Pyrite with 14k Gold Fill and Small Vermeil Bead Earrings by Susan Ankersen, $39.95
Los Angeles based jewelry designer Susan Ankersen is a genuine lover of gemstones and their healing properties. A gemstone junkie, as some of her friends refer to her, she travels often in search of special and unusual stones. They become an integral part of the carefully selected materials used in her designs. Their healing properties are embodied in her creations with the hope that the wearer will feel the positive energies imparted by the stones and feel empowered by them.
Originally from Denmark, Susan moved to Los Angeles in the 90's. During her years working as a manager for a wholesale jewelry company, she unearthed her passion for design. In 2004, she introduced her first collection which included all the healing gemstones she had collected over the years. Her use of unusual stones found during her travels - bold stones and rough unpolished gems - combined with pure sterling silver and 14 karat gold fill, make many of her pieces one-of-a-kind.
Susan's Scandinavian heritage is reflected in her unique designs. Her Nordic roots are echoed in her meticulously handcrafted pieces that evoke tranquility and clarity. Each piece is designed with deliberate thought and careful selection of textures and colors. Her creations express power and grace. They reflect the individuality and sophistication of the discriminating, strong women who wear them.
Susan's designs have been featured on ABC's Golden Globe award winning show Ugly Betty. Her celebrity clientelle include America Ferrera, Vanessa Williams, and Nicole Pulliam.
We received a pair of pyrite earrings with 14 karat gold fill and small vermeil bali beads. It retails for $39.95.
This piece is truly unique. Pyrite, with its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue, earned its nickname fool's gold due to the many miners mistaking it for the real thing. Ironically, small quantities of actual gold are sometimes found in pyrite. It's also supposed to increase intellectual thinking and memory.
The length of the earring is just shy of 1 1/2 inches. The pyrite itself is 1/4 inch long, and the width, just a tad shorter than that. The photo shows an up-close, zoomed-in view. In reality, the earring is delicate and ever so dainty. It feels so light on the ears, I sometimes forget I'm wearing it.
It shows off best when worn with your hair pulled back or tucked behind your ears. If you have short hair, it'll look good no matter how you wear your hair.
The rough, uneven edge of the pyrite is so refreshing in a sea of polished stone jewelry. Ironically, this roughness is what gives the earring a certain air of refinement. It has a cosmopolitan feel that is so fitting for a creation using stones discovered from the designer's travels.
With pyrite having properties that increase intellectual thinking and memory, wear it to your next power meeting and just maybe, it'll help you finally get that contract signed. After you do, you can celebrate with a night out on the town. The pyrite should help revive your senses after a long day at work, and you can impress your date with your sharp wit and quick retorts. Wear it with this split sleeve animal print wrap dress by Shelli Segal and this pleated metallic frame bag by La Regale, and you'll stimulate a lot more than just conversation!
Reviewer: Chic Techie
