Hot Jewels, Cool Colors

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/07 - July

Twice a year – Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter – Mark Edge, jewelry designer extraordinaire, unveils his latest lines of hot jewels, cool colors, and stunning looks to accessorize any outfit, casual to elegant.

This season his work has a new flare: brighter metals set/paired with turquoise, white mother-of-pearl, abalone shell, agate, and jade. He continues his signature vintage coin pieces, incorporating clients’ heirlooms (coins, medals, keepsakes, brooches, pocket-watches) into custom-designed pieces… right before your eyes.

“I found some really cool iridescent vintage cabochons imprinted with New York or a Statue of Liberty,” he says. “Another features Mt. Rushmore’s four presidents. I also discovered 60s mod flower cabochons in purple, blue, and yellow.”

It’s fun to play dress-up with Mark’s creations, because they are incredibly versatile.  “I start with a perfectly weighted 59-inch chain,” he says. “In the middle is a foot-length of agate and jade beadwork. This art-cessory can be used as a belt or a long necklace. Double it for a casual look. Quadruple it for the evening. Use it as a choker or wrap it eight times for a bracelet.” 

The wearer can make it as long/short, informal/dramatic as she likes. Mixed chains can be re-linked for different effects. This multi-look neckwear is just one of scores of Mark’s superb designs.

His work isn’t locked into any category. It’s out-of-the-box elegance with a splash of funk. It goes with everything from Levis to Laurent.

Mark is featured at Smitten’s Third Thursday, from 5:00 P.M. until, July 15, at 468 Main Street, Highlands. Call (828) 526-9300 for more information or email kat@smittenofhighlands.com. Smitten is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.; Friday and Saturday 11:00 A.M. until;  and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.

So bring your family’s vintage charms, medals, and coins and watch Mark work his magic on a made-to-order piece just for you. He will also be available for private appointments on Friday, July 22, from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.