Gold and Gemstone Jewelry

Wendy Brandes is strongly influenced by the stories of fascinating women, whether they lived in the 16th century or the Swinging 60s. She creates pieces that are bold and eye-catching, yet feminine and organic. Mechanical pieces that open and close, unscrew or twist are her specialties. Wendy began designing jewelry in 2004 after 15 years in media and marketing, including key positions at the Wall Street Journal, CNN, People.com, and investment banking firm Lehman Brothers. Her first jewelry designs were her engagement and wedding rings.


Queen Min Ring
Queen Min was the last empress of Korea, assassinated in 1895. No photos of her have been identified beyond a doubt, so her image remains elusive. Accordingly, a dragon is carved into only one side of this stone. Depending on which way you hold the ring, the reflection appears or disappears on the opposite side. The setting is shaped like a pagoda.
18K Yellow Gold and hand-carved Lemon Citrine
$5850


Diana Queen of Hearts Necklace
In 1987, at a time when many people still believed that AIDS was spread by casual contact, Diana, Princess of Wales, publicly shook hands with a patient at the opening of the UK's first AIDS ward. Her act dramatically changed the public's understanding of the disease.
18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds
$5500


Medici Poison Ring
Catherine de Medici was wife to Henri II of France, mother-in-law to Mary Queen of Scots.
• 18K yellow gold, diamonds
• Front is 5/8" long
$4125

Wendy's main collection, Vivat Regina, is Latin for "Long Live the Queen." Each piece is named for a royal lady. Lockets and poison rings are an important part of this collection, because naughty royal ladies are the most interesting. The It Girls collection covers other notable women, ranging from fabulous friends and family members, to a Stone Age redhead, to a legendary female pope. The Eden collection is inspired by the highest-ranking woman of all: Mother Nature.