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Event offers gift idea gems

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Also by Megan Dodds:

by Megan Dodds

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Some say “every kiss begins with Kay,” but those people have probably never seen the selection of finely crafted baubles at the Jewelry Trunk Show now being held at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. So, if you still haven’t found the perfect gift for your beloved valentine or a little something to cheer up your single self, there is still hope. Head over to the Overture Center and see for yourself.

But be sure to stop at the bank first — you will not be looking at cheap merchandise. Depending on the piece and the artist, prices range can run anywhere from $50 to $500, but most pieces are priced somewhere in the middle.

However, you’ll get what you pay for because the jewelry you’ll find at the Trunk Show offers pieces by artists from around the country. Each artist was carefully handpicked by the Museum Store’s manager from art shows held in places like New York City and Philadelphia, Penn. The two best-selling artists, Lulu Smith and Sarah Cavender, are from Washington and Alabama, respectively.

Smith’s colorful and geometric pieces are made from sterling silver and resin. They are modern and might be worn by someone looking to spruce up an otherwise dull ensemble. To make the deal even better, some of her pieces run on the more affordable end of the spectrum.

According to a sales associate, Cavender’s pieces were also very popular, as they appeared on the glossy pages of Vogue and In Style magazines. However, after looking at the woven metal pieces, it makes one wonder if people have been coming in to shop for their grandmothers. The large brooches and outdated hair accessories are made even worse by the muted colors of the metal. Still, if your significant other is into earthy and botanical accessories, you may find something perfect.

The Jewelry Trunk Show also features work from other artists, such as Nell Thalasinos, Judith Neugebauer, Chihiro Makio and Ananda Khalsa.

To the people shopping for something for a girlfriend, take note of Khalsa’s pieces, which are hand-painted and set under glass. Because of the vibrant colors and beautiful Asian-inspired prints, these pieces seem like the best choice for a college-aged girl — just a hint for anyone who may be unsure of their significant other’s taste in jewelry. Sure, one of the bracelets costs $760, but you really love her, don’t you?

Whatever your romantic status may be this Valentine’s Day, check out the Museum Store soon, as the Jewelry Trunk Show ends this Thursday, Feb. 14. Especially if you want to get in the spirit for Valentine’s Day — it’s no coincidence the Museum Store planned a jewelry show during this week in February.

Still, anyone interested in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry will not leave disappointed and hopefully, will not leave empty-handed either.

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