Trend Spotting: Horizontal Bar Necklaces

Things have definitely taken a turn for the dainty in jewelry trends.  One of the simplest and most popular versions I've seen is the horizontal bar necklace.  There are lots of options from many designers - high and low - who have designed their take on the bar necklace. My favorites are below!

1. Spark + Pepper, Amelia Necklace
2. Jennifer Zeuner, Bar-Pendant Necklace
3. Jennifer Meyer, Gold Diamond Stick Necklace
4. Coach, Sterling Sig Bar Necklace
5. Gorjana, Pristine Bar Necklace

Do you have a favorite horizontal bar necklace that I've missed? Share in the comments!

Winner, Winner

pc: lofficielmode.com
Thanks to everyone who entered the Spark and Pepper giveaway! I am happy to announce that Sarah (comment #2) won the Spark and Pepper 'Amelia' necklace! Please send me your email address so I can get in touch about mailing you your prize. Enjoy!

Above: Amelia, Spark and Pepper

Giveaway: Spark and Pepper Necklace

I am thrilled to share this special little giveaway with Jolie Jouel readers. Last week I introduced you to Meredith Peck, the designer behind Spark and Pepper and today, I am giving away one Spark and Pepper necklace!

One lucky reader will win the Amelia necklace in gold. The Amelia necklace has a large gold bar, gold filled chain, and clasp. Valued at $63.00, this necklace is dainty and perfect for everyday wear.

To enter:
1. Leave a comment below! Say hi, tell me how you'd wear the necklace, or simply leave your name! At the very least, leave an email address so we can get in touch if you win.
2. Follow Spark and Pepper (@sparkandpepper) on Twitter
3. Follow Jolie Jouel (@JolieJouel) on Twitter

The lucky winner will announced in a week! Best of luck!

Designer Spotlight: Spark and Pepper

Meredith Peck operates her pretty jewelry line, Spark and Pepper from her San Fransisco studio. Her pieces are delicate with a pure and simple beauty that is pleasing to even the most critical eye. Her pieces are perfect for everyday, adding just the right amount of sparkle to your office attire or comfortable weekend wear. For more on this inspiring designer and what motives her precious designs, keep reading!

Take us back to the start. How did you get into jewelry design? Did you have a different job prior to Spark and Pepper that led you down this path?

I started making jewelry because I wanted to make things that I wanted to wear; things that were simple, delicate and with hard and soft lines. I have no formal training in jewelry making, but I do have formal schooling in graphic design. My “day job”, I guess you could call it, is in art direction and graphic design.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I’m very inspired by my travels to Japan. I have a great deal of appreciation for Japanese culture and for the Japanese aesthetic. I try to incorporate this elegant simplicity into every piece. Also, the experience in Japan of having even the most mundane of purchases painstakingly and beautifully wrapped in front of me really left an impression. I want to create that same feeling for my customers.

What do you like best about your job as a jewelry designer? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business?

My favorite part about this job is hearing the responses from my customers. Just knowing that people are responding to the designs, and have the same connection to the pieces as I do, makes me want to keep going. The most challenging part is taking what started off as a personal passion of mine that I was doing for myself, and turning it into a business. Running the day-to-day aspects of the business; bookkeeping, inventory, etc.

What is your typical day like?

My typical day starts with a cup of coffee and my little dog Lucy. My day is half designing and the other half is jewelry making.

You also have a blog, Inspire and Share, how much of your time is devoted to blogging and other online media?

I started Inspire and share because I wanted a place where I could share my aesthetic. I spend quite a bit of time looking elsewhere to find imagery that inspires me.

What advice would you give to other young designers who may just be starting out on their jewelry designing journey?

My advice to young designer would be to keep at it. Learn as much as you can about the techniques and skills. The industry is so saturated with great stuff that you really have to have your own point of view and don't lose sight of your own personal aesthetic.

Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway  from Spark and Pepper soon!