Carley Jewels

Carley Jewels Turnk Show

2011-10-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a while...

2010-09-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's been over a year since my last post... wow, how time flies. So much has happened in 12 months, where to begin? Maybe with the most important?... Addison Ames!

Carley Jewels welcomed a new member to the team on May 27th! A beautiful baby girl, entering the world at 7lbs 3oz and 22 1/2" long. She is a darling, well spirited, happy soul. We couldn't be more excited and delighted with her arrival.

So I guess, that alone would make my lack of posting seem reasonable, but we didn't stop there! Oh no... we also moved! across country no less! oh, top that you say? we did it right before Christmas! our busiest time of year. Yeah, I know crazy, but in this life, why not try to do all that you can... to an extreme! Here we are now, in Chattanooga, TN. A beautiful, big little city, dedicated to supporting the arts and local artists.

Now that I have updated you on a few of the things going on, I want to share with you a few new pieces...

Taj Noir Earrings with Carnelian Briolettes and .48ctw of Diamonds
set in 22k Yellow Gold over 925 Sterling

Taj Noir Earrings with Lapis Lazuli Drops and .48ctw of Diamonds

set in 22k Yellow Gold over 925 Sterling

Taj Noir Earrings with Smokey Quartz Briolettes and .48ctw of Diamonds

set in Oxidized 925 Sterling

Alibi Noir Earrings with Rock Crystal Quartz and .48ctw of Diamonds

set in 925 Sterling

Bastille Noir Ring in 18k White Gold

featuring a Rutilated Quartz tablet surrounded by 0.68cts of Diamonds

Reine Noir Ring with a rose cut Rose Quartz

set in 18k White and Yellow Gold

Charme Noir Initial Pendant 14k Yellow or White Gold

shown in "C", but available in any letter

Verve is one of WWD's 500 Items to LOVE

2009-08-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Verve is featured WWD's Ultimate Accessories Guide Fall 2009. The audacious little ring is crafted from 18k Blackened White Gold and boldy paved in shimmering diamonds.

In a world of tweeting, texting and blogging, old-fashioned handwriting is becoming something of a lost art. But several accessories designers are doing their best to preserve the Palmer method: They are incorporating their own scrabble into their work. Gryson calligraphs the metal plates that adorn its bags and inscribes its wallets for apersonal touch from designer Joy Gryson. Melissa Joy Manning offers gold and silver earrings in the shape of her own swirly writing, while Carley Jewels designer Carley McGee-Boehm has introduced micro pave-set diamond rings that spell out the words "Freedom", "Cherish" and "Verve". - Sophia Chabbott, WWD Editor

All Carley Jewels Noir rings are available in limited productions of 88... to snatch up one for yourself, call Carley Jewels Studio 858-829-8848 or visit www.carleyjewels.com

...also available through Hot Rock Jewelry www.hotrockjewelry.com

www.CarleyJewels.com

2009-05-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

www.carleyjewels.com

has a fabulous new look...

The new website features Carley Jewels tempestuous new collection Noir as well as her award winning collections Lago, Helios and Sugar.

CarleyJewels.com was designed by the powerhouse team at O. Weldon Designs, Orasa Weldon and Kathryn Wells.

Carley Jewels receives the cover of JCK!

2009-01-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

2008-10-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

The 2009 AGTA Spectrum Awards have been announced and I am thrilled to be honored with my third. This year my entry, the Helios earrings above, received 3rd Place Bridal.

When I started designing nearly 10 years ago, the Spectrum competition was at the top of my "dream achievements" list. Today I am so excited to be the recipient of a 2007, 2008, 2009 AGTA Spectrum Award and a 2008 WJA DIVA Award.

Thank you to everyone who as supported me along the way! C

GIA Career Fair 2008

2008-08-18T10:46:00.001-07:00

Carley will be speaking at the 2008 GIA Career Fair in Carlsbad. Held September 12th GIA's headquarters atop the incredible coastline of Northern San Diego.

