazine to give away five pair of our Signature sterling silver Caviare Earrings!

The giveaway is open until November 24th, and you can enter to win online at www.womansday.com!

LAINE in Charleston Magazine...

2009-09-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

September 2009 issue, Style Buzz section

Don't forget: LAINE trunkshow at Intergem this weekend!

2009-09-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

LAINE will be at Intergem in San Mateo, CA (booth #800 with Gordon Aatlo & Arlee Kasselman) this Friday-Sunday, with discounted trunk show pricing too!

Hours are Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. The show will be held at The San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 South Delaware in San Mateo, CA (directions & map)

LAINE Trunkshow in San Mateo, CA...

2009-08-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

LAINE will be exhibiting with Gordon Aatlo at the International Gem & Jewelry Showcase in San Mateo, CA from September 11-13.

Hours are Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. The show will be held at The San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 South Delaware in San Mateo, CA (directions & map)

Summer Sale!

2009-08-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Save 20% on all LAINE jewelry until Tuesday, September 1st using coupon code SummerSale at checkout!

Shrimpton Couture Collection now available for pre-order...

2009-08-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Pre-orders are now open for the necklace collection designed exclusively for Shrimpton Couture! This collection includes the following pieces...

The Nan Necklace...
A double-strand chain of solid 18k gold and nearly 600 carats of polished golden rutilated quartz & prasiolite (green amethyst). In the center of the necklace is a cluster of large golden rutilated quartz & prasiolite briolettes (ranging from a 20 carat polished prasiolite to a faceted rutilated quartz weighing 273.75 carats!) all hung from an antique victorian 10k gold snake belt buckle with faceted diamond eyes.

The Sophie Necklace...
A 36" long chain of solid 18k gold, faceted Oregon sunstone nuggets and peacock freshwater pearls has been accented with pendants of hand-wrapped solid 18k gold, a tahitian pearl, polished prehnite, a faceted pale lilac amethyst, a large natural amethyst slice set with a single diamond in an 18k gold bezel and a tiny antique gilt locket (c. 1870) with rough diamonds that move freely within the locket, all topped with a fringe of orange sapphire.

The Coralie Necklace...
A delicate chain of solid 18k gold and tiny white pearls has been accented with an asymmetrically placed section of rough (uncut) diamonds. Hung in the center of the necklace are pendants of hand-wrapped solid 18k gold, white keshi pearl petals, polished tourmalinated quartz, a faceted prasiolite coin set with a single diamond in an 18k gold bezel and an antique 15k gold locket (c. 1880) with rough diamonds that move freely within the locket.

Visit the Pre-orders section of Shrimpton Couture to order these pieces and to view the rest of their amazing collection of vintage couture and re-worked designer pieces!

Coming soon...

2009-07-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

In the next few weeks I will be introducing many larger statement necklaces, the first of which (the Nan Necklace, pictured above) has already been sent to Shrimpton Couture, who will be launching a small collection of exclusive LAINE pieces on their website next week!

Over the summer I will also be introducing a new collection for fall, Tissu, featuring many delicate strands of fine gemstones & gold woven together to create large statement necklaces & cuff bracelets.

The bracelet below is one of those pieces currently in progress, featuring 18k gold sapphire, tahitian & freshwater keshi pearls the color of antique silver and an antique Georgian locket clasp (c. 1820)

Dont Forget: LAINE Trunk Show with Gordon Aatlo this weekend!

2009-06-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

LAINE's very first trunk show, June 5-7 2009, will be your first opportunity to see the new LAINE designs in person as well as a chance to purchase at trunk show prices (meaning there are exciting discounts to be had)!

LAINE will be exhibiting with Gordon Aatlo at the International Gem & Jewelry Showcase in San Mateo, CA from June 5th - 7th.

Hours are Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. The show will be held at The San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 South Delaware in San Mateo, CA (directions & map)

A new addition to the Vitrine collection (and a special birthday sale too)

2009-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to the vitrine collection, The Adella Brooch...

An antique early Victorian 9k rose gold brooch with domed glass, c. 1850, filled with fancy color rough diamond cubes (approx 3cts total weight). This petite brooch measures 7/8" across and slightly over 1/2" tall.

Today (well, in about an hour actually) it is my birthday, and I will be taking a much needed day off! But for those of you who can't make it to next week's trunk show I thought this would be a good day to offer you a quick, trunk show-priced sale! Visit www.shoplaine.com and enter coupon code happybirthday at checkout to save 20% on your entire purchase!

Please note: This sale has been extended slightly at the request of a few customers, so it will end the morning of June 5th!!

The LAINE website is live!

2009-05-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

I finished everything I needed to do a day early, so now the new website is live!

Visit www.shoplaine.com to see the entire collection!

LAINE Trunkshow with Gordon Aatlo!

2009-05-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Back from the set!

2009-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

My pieces came back from the set of Curb Your Enthusaism today!

Look for the Mignonette Bracelet and Caviare Earrings in a couple different season 7 episodes (I can't show photos of the pieces being worn yet, but as soon as the episodes air I will blog again to share what I have!)

LAINE...Coming Soon!

2009-05-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

Finally, after months of planning and talking ad nauseum about this "new collection called LAINE" (those of you who follow me on twitter or facebook will recall being annoyed by this, the rest of you have been spared and this is the first you are hearing about the new collection!) it will be launching very soon, May 20th in fact!

Aside from the launch date I don't have much to report at the moment, as I work best under pressure and am still not ready for the official launch next week, but please stay tuned for pics of my upcoming features in JCK LUXURY Magazine (exciting!) and on season 7 of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm (equally exciting!).

Meanwhile, I will leave you with a preview of a new one of a kind LAINE piece, The Lára Necklace...

A delicate chain of solid 18k gold and tiny white pearls has been accented with pendants of hand-wrapped solid 18k gold, white keshi pearl petals, aquamarine, a large keshi pearl set with a single opal in an 18k gold bezel. The centerpiece of this necklace is an antique 9ct rose gold locket (c. 1880). Inside the locket is a black velvet backing with an antique gilt crescent moon set with seed pearls and two dozen small white freshwater pearls that move freely within the locket.