I’ve decided that everyone has a hidden artist buried somewhere deep within them. The desire to create something beautiful is sometimes just too tempting to be denied! This is especially true of talented jewelry designer Alicia Van Fleteren, who spent a decade in the financial service industry before giving in to her inner artist. And we’re so glad she did!

Van Fleteren’s designs are sophisticated and elegant, but incorporate a touch of playfulness. The San Francisco Bay area based artist creates her line with an eye for pleasing herself first, so that every necklace, bracelet or earring feels utterly unique, authentic and personal. Finely wrought from an eclectic variety of high-quality materials including precious and semi-precious gemstones, silver, gold and pearls, her hand-beaded pieces are beautifully distinct. The pieces are priced for every budget, from $29 to $229.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I found the Passion necklace.  The necklace incorporates delicate, multi-colored spinel drops, 24-karat gold vermeil charms, and unique, silver Thai beads. The handcrafted 24-karat gold vermeil pendant is decorated with an ethereal flower and the word “Passion” in both Sanskrit and English on the back. Best of all, the necklace length can be adjusted from 16.75 to 18.5 inches. Perfect for a night on the town (or Sunday brunch the next morning!). $165.

Until recently, Van Fleteren’s beautiful line was only available to her loyal following of customers at select boutiques and private trunk shows throughout Northern California. However, a new online store at www.AliciaVF.com means that all of us can now appreciate her lovely designs.

Passion for Valentine’s Day? You betcha!

Photo: Courtesy of Alicia Van Fleteren

May is Gold Month and a quick review of the May issue of InStore magazine revealed a wonderful surprise — rose gold is back in a big way for 2009.

Numerous designers showcased a variety of fabulous pieces using elegant rose gold. Paired with yellow and white gold, these designs looked fresh, contemporary and the perfect accent for breezy summer fashions.

A couple of my favorites include Zeira’s stacking rings in yellow and rose gold highlighted with diamonds. Anna Sheffield’s drop earrings – a combination of rose gold and sapphires — made me think of a summer day. And Carla Amorim’s “flower path” ring combined two of my favorite trends – rose gold and huge cocktail rings – into one fantastic piece.

Rose gold, also known as pink gold or red gold, is a beautiful choice for jewelry of all kinds. After a little research today, I learned that rose gold is actually a mixture of pure yellow gold with copper, which gives it a mellow, pink color.

Rumor has it that WHIMSY will release a rose gold accented version of the WHIMSY ring sometime later this year. So stay tuned.

–Susan