Pearls That Purr: Mikimoto X Hello Kitty Collection

Mikimoto is known to have the finest pearls in the world. What is known as a "Mikimoto Pearl" has been selected from only Akoya pearls of the finest quality, determined by the beauty of the pearl's luster, form, size and color.

The Japanese company has teamed up with Sanrio to bring us a small collection of Hello Kitty inspired pearl pieces. A multi-strand necklace, a pair of earrings, a bangle bracelet and a a single strand of pearls with diamond bow, available in various lengths.

The collection launched first in Paris in January 2014, then in Japan.

Necklace & Earrings set are sold together for a base price of ¥ 27,700,000 ($264,618.37 USD) and the cost with tax ¥ 29,085,000 (or $277,840.10 USD)

The necklace is made of multiple strands of luxurious Akoya pearls accented with diamonds, Hello Kitty's trademark bow made of deep red rubies, pave diamond encrusted yellow gold nose and onyx eyes.





The Earrings with french backs are made of luxurious Akoya pearls accented with diamonds, Hello Kitty's trademark bow made of deep red rubies, pave diamond encrusted yellow gold nose and onyx eyes.


The Bangle with pearl bow sells for a base price of  ¥ 55,000 (or $525 USD), with tax Tax ¥ 57,750 (or $552 USD)


Lastly, the single strand of pearls with diamond bow is available in choker length (40cm), Matinee length (60cm), Opera length (80cm) and Rope length (120 cm). Prices upon request.



Information and images courtesy of Mikimoto.
dedicated website http://hellokitty.mikimoto.com

Sterling Silver Space Invaders Rings In Three Styles For Men and Women by Tjep.

Artist and Designer Frank Tjepkema (aka Tjep.), has a fun series of solid sterling silver rings based on the pixelated alien invaders in Taito's classic arcade game, Space Invaders.

Invader Aiko ring:


Invader Hoshi Ring:


Invader Yuki ring:





Shop for them and other Tjep products here.

To learn about tons of other products inspired by the aliens, check out one of my favorite fellow blogger's sites, Technabob

If Tattoos Were Made of Gold. The Jewelry Of Michael Spirito.

Tired of cutesy hearts for Valentine's day?
How about flaming hearts in 14k or a Heart wrapped in a 14k crown and thorns from Michael Spirito's fabulous collection, Exhibitionist NYC.
Cause that's about as 'sweet' as his jewelry gets.




Meet Michael Spirito of Exhibitionist, NYC. When Michael Spirito took the Accessories award for his fascinating jewelry at the 'Gen Art Design Vision Awards' in June 2002, the fashion community realized there was a revolutionary talent in NYC. The designer's reputation continued to grow with a 'finalist' placing at the 2003 'Rising Star' awards.

His Latest Collection, "Shockra" (a fun play on the spiritual word Chakra) is reminiscent of John Hardy on Acid:



His Memento Mori collection will make any psuedo punk or macabre maven giggle with glee.




His other collections like Royal Pearl, Strong Sterling, Crown Jewels, etc use what I like to refer to as "tattimagery", all the icons people love in tattoos; hearts, swords, thorns, skulls, wings, but all done in a tasteful way with wonderful craftsmanship and materials.

But, to be fair, in addition to his stable of trendy imagery from brains skewered by swords and hearts on fire, he has a line of one of a kind signature jewelry that is absolutely stunning in both the design and craftsmanship.

here's a taste of that:



Michael's line is now sold internationally - from NYC to Los Angeles, Tokyo and most recently Moscow. Exhibitionist continues to grow while retaining a decidedly independent philosophy. "We don't conform to trends, we'd rather stick to our own interests & develop a market" says Spirito.

Really Michael? Well, I think your stuff is completely trendy, but I love it!