Born from a Desire to Craft Unique Pieces That Dazzle on the Necks & Wrists of Corporate Tycoons & College Kids Alike, Alanna Bess Handmade Jewelry Makes the Grade. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

After spotting a turquoise necklace at an upscale department store during summer vacation, cash-bereft college freshman Alanna Bess decided to make her own. An unending flow of complements from passers-by and even department store managers in her native Connecticut prompted her to start making more, and by the end of that summer she had secured 20 sales accounts at high-end boutiques in the area.

Using high quality semi-precious stones from India such as beer-quartz, citrine and peridot - all chosen for unique color and shape - Bess handcrafts each piece based on how the stones work together. “I never sketch the jewelry before I make it. I just start playing with the stones to see what colors and cuts complete a piece.” Her mix of vermeil beads, smokey quartz, fresh-water pearls, citrine, tangerine chalcedony, and other gemstones has a playful sensibility that feels almost spontaneous - and often is. "Sometimes, I dream of a piece of jewelry and I have to wake up in the middle of the night and make it!” Fans in the fashion biz include designer Gustavo Arango, who sends her color schemes he wants her to focus on along with sketches of his dresses, and lets Bess customize jewelry creations for him.

More info at AlannaBess.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Alanna Bess Jewelry Fashion Accessories Fashion Expert