It will be a day of coaching, advising and discussion between students, teachers, designers, retailers and wholesalers. The "Survival Tactics for New Designers" panel will consist of four artists... Erica Courtney, Alishan, Mark Shneider and, of course, Carley. Moderated by the energetic Laurie Hudson, it is sure to be not only interesting, but also entertaining. A diverse representation of experience, talent and personalities, attendees will have the chance to ask the questions they have been dying to know the answers to and learn a little more about these four award winning creators.

To visit the GIA Career Fair website click here... Career Fair

Fashion and jewels have been Carley’s calling since the age of 5. Sent home from preschool for wearing “too much lace for the playground,” no one could restrain her creative sense of style. Soon after college, Carley returned home to Sanibel Island where she began her career in jewelry. She brought with her a portfolio laden with designs and snagged a position with the largest jeweler in town, working her way from the sales floor to custom jewelry design.

Carley’s love of fashion and jewels sparkles by blending art, history and her passion for fabulous gemstones. Designing for nearly a decade, she felt that the creations dancing around her mind were begging for more knowledge of gemstones. Carley headed to California to attend the GIA, graduating in 2004 as a Graduate Gemologist and refining her artistic talent by completing courses in Jewelry Design, Wax Carving and CAD/CAM.

Carley Jewels came to life in 2005 when she began creating bespoke pieces for her devoted clientele. Marrying her love in 2006, she was inspired more than ever and began creating her first line, Lago. The energetic support of her husband gave her the belief she needed to enter her pieces in design competitions. Winning three of the three prestigious awards she has competed for, Carley Jewels proudly received an American Gem Trade Association Spectrum award in 2007 and 2008, and most recently the Women’s Jewelry Association 2008 DIVA award.

Carley Jewels has been featured in MJSA, National Jeweler, Modern Jeweler, InStore, Gems & Gemology and numerous fashion magazines. Her line of one-of-a-kind jewels, worthy of the gems set within, is now available through Carley Jewels studio and select boutiques.

Well, It's Official...

2008-06-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

TAO Las Vegas, June 2nd , the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Platinum Guild hosted a dazzling evening celebrating the accomplishments of this years DIVA’s.

2008 WJA DIVA Competition
The annual WJA DIVA Design Competition is a competition created to promote and encourage jewelry design by women. Open to all women, regardless of experience, formal training or background in jewelry or jewelry design, the competition is judged by a panel of industry experts who evaluate designs based on their originality, creativity, wearability, and interpretation of an annual theme.

The 2008 DIVA Design Competition Winners
The Platinum Wedding

Jill MacKay, James Courage, one of the fantastic sponsors and Carley Jewels at DIVA night.

For the second year in a row the Platinum Guild International was the sponsor and the competition celebrated the cool beauty of platinum

The winners in the five featured categories are:

Lisa Krikawa, Erica Courtney, Jill MacKay and Carley

1) Lisa Krikawa, of Tucson, AZ, in the Everyday Bridal Ring Trio Suite category (under $5,000 retail). The winner’s “Delicate Leaf Wedding Set,” in Platinum and diamonds, was inspired by ancient rites, futuristic forms, machines, and tools. “The look is enhanced by secret compartments, windows and doors,” said Krikawa. “I aim for each piece to be interesting from the front, back, or inside, and with these details I lure the viewer or wearer in. I like to enhance the work with machine-like qualities, which are reminiscent of bio-mechanical engineering.”

2) Jill MacKay, of Jill MacKay, in Pittsburgh, PA (DIVA Bridal Suite--over $5,000 retail). Her “Platinum Roses Wedding Trio,” with diamond center stone and accents, is romantic and bold at the same time. It’s fit for a DIVA and her intended, said MacKay. “Jewelry design and creativity aren’t just the way I make a living; for me it is a wonderful way of life and of being in the world.” MacKay, who is self-taught, was once known as the jewelry designer for the daytime drama “The Guiding Light” and produced work for TV’s “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” “This opened many doors for me,” she said. “Currently I design and manufacture my own line of sterling jewelry, findings and components.”

