If I were a bird, I would be a crow. That's how much I like sparkly and shiny. Now don't get alarmed, I don't mean all over. But in measured doses, something a little shimmery has the potential to make me feel so special. I especially love a little bauble to wear on evening outings with friends or simply to wear on any day of the week (because we all deserve a little daily special-ness, too).
Now you might not think that Oprah and I have a lot in common. After all, she's rich and I'm house poor. She's famous and and I'm Maryam Who? But we both happen to be fond of baubles, particularly those by Vicente Agor.
Vicente is a San Francisco designer who creates fine jewelry in 18kt gold with precious and semi-precious stones. Some of his work is just stunning. His bolder pieces speak to "Life is too short to be mousy" sensibilities. (With such phraseology, how could one not love this man?)
Now I admit that I am particularly fond of his work because he has a collection called Moroccan Garden, featuring feminine, stylized cut-outs. Aren't they lovely?
So now I only need two things: 1) to win the lottery, so I can buy one of every little thing Vicente Agor designs; and 2) to magically look like this model some how. Hmmm...I think that the second might be a little trickier.....
You can see more of Vicente Agor's work on his website and a list of stores that carry his beautiful pieces throughout the US.
P.S. The Vicente Agor representative, Cerise, whom I contacted for more information was also very nice. And we all know that niceness counts in this world where sometimes one has the impression that incivility rules. Good hiring job, Vicente; speaks yards about you when your people are kind and helpful even with Maryam Who?
P.P.S. Update: Look at the little message I had in my inbox this morning from Vicente himself. Not only artistic genius but humble and good manners, too. Oh my, his mother must be so proud.
Maryam,
Thank you for your wonderful blog, and for your glowing commentary on our jewelry. Your words are as bright as gold! And to your friends and readers, thank you for the incredibly nice comments regarding our designs. If ever I am feeling bad or second guessing myself, I will come back to the comment page and use it as a positive affirmation of my work. You have all given me a great gift for the holidays.
Some additional background for your readers. Made in the US, all of our pieces are 18kt gold, and each piece of the Moroccan Garden collection is individually cut out by hand with a saw. Our splendid model is a mother of a two year old. Fabulously nice, she just dropped by the studio with some homemade chocolate chip cookies to wish us happy holidays. I know...beautiful inside and out – I can barely stand it myself!) =)
Warmest regards,
Vicente