Ruby, Ruby, Ruby

"Let it never be said that romance is dead" ~ Kaiser Chiefs "Ruby".

I adore precious gemstones in their raw state. Here are two examples of delicate ruby and sapphire slice pendants, with oxidized sterling silver. Always one of a kind, these geometric lovelies were sliced from naturally occurring hexagonal crystals in the corundum family.

This season on Breaking Bad, Hank, the cranky bedridden family narc and gunshot victim, who's new hobby is collecting mineral specimens, scored a premium example of natural blue corundum on eBay. "Sapphire", I screamed out loud to the TV, to no one in particular. I love mineral specimens too.

Cynthia Rybakoff Ruby, Ruby, Ruby Pendant, $138, currently available online at Supermarket and weekends 10-7pm at Artists & Fleas.

Sapphire pendant photo courtesy of Ashdel Handmade.

Heavens to Murgatroyd!

That's what gay cartoon icon Snagglepuss might say, if he saw you sporting this chunk of ruff rock crystal points around town. I don't know which galaxy Murgatroyd is located in, but just think of all the gems that might be found there! Exit, stage left!

Cynthia Rybakoff Murgatroyd Crystal Pendants with oxidized silver foil bezel on a heavyweight sterling silver chain, for boys and girls, $128. Available at Supermarket and Artists & Fleas.

Swede Times

One chilly June, in the late 90's, I spent a blissed out two weeks in Sweden, scouring flea markets, pristine antique shops, salvation armies, tony mid-century galleries, and dusty old junk stores, until I had filled several suitcases with treasures representing over 100 years of Scandinavian design in wood, glass, metal and ceramic. It helped to be staying with an expert Swedish design picker, who led me through the modern city of Stockholm, into the cobbled streets of the historic Gamla Stan, and out into the surrounding provinces like a pro, on what was to be the design trip of a life time.

Waxing nostalgic for 11pm sunsets, Josef Frank prints and crayfish, I couldn't resist this recent aquisition of colorful limited edition vintage Swedish map charms; eye catching mod souvenirs of a country that personifies good design. Celebrate your love for all things Swedish with these collectible kitsch pendants in the shape of one very cool country.

Cynthia Rybakoff one of a kind and limited edition vintage travel charm collection, available weekends at Artists & Fleas, Brooklyn and online at Supermarket.

Anchors Aweigh

To the Victorians, the Anchor was a symbol of Hope, an emotion that provided a refuge from the travails of living in a time when death was always near. No doubt, those tight corsets had a lot to do with it. Faith (Cross), Hope (Anchor) and Charity (Heart) were popular charm motifs in Victorian jewelry.

The Anchor of Hope on it's own, was often made into larger brooches, which could also be worn as pendants. Two of my recent acquisitions, and shining examples of the 19th - early 20th century genre are pictured here, in sterling silver with finely engraved detailing and entwined ropes. The superb larger brooch is inlaid with charcoal colored Scottish granite.

Cynthia Rybakoff Estate Collection jewelry is available at Artists & Fleas.

Mixed Messages

I heart wearing my initial or monogram, hand engraved on fine sterling silver. Sentimental keepsakes, as well as instant heirlooms, an engraved piece of jewelry is a perfect way to celebrate a special event, capture a memory, or simply make your mark on this lonely planet.

Cynthia Rybakoff hand engraved monograms and initials are now available by custom order at Artists & Fleas, weekends 10 -7, 70 N. 7th, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Silver Obsession

"One to Watch: Cynthia Rybakoff's Sterling Silver Obsession" ~ special thanks to NBC New York and Catherine Blair Pfander for this thoughtful and definitively groovy profile on the Thread|NY insider fashion blog!

Find Cynthia Rybakoff modern vintage jewels weekends only, from 10-7pm, at my Artists & Fleas pop-up shop, or online at Supermarket.

Stone Cold Cool

I'm in love with these new black agate rings with mixed stone druzy tops. Designed by mother nature, naturally.

Cynthia Rybakoff druzy rings are available at Artists & Fleas, $25 - $98.