As I stated in the previous post, August 2019 was a pivotal month in my journey as a jewelry enthusiast. It was then that I bought real gold for the first time. I’d purchased a few costume pieces in the past, but they weren’t sentimental or of lasting quality. I became an official customer at GLDN (which I’ve previously discussed) and the New York brand Catbird. The latter was started in 2004 by Rony Vardi, a determined woman who made her dreams come true. A CFDA article that was published in 2019 opens like this: At age 34 with $16,000 of savings and a desire to be her own boss, Rony Vardi launched Catbird.
The number of shops has grown from one to three since the company’s inception, but all of the jewelry from the brand’s own line is made in the Brooklyn studio on Bedford Avenue. Although other brands are represented on the website, I usually spend the most time looking at pieces made by the Catbird crafters. The gold is ethically sourced, the stones are conflict-free, and every piece is suitable for daily wear.
The collage above features items that appear in my personal collection and some that beckon to me from my wishlist. I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, but I do believe in marking my successes with jewelry. May you look back at the end of 2021 in awe of how much you’ve accomplished. Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way.
Works Sighted
homespun ring; classic hammered ring; angel hair diamond studs
smallest love letter charm; adjustable sweet nothings chain
twisted stacker ring; tiny corsage bracelet; threadbare ring