This weekend, we’re stepping away from big, established jewelry companies to shine a spotlight on a couple of talented independent jewelry makers. They may not have sold any pieces to royals, but their work is stunning and definitely royal-worthy. It’s my birthday today, so it’s a bit too late for me to ask for these jewels as birthday presents, but I’d love to get any of these pieces under my Christmas tree!

Holiday Wishlist: Burnish

Alaskan jewelry designer Rebekah Hemmer has been selling her handcrafted jewelry on her Etsy shop, Burnish, for three years. She creates pieces that she calls “simple, modern, affordable jewelry,” and her collections of necklace, earrings, and charms definitely live up to that definition. Pieces from Burnish are all handmade, and most (if not all) items are made specifically to order. Here are five of my favorite pieces currently available at Burnish…

These Handmade Pendant Necklaces feature hammered discs with a cool, simple curve, available in three finishes and a number of different lengths. So effortless! (about $34)

How impossibly chic would the Tiny Gold Dot Necklace look resting in the dip of your collarbone? (Or my collarbone, for that matter!) I love the teensy, sparkly little gold charm — perfect for everyday wear but just fancy enough to be really special. ($34)

The detail that Rebekah manages to put into a teeny-tiny pair of pendant earrings is incredible. The Silver Petal Earrings may be small, but they have major style. ($27)

Santa, please send the Smoky Quartz Gem Necklace down my chimney immediately. Don’t even wait for Christmas. I need this one now! ($37)

I have a feeling a certain Duchess of Cambridge would snap up the Sterling Silver Pinecone Necklace to add to her growing collection of forest-themed jewelry, and who could blame her? It’s precious! ($34)

Which jewels from Burnish would you like to give or receive this holiday season?

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for writing this post in any way, and Burnish did not sponsor it. The opinions expressed here are solely mine.

You’re in for a treat today, jewel lovers — though perhaps one that’s not exactly pocketbook friendly…

The Duchess of Cornwall wears a Fabergé brooch

Holiday Wishlist: Fabergé

Founded in 1842, the House of Fabergé was founded in St. Petersburg, and since then, they’ve made important pieces of jewelry for royals across Europe. From tiaras for empresses to brooches for queens, the pieces that Fabergé has made over the year remain impressively wearable even today. Here are five of my favorite pieces from the company’s newest collections…

The Summer Rose Petal Brooch is a part of the company’s “Spectre de la Rose” series, which features jewelry designed to look like fallen rose petals. The entire brooch is encrusted with colorful diamonds and sapphires. (Price on request)

Fabergé is famous around the world for their bejeweled Easter eggs, and today the company honors the legacy of those jeweled objects in their fine jewelry collections. The Impératrice Diamond Rose Gold Pendant especially echoes the splendor of the Romanov court. ($6,641)

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the Clover Ring — I’m not even sure I’d be brave enough to wear it, but it’s absolutely magical. Made to echo one of Fabergé’s eggs, the ring features four large four-leaf clovers set with green garnets and white diamonds. Amazing. (Price on request)

No big deal — just a pair of earrings inspired by Catherine the Great. (!) The Katharina Earrings feature large tourmaline drops, small moonstones, and borders of pavé-set pink and white diamonds. (Price on request)

It’s Day Four of our 25 days of holiday jewel wishlists! Enjoy pieces from a jeweler who made a recent royal debut…

Kate wears a necklace and earrings by Monica Vinader

Holiday Wishlist: Monica Vinader

Born in Spain, raised in Britain, and educated in America, Monica Vinader brings a truly global perspective to the jewelry she creates. Founded in 2009, the company recently gained the attention of royal watchers when the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in some of their pieces. Here are five of my favorite jewels from the brand’s current collections…

The gorgeous green Siren Cocktail Earrings immediately reminded me of the emeralds that Camilla received on her recent royal tour. These are set with much more affordable green onyx, and they’re perfect for the holidays! ($620)

The Duchess of Cambridge recently wore a couple of jewels from the Riva collection; I think the simple Riva Diamond Hoop Pendant, made of pave-set diamonds in gold-plated sterling silver, is a fun way to echo that style. ($265)

The Mini Marie Bracelet is so perfect, marrying delicate design with motifs that hearken back to jewelry from ancient civilizations. ($200)

I love this colorful twist on the eternity band. The Siren Eternity Band sets different gemstones in its fun, organic shape; the blue lapis stones are my favorite choice. ($240)

The Ava Disc Drop Earrings would be such a great addition to anyone’s jewelry box, with the classic pave-set discs featuring 0.50 carats of diamonds. Beautiful! ($1555)

Which jewels from Monica Vinader would you like to add to your collection?