By Katrina Kelly, on December 12th, 2011%
Just as the magi carefully chose symbolic gifts to bestow, I’ve selected gemstones rich in meaning for my Magi and Wisdom stack rings earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The gorgeous gemstones, colored sapphires, white and colored diamonds, and emeralds—are all believed to have magic powers of their own. I can’t help but believe in something magical and symbolic…so I use a glittering array of small, striking stones to make a grand visual impact, and to provide the wearer with, beauty, mysterious power and wisdom.
Sapphires come in a rainbow of spectacular colors, and are said to open up the heart to greater awareness. The Buddhists believe that the sapphire is a symbol for spiritual enlightenment, and the ancient Greeks wore sapphires to assist them in seeing the future. I like to imagine that these mystifying gems bring clarity and understanding. These days, diamonds are considered “a girl’s best friend,” yet these gems aren’t just about glitz and glamour; for centuries, diamonds have been worn to grant strength and courage. In fact, the word “diamond” comes from the Greek, meaning “unconquerable, hardest steeland indestructible.” Of course, diamonds glitter in engagement rings as a symbol for love and fidelity. I like to think of them as bringing strength, too. Emeralds (one of my favs) have adorned women for ages, bestowing dazzle and symbolic power. In ancient Egypt, it is said that Isis wore a green emerald in her headpiece that could grant fertility. The green of this gem is also said to bring good luck in money and business (pretty, pretty please), some Kelly Green Luck is welcomed… Some also use emeralds to heal the heart (it is also said that the emerald is most powerful during a full moon). The colorful glitter of gemstones and the prisms of diamonds in my jewelry will surely be responsible for bringing good fortune to the wearer. Who doesn’t need a little bit of enlightenment, strength, and good luck? Magic is in us, and all around us, after all…
The Power of Gemstones by Katrina Kelly Jewlery
By Katrina Kelly, on November 5th, 2011%
  The anthropologist in me often conflicts with my design self. Or perhaps, they give each other balance, guidance and purpose. Most of my jewelry collections are rife with historical tales and profound symbolic references and meanings. My latest collection was, in short, inspired by ancient treasures and mystical stories revolving around kings, queens and gods. It is entitled “Frankincense & Myrrh” glorified earthy elements, fit for unworldly gods. Also, according to biblical accounts, these elements were two treasured gifts that the magi brought Jesus upon his birth.
It was the magi, who after learning of an ancient prophesy of a newborn king, or God in human form, embark on an arduous journey across the desert sands with only the guidance of a star known as the star of Bethlehem (or the God star), to meet the king and honor him with the most sacred of all gifts. Gifts that were fit for a god; frankincense, myrrh and gold.
This biblical story of the magi captivates me inordinately, and it ties in with this time of year, as it pretty much, dominates many holiday decorations all of December. The scene that dominates most prolifically of course, is the nativity scene, where the newborn Jesus is surrounded by his folks Mary and Joseph, sometimes a shepherd or two, and the magi, bearing their notorious gifts.
See what perpetuated from my take on the mysterious, beautiful and spectacular story of the magi; my “magi” and “wisdom wand” pieces- Katrina Kelly Jewelry
By Katrina Kelly, on October 31st, 2011%
Cleopatra, sultry and sexy with her studs is wearing Katrina Kelly’s Cleopatra earrings, of course, while her men wear the Magi Stud Dome Earrings.
**2 stars in one! Cleopatra played by the Gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor**
*Image: Poster art for the 1963 film Cleopatra with Richard Burton and Rex Harrison
Cleopatra: She was the last Pharaoh of ancient Egypt and a legendary beauty who ruled as the reincarnation of the goddess Isis. Many thousands of years later,she is still remembered as a famous rulers.This was a woman who knew what she wanted and would do anything to get it: she even smuggled herself inside a carpet into Caesar’s palace. She was a charming beauty who still captivates the imagination. Her “look” is all about stunning exotic beauty and timeless seduction.
By Katrina Kelly, on October 31st, 2011%
One of my favorites of favorites, Catherine the Great: Glorified in coronation wisdom and layers of love rings as crowns,
Ruby, Pink Tourmaline, Diamond Lotus earrings, and Wisdom Ring as a Bracelet.
Catherine the Great: The Russian ruler led what is referred to as the golden age of the Russian empire.During her rule, Russia expanded its borders and its mind. Catherine the Great was a great believer in the power of learning to better the lives of her people and promoted education from a young age, especially for young girls. She gave new life to Russia, making it a great European power in every sense of the word.
Image by :: Fyodor Rokotov
By Katrina Kelly, on October 31st, 2011%
Coco Chanel, the epiphany of understated elegance, has on 18k gold Magi Dome 5 Star Stud Earrings The real Coco Chanel.
Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Coco Chanel: This fashion designer and icon was a woman ahead of her time.
She turned 20th-century fashion on its head, breaking rules that said women’s clothing had to be stiff and restrictive.
Her vision defined a new wave in women’s fashion, one that was all about elegant simplicity, wearability, and freedom of movement. Chanel’s “look” is timeless elegance and pure class.
By Katrina Kelly, on October 31st, 2011%
Queen Elizabeth I, one of my favorites amongst the independent spirits, summoned me to give her the
Glimmering Minaret Earrings in 18k white gold, opals, sapphires, black & white diamonds.
Image: Elizabeth I: The Rainbow Portrait, c1600, by Isaac Oliver.
The Queen of England was a force to be reckoned with
and she knew how to work her image.
She used fashion to remind everyone of one thing:
her power. In her enormous, elaborately embroidered dresses
with huge lace collars, her bright red wig and white make-up,
she was a larger-than-life ruler that no one could forget.
She ruled England for 45 years, far longer than what anyone
expected of a woman. Her image is opulent and powerful.
