sharp edge

Net-a-Porter Assad Mansour, Lady Jane Gold-plated Spiked Bracelet

I have been spotting a lot of spikey jewelry this spring. I must say that I have had a love-hate relationship with "rough" jewelry (like goth or military-inspired pieces) -- I can appreciate it but not wear it. So, this was the case until I laid eyes on these seriously awesome earrings by BIKO.

BIKO

I am convinced that these were made by a glam soldier fighting the battle of highbrow vs. lowbrow fashion. The more I stare at them, the more I want them.

And for those of us looking for something even edgier, these handmade earrings are the way to go.

Etsy: prairieoats, Brass Chain and Spikes

As said once by Kurt Vonnegut "I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center."

pendelum swing

This is a handmade piece of art -- hammered gold-plated hollow balls on a simple chain. It's pretty much my go-to necklace when I can't decide on what to put on and it always works.

Hammered jewelry is cool because it's usually handmade (unless it's a mass-produced brand), which means no two pieaces are identical.

Check out Polyvore for a gorgeous selection of hammered jewelry. Drool...

Polyvore Hammered Jewelry

It is the exact opposite of pefectly polished jewelry. And imperfection is always enticing. 

hard candy

Cocktail rings are glamourous and can instantly dress up your look. This is yet another vintage piece that I adore. It's dreamy, sparkly, and very unique in both color palette and design.

Very rarely do I find modern cocktail rings as striking and special as the vintage ones but the "Dark Gardens" Rosy ring by Alexis Bittar and the "Sorbet" Round ring by Judith Jack come pretty close.

"Dark Gardens" Rosy by Alexis Bittar

"Sorbet" Round by Judith Jack

Ultimately, what makes a cocktail ring special is that perfect balance of meticulous design and unexpected choices  - much like life itself.