Objets d'Envy

Catch Oohs and Eyes with this Alluring Collection of Hand-Crafted Jewelry  

Want to wake up your wardrobe? Put sparkle in your everyday ensemble or pizazz in your party wear? A dramatic piece of jewelry can liven up any outfit – and is sure to stir up compliments.  

When local jewelry designer Kirsten Goede is asked about the jewelry she's wearing, sparkling with color-drenched Swarovski crystals, her response may make you envious. After all, how many of us can reply, “I’m the designer.” But lucky for us non-designers, Kirsten sells her enviable, wearable works of art.  

A few years ago, Kirsten was an established graphic designer when she visited New York’s bead district and fell in love with the brilliance and elegance of imported Swarovski crystals.

Her eye for color as well as her love of design prompted a desire to make her own, unique, and very personal jewelry. Returning with the coveted crystals, she began to create attention-catching bracelets for herself. Not long after, she was encouraged to start her own business.  

Objets d’Envy launched in October, 2004, with six signature bracelets in extraordinary colors, each crafted with 58 Swarovski crystals. Customers have been scooping them up by the armful. And they've been seen on the wrists of Gayle King at the 2005 Academy Awards and Stacy London, wardrobe stylist and TV co-host of “What Not to Wear.”

  

The designer's shimmering single-color palette includes Frost (clear), the limited-edition Noir (black), the popular Smoke (gray), a bright Lemonade, brilliant Coral, the delicious new Caramel, and a luscious Petal Pink. You’ll have a hard time choosing just one. Mix? Match? Or wear two of the same color together for a knock-out combination.  

With success, Kirsten has expanded her product line to include bracelets in thirteen intense single-colors, necklaces and earrings (including a few gorgeous, multi-color designs), rings, a bridal collection, and the recently launched lower-priced Avenue Collection, with uniquely shaped necklace chains and hoops.

Her Halo necklace is already a big seller – and one of our favorites too. Prices in her collection range from $32 - $660. Custom sizes can also be created on request.    

What’s in the works? A holiday resort collection, including a brilliant new Lavender Shimmer color and triple-chain necklaces, designed to sparkle up your holidays and brighten the New Year.



For Spring 2007, Kirsten introduced her Rock Candy Collection that will certainly turn heads.  Trunk shows are on the way, and the designer's first catalog will soon be published.  

Kirsten Goede's jewelry can be found on her website, www.odecollection.com, at trunk shows and local events, including GenArt’s Shop Chicago and the Chicago Indie Designer Market, and in a few selected stores around the country.

The next time you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your casual or formal attire, don't miss trying on one of these stunning designs. You won’t be able to take your eyes off them.  And you won't be alone.

(For the month of October, Kirsten is donating 10% of sales from any pieces in her petal pink collection to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation).
 

www.odecollection.com

Objets d’Envy can also be found at these locations:

Coton & Cadeaux
272 Market Sq.  
Lake Forest, IL
847.295.0889
www.cotonandcadeaux.com

Fixture
2115 W. Roscoe St.
Chicago, IL
773.244.3100
www.shopfixture.com

Greer
1657 N Wells St.
Chicago, IL 
312.337.8000
www.greerchicago.com

Photos courtesy of Objets d'Envy.

SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - E. Engquist.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMore Shopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews.  Publ. 10/06.