Etsy is Love, Love is Etsy

I never quite understood the craze about Etsy. I was, sadly, under the assumption that it was simply an online boutique of tacky quilted bags and typical, homemade jewelry after a quick (I would guesstimate that it lasted about 30 seconds or so). Nevertheless, I became intrigued by it once again, browsing the site for about an hour to avoid doing homework. I am quite the accomplished procrastinator.

I am now in love with it – even making an etsy account to make a list of my favorites (my personal Etsy wishlist), brooding over beautiful things here and there, groveling in self-pity at the fact I have exiled myself from shopping until after Christmas. I must save that money for buying gifts! Aside from my pathetic situation, here are my favourites:

 Ring Around the Rosies…

I love rings. From dainty silver rings to the most obnoxious (so other people think) cocktail rings, I love them all. They really do make a statement, adding bits of glamour to an outfit and telling the world a little more about yourself and your personality. The rings you choose, like every piece of jewelry, is an extension, if not a physical depiction, of who are.

One of my favorites, by Nicole of Solo Artworks, is this incredibly beautiful Chainmaille Ring. Made entirely of sterling silver jump rings, each ring was handwoven together to create an intricate work of art. I love how the ring itself is much like an oxymoron; so simple, yet so elaborate; feminine yet masculine and strong – all simultaneously to produce a breathtakingly beautiful piece of jewelry. If I could own it, I think it would melt seamlessly into my everyday wardrobe, taking its spot on my pointer finger.

This beauty, by Artisan Impact, (another favorite!!) would reside on my other pointer finger. (I am a big fan of wearing cocktail rings or wider rings on that particular finger). I think I swooned at the site of this one; I don’t even know where to begin. The architectural structure of this one, with varying widths and textures of metal bands gives the illusion of stacked rings. Or maybe even David Yurman gone artsy. And the stones inlaid between the bands, citrine, garnet, & blue topaz, is incredible. The color of the stones give a muted, sophisticated look to the entire ring. I’m in love.

Another beautiful piece, perfect for everyday wear. This initial ring, by rumpunch, is truly the sweetest little ring ever. With a little candy dish-esque sitting upon your finger, holding in it your darling initial in an elegant font, it truly is a lovely essential in all its simplistic beauty.

The next ring, a beautiful swirl of sterling silver and twisted wire (by luxuiresinwire)is yet another gorgeous work of art. The pattern is already intricate in itself; the added twists in between remind me of ropes in intricate knots – so lovely!

I love the Sterling Layer Ring, by MareaStudeoDesigns. Three pieces of perfectly curved, in decreasing size, are layered upon each other to create this wonderful, very mod design. Once again, another simple piece, thus proving that simple is beautiful. (The fact that this ring is in my pointer finger size, 5.5, is so tempting that it truly is taking a ridiculous amount of energy to prevent myself from asking my mom to whip out the credit card.)

Last but not least. The Petite Papillon Butterfly Ring by Bijoutiful, in brass and sterling silver immediately caught my eye, for many reasons. One, I love butterflies – they epitomize spring, freedom, & metamorphosis (all of which are important to me). Two, the vintage quality of it is breathtaking. Three, I love big rings.

 Laurel Hill

I love this custom banner ring (buy it here!) Even more, I love coming up with banner-worthy phrases. I think “La Couturier” would be a bit too cocky. I do adore “je t’aime a jamais” though (I just love anything and everything in French). Arguably tacky to some, but nonetheless, something fun and different to wear! The more I see it, the more I pine for it. And more ideas spew out of my brain, with little phrases here and there for the banner. It’s a bit like unrequited love, darlings. I love it so, but it can never be mine :(.

 PoeticDesigns

One of my absolute FAVORITE etsy sellers right now, carrying the most drool-worthy vintage and Victorian-esque goodies. Even the photos are beautiful and quite darling!

 Dear Collection

I am ridiculously head over heels for anything with ruffles at the moment. So it is no surprise that I fell in love with this lovely bag; its layers and layers of ruffles in a beautiful eggshell white fabric makes for a sophisticated bag (that I crave). Its versatility makes it practical – a double plus in my book. From a dainty shoulder bag for an evening out, to a hip-length, hands-free version for shopping, it really is a must-have. And the juxtaposition of the feminine with the industrial and masculine: I love the mix of such girly pleating with a long chain.