Lapis Luxury Earrings by Peggy Li, $95
As a chemical engineer major at UC Berkeley, Peggy Li was probably just as surprised as anybody when in the end, she grew up to be a jewelry designer rather than a chemist. It’s quite a contrast working with flasks and test tubes on a scientific field, versus working with gems and metals on a creative field. Scientists are known more for hanging out in front of their computers rather than being in the forefront of fashion. For one person to be a geek and a fashionista at the same time is rather unique and for that, Peggy is our idol – smart, chic, and hip – the total embodiment of what Weezies is all about.
Peggy Li's handmade jewelry designs are deceptively simple, featuring artisan craftsmanship mixed with contemporary approaches to contrast, color, texture and composition. She enjoys making things that help women feel beautiful. Peggy believes that when women feel beautiful, they feel powerful and therefore have more confidence.
Speaking of confidence, Peggy eventually wants to also be a screenwriter, an entomologist, and a pastry chef, among other things. Entomologist – isn’t that one who studies insects? What a gal. We want to be like Peggy when we grow up, a well rounded individual… so long as she doesn’t mix entomology and cooking – that would not be a good thing.
For over six years, Peggy has been creating handmade jewelry that has caught the attention of TV's Grey's Anatomy, Without a Trace, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and publications such as Oprah Magazine and Lucky. More recently, her work made its big screen debut in the hit comedy movie ‘Superbad’.
We received the Lapis Luxury Earrings from Peggy Li’s Fall Collection. It is made of rich, blue lapis tumbled stones on gold vermeil earwires (also available in sterling silver). The stones have intense cobalt blue color with subtle flecks of gold. The earring dangles approximaly 1 ½” long and retails for $95.
I have yet to wear this earring without anyone complimenting me on it. It gets noticed every single time! It’s such a classic piece, one you will not tire of wearing for a very long time. What I love the most about it is its color. The deep blue is so regal, it can’t help but command attention. It’s perfect for fall but really, I can’t see myself parting from this piece come spring time, not after all the compliments I receive every time I wear it.
The earwire is available in gold vermeil or sterling silver. I haven’t seen the silver one, but if you’re thinking about getting this piece, I would recommend the gold version. The lapis stones have flecks of gold in them so the gold earwires are the perfect match. The flecks stand out even more against the intense blue (not seen well in the photograph) and create a gorgeous fusion.
You may think this is too predictable but I’ll say it anyway – the earring and a pair of jeans – deadly combination. I can’t think of a better outfit to wear it with than with a rocking pair of jeans and a granite color top, kind of dark gray. With the holidays just around the corner, a shimmery top would be fabulous for a night out.
This earring is but one of many that Peggy has designed and handmade. If you’re looking for a special piece and can’t find one like it from her collection, know that she loves working with customers to create unique handmade jewelry. How cool is that? To be able to personally work with a designer to create a piece that is truly unique to you and one you can positively call ‘your own’.
Reviewed by: Brown Eyes
