Wired Originals Jewelry

I love my friends, especially my artist friends, so I'm making a shameless plug here for one of my most creative ones, Cari Taylor. (And no, I get no commissions and ask for none. I just think she has an incredible gift.) Cari has a part-time business called Wired Originals; she custom-makes handcrafted silver jewelry using semi-precious stones, Czech pressed glass and leather.

They're absolutely gorgeous. One of my favorites is an intricately coiled silver wire ring (at left) - very earthy and unique. She also has some lovely bracelets, including this delicate one made of Aventurine that almost looks as if it were floating on your wrist.

These are not flea market jewelry. Every piece she makes would go well with cocktail dresses as well as jeans and T-shirt, and she uses only semi-precious stones, never cheap beads or glass. Cari's skill represents real craftsmanship.

Prices are super-affordable, she offers free shipping to anywhere in North America, and she's very friendly and professional with all of her customers. Although it's too late to order to make it in time for Valentine's Day, these would definitely make memorable gifts. And you'd be supporting an independent artist in her work. What more could you ask for?

Cari has tons more photos on her Web site, so feel free to check them out and see if you find anything you simply have to have. Her site also has a bunch of great links to other independent artist sites and networks as well as info on Cari herself. That would also be the best place to go if you want to contact her about any specific designs you're interested in.