Here’s a preview of some of the astonishing goodies that you’ll find on sale at JEWELRY FAIR 2014, and it’s from one of the most well-known and respected  jewellery designers on the grid, Abraxxa Anatine, the genius creator behind the EARTHSTONES brand.

 You know, EARTHSTONES in a real Second Life success story. I can remember going there in 2007 to purchase jewelry, and you’ll find numerous examples of Abraxxa’s work on this blog. I have worn a LOT of EARTHSTONES jewellery (I’m sorry, I cannot type jewelry, I’m British and we just don’t spell it that way!) and I know I will continue to do so in the future because it is some of the most carefully crafted and beautifully designed that you’ll find anywhere upon the grid.  The fact that EARTHSTONES has been in-world for so many years (practically a lifetime by Second Life standards) should tell you all you need to know about the products on offer in store. Abraxxa produces an ever-expanding range of styles to suit every taste and budget, and every genre and Second Life sub-group can find something appealing in her store.

So what is it that makes Abraxxa’s work so good? How has she managed to stay in business where others have failed? Quite honestly, it’s the quality of her product. For a start, she creates the very best, most authentic looking crystals and minerals for necklaces, bracelets and earrings that I have ever seen in-world. The textures that she uses are so precise and detailed that it feels like you are gazing at that particular gemstone in real life. I own a LOT of gemstone items in-world, but it’s always the EARTHSTONES items that stand the test of time and that is because they look so true to life.  For example, when you gaze at a chunk of Labradorite or Tigers Eye in real life there’s an inherent luminescence to the stone, a shimmering aspect that makes the crystal come alive. Abraxxa can do that with crystals in Second Life too; she captures their allure and perfectly places that into our pixellated universe.  It’s an amazing talent.  She sets her crystal creations into intricate designs crafted from precious metals, and I’m pretty darn sure she adds a sprinkling of magical pixie  dust into the mix too, because the finished products are ALWAYS perfect.

The items I’m wearing in the picture above are a perfect example.  This is the Chianna set, in the ‘Burning Embers’ colourway,  comprising of  earrings and pendant necklace (there’s a short necklace as well) Every component of this is beautifully rendered, from the links and fastener upon the silver chain, to the perfectly executed spiral that hangs upon it and the crystals that  are strung underneath. This particular colourway features gems such as Tigers Eye and Carnelian to capture the fire of Fall, and is perfect for wearing on Autumn nights.  It’s statement jewellery of the highest calibre, but works equally well in both formal and casual settings. For example, this necklace would look fabulous worn over a chunky winter tunic with jeans and boots, but it also works when worn with a simple black cocktail dress. Awesome isn’t it?

You’ll find this terrific set, and other pieces at Jewelry Fair 2014. I’ll be featuring more wonderful items over the coming week, so stay tuned!