-Katrina Kelly Jewelry
By Katrina Kelly, on October 31st, 2011%
Queen Nefertiti: The infamous Nefertiti who was most in need of some updated treasures proudly commands respect in my 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Sage Earrings with Gemstones and Textured Temple posts from Katrina’s Frankincense and Myrrh Collection. Photo Image: iconic bust of Nefertiti is part of the Egyptian Museum of Berlin collection, currently on display in the Neues Museum
Queen Nefertiti: Her name means “the beauty has come,” and Queen Nefertiti is still remembered as one of the world’s great beauties and most powerful women. In the elaborate engraved stories depicted on temple walls, she appears almost twice as often as the pharaoh, her husband! Her image set a new standard for feminine beauty, one that was all about graceful lines, colorful pattern, and exotic allure.
By Katrina Kelly, on October 24th, 2011%
My new collection entitled “Frankincense & Myrrh-anoint yourself in gold” led me towards a sort of inquisition on the history of these prized elements, their origins and associations. So fresh on my mind is not just gold for my jewelry, but its history, allure AND its current price! Since the dawn of dawn, the allure of gold has captured…well, everyone…The bright dazzle of this precious metal has symbolized everything from power and wealth to purity and perfection, as well as love, hope, and happiness—and even the sun. In ancient Egypt, rulers like King Tutankhamun were buried with thousands of objects made of pure gold; for a king who was believed to be the living representation of the god of the sun, only gold could represent his power. Thousands of years later, the French ruler Louis XIV gilded furniture and the interior of the Palace of Versailles in gold to communicate his might as “the sun king.” Gold is so valuable and respected that it is one of the rare objects that is saved and passed down through the generations as art, investments, cherished heirlooms, and gifts of love, divinity & devotion.
One of the most renowned stories of giving gold as a gift of honor to another is the mystical story of the Magi, also known as the 3 wise men, the 3 kings and the 3 astrologers (the jury is still out on the actual number of Magi). In the Bible, the three Magi journeyed far, far and away to visit baby Jesus and present him with the most valued of gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This is the story that inspired my latest collection. Thus it is my grand gesture of honor, to these sacred gifts, accounts, rich and magnificent stories that paved the way to so many almighty ideologies and traditions, old and new.
Magi Stack Rings & Pendants by Katrina Kelly, 18k Gold, Gemstones and Diamonds
Magi Stack Rings Layered with Katrina’s 7 Layers of Love® Rings   
By Katrina Kelly, on August 23rd, 2011%
Passing by The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently, I noticed an absence of a line of people waiting to get a glimpse of the late and great Alexander McQueen’s sought after work. This summer I was in that line. The MET was honoring the fashion designer Alexander McQueen in an exhibit called Savage Beauty. The exhibit seemed mythical to me with a somber undertone knowing that this was the last of its kind. It featured numerous McQueen’s pieces, ranging from delicate, floating dresses to meticulously well-tailored jackets to leather corsets and kimonos. Each gallery was carefully decorated to create a mood that fit the clothes. Mirrors, floor-to-ceiling shelves and colorful projections enhanced the galleries divided into themes: Romantic Naturalism, Romantic Primitivism, Romantic Exoticism, Romantic Nationalism, Romantic Gothic and Cabinet of Curiosities and, finally, The Romantic Mind.
McQueen’s career spanned almost two decades but the worlds he created through his clothing knew no bounds. He didn’t hesitate to let his imagination take him anywhere. And his sources of inspiration were endless; they stretched across thousands of years and spanned the globe. I loved seeing how he was inspired by some of history’s greatest and most fascinating women, including Catherine the Great, Marie Antoinette and even Joan of Arc. He was able to tap into these women’s strengths, allure and power and bring them to life through lavish fabrics, patterns and textures. In the end, he did more than just create clothes; he used them as a way to express his notions about art, culture, nature, and identity. And he had an exceptional perspective on the way in which clothes shape a woman. He didn’t want his clothes to make women look “naïve” In fact, he said, “I want to empower women.” He wanted women wearing his clothes to look powerful. He was just as inspired by nature as the opulence of history, royalty and tradition. I think that creativity that strives to bring the past into the present is most successful in creating adornments for the future.
Alexander McQueen, you inspire me to take my imagination anywhere and to know no bounds. Thank you.
Blog by Katrina Kelly
 
 
By Katrina Kelly, on May 26th, 2011%
 We are anxious to debut new jewels at Couture…
More on the new collection very soon!
Here are some pictures of our booth vibe last year-some changes this year! Katrina Kelly
By Katrina Kelly, on March 21st, 2011%
 
 Last night I attended the opening night of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”, Broadways interpretation of the Aussie cult classic film. Priscilla and Muriel’s Wedding were a pre-requisite to my college extra circular films. It was a star studded filled audience; Bette Midler, Christie Brinkley, Guy Pearce, Renee Zellweger, Joan Rivers, Kathleen Turner, Daryl Roth, Bruce Vilanch and of course many drag queens and performers; Flotilla DeBarge, Bianca Del Rio, Sherry Vine, Logan Hardcore, and the adorable Charlotte Rae from Facts of Life sat 2 rows in front of me. The Broadway version lost some of the dark humor and interest of the film. It seems to be adapted for a more American stage flavor that leaves nothing for the imagination. Nonetheless, the campy music was as infectious as Mama Mia, and all the drag queen glitter costumes & levitating divas uplifted my spirits. Most importantly it succeeded in whisking me off to a wondrous fantasia dreamy world for a couple of hours-Katrina Kelly Jewelry Blog
By Katrina Kelly, on February 28th, 2011%
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Proceeds of KK LIFE Charm benefit Step Up Women’s Network
7 Layers of Love® Collection by Katrina Kelly
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