3) Carley McGee-Boehm, of Carley Jewels in San Diego, CA, won the Platinum Jewels for the Bridal Party (under $5,000 retail) category with her “Helios Pendant” in Platinum, diamonds and rock crystal. “The traditional symbolism of the ring is expanded through this piece. Helios' translucency symbolizes openness, clarity and transparency--each of which, through placement near the heart, are enhanced in the wearer.” McGee, GG, AJA, has been designing custom jewels for nearly a decade. She has won two Spectrum awards and her jewelry is usually dancing its way down the red carpet.

4) Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Los Angeles. (Platinum Jewels for the Bridal Party--over $5,000 retail). Her platinum and diamond “Tulip” necklace is a signature Erica Courtney piece. “This necklace brings out an elegant and glamorous look that can be worn by an array of brides,” said the award-winning designer, whose work is often seen on Hollywood glitterati. “The tulip necklace allows brides to feel ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ on their big day without being over shadowed.”

5) Joana Miranda of Joana Miranda Studio, Glendale, WI, won the Colorful Engagements and Weddings in Platinum category. The lace-quality of her “Pink Diamond Trellis” Platinum pendant is a perfect complement to today's ethereal wedding gowns, said the designer. “The pink diamonds are not only rare but incredibly feminine. The strength of the Platinum reflects the endurance of love.” Miranda, who holds a GIA Design Certificate, has her own jewelry business, where she sells handmade fine metal and gemstone jewelry.

with the team from American Gemological Laboratory and GCAL

DIVA Winner's, Runner-up's and Sponsors

A girls night out...

2008-03-12T18:47:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago one of my favorite girls married the man of her dreams... but before that happened, Vegas happened. This is a small glimpse into our adventures in Vegas... the rest, well you know.

Are you ready for Tucson?

2007-12-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

Well, with the fast approaching gemshow season, I for one am counting the days until we all descend upon the fabulous little city of Tucson. This show marks the beginning of the crazy, non-stop, stress inducing rotation of suitcases being stamped, Basel, Bangkok, Vegas, Hong Kong and who knows where the next new show will pop up! So with the holiday season nearing an end the next two months of my life will be consumed with designing new pieces and preparing our inventory for their coming out party February 6th-11th!

Last year my husbands company, JOEB Enterprises, showed in Tucson for the first time (he has shown at Pala Internationals' booth for the last 10 years) and wow! He focuses on natural gemstones, in other words untreated little sparklers. Sapphire and Spinel have been the staple in his inventory for years and now the public is more educated than ever and they are seeking his specialty. The need for disclosure has lit a fire under retailers and wholesalers alike to show only non-treated gems.

So, if you will be in Tucson this year, be sure to stop by and see us at the AGTA GemFair booth# 409.

2008 AGTA Spectrum Awards

2007-10-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

So this year the competition was once again fierce.

I am elated to say I was awarded an AGTA Spectrum for 2nd place in the Bridal Category. To be honored as one of the top amongst such designers as Arun Bohra, Robert Wander, Jennifer Rabe Morin (a delicately commanding designer who was a Spectrum winner last year), Ricardo Basta (another award winner from last year's Spectrum), and Shant Dakessian (you might not know him yet, but hang on because he's about to launch like rocket on Independence Day), is truly gratifying. I have been working to create Jewels as bold, fierce and feminine as the women I want wearing them.

I have had my sights set on creating this line for 7 years now and with my win last year (AGTA Spectrum 2007) I am now opening a location in San Diego (more to come once the pictures are ready to go!)

To view the 2008 Spectrum Winners follow this link... http://www.agta.org/pressroom/20071017-agta-news.html

http://www.carleyjewels.com/