Matt Swope is an Artisan.  The exact definition of this is: A skilled manual worker; a Craftsperson, from the Latin ‘artit’(us), expert in the arts. There could be no better description of Matt’s work.
As a self-taught designer, Matt honed his eye while an art history major at Columbia. He began working in the fashion industry for Comme des garcons and became thoroughly conversant in the tongue of highly modern, inventive fashion designs.  His jewelry line, Jewelry by Matt, gathers inspiration from the natural identity and forms of the objects used, their transformation into jewelry following an organically creative process.  Here is what Matt says:
“ I love simple amuletic pieces that bring to mind nature, as well as other times and cultures. They look best layered and mixed with other pieces of jewelry. They are the kind of pieces that when worn you notice them AND the person who is wearing them. They work well on a strong personality and usually an interesting and artistic one.”
He also wrote: “In an era consumed by the immediacy and crassness of mass production, one-of-a-kind hand made pieces of jewelry guarantees a sense of integrity and depth to one’s self. The hand made object rejects the confines of corporate dictates as it has no exact duplicate and therefore it eliminates any notion of mass produced profit. It categorically denies the motions of modern day commercial manufacturing and it is in a sense a throw back to an earlier epoch. In its own way the hand made one-of-a-kind object is a protest against the dehumanization of mass manufacturing while at the same time it is a validation of the continued relevance of making things by hand”.
What Bunny and I love so much about Matt Swope, is that there is no one else like him.  We truly have never met an artist who uses materials in the ways Matt does, he crafts his jewelry so meticulously by hand and yet has a distinct irreverence for those very same materials. Using constituent elements from super balls to rock crystals, from velvet to leather, the results are always exquisite, creative and totally unexpected.

Wedding season is here and we are loving the beaming brides out shopping for the perfect accessories. Tradition says the bride gives each member in her bridal party a piece of jewelry to wear on the big day, typically choosing the same piece for each bridesmaid. But why not do something a little different? Choose a color scheme and instead work within that to find each unique friend a unique accessory. Here are some picks perfect for a party of six, going with a basic black, white and gold theme. Get inspired to get creative!

1. Black Druzy Earrings with Freshwater Pearls by Simma Chester, $160.00

2. Tourmalinated Quartz Earrings by Elle Schroeder, $710.00

3. Long Teardrop Earrings by Arcadian Design, $89.00

4. Freshwater Pearl Coin Earrings by Simma Chester, $110.00

5. Vintage Onyx Drop Earrings by Susana Speidel, $360.00

6. Daisy Hoop Earrings by Allison Schiller, $150.00

One of this season’s hottest trends is a blast of neon brights. Many choose to balance these domineering tones with a basic neutral like white or nude tones, but why not try black? Not only does it add a little edge, it makes these exotic hues even more brilliant, and you can repurpose pieces from your winter wardrobe year-round. Here are some of our favorite accessories to make this fierce style work.

1. Vintage Arizona Turquoise “Shards” Necklace by Susana Speidel, $500.00 • A more classic necklace can be fashion-forward when styled with a black dress and contrasting pops of color for bracelets, pumps and a handbag.

2. Zirwan Necklace by Hayley Kruger, $270.00 • This is a statement all on its own. Pair it with a white top and neon pencil skirt for a balanced but trendy look.

3. Ante Suede Pendant in Yellow by Hayley Kruger, $110.00 • Paired with a black outfit, these colors really pop.

4. Mini Super Balls Necklace by Jewelry by Matt, $275.00 • Fun, funky and functionally perfect for the trend.

Bunny. Getting “Down” with the Gannets in New Zealand.

Tracy  @ Bunny
There are Ten Questions that James Lipton,” Inside The Actors Studio”, uses as a questionnaire:
Ready Bunny?

1. What is your favorite word?
 Tangential, hard to use , but, I am always on one (tangent)
2.What is your least favorite word?
Prejudice,always makes me cringe.
3.What turns you on?
KINDNESS.
4.What turns you off?
Insensitivity.
5.What sound do you love?
Laughter.
6.What sound do you hate?
Screaming.
7.What is your favorite curse word?
So easy,Triple F*#k…guess that’s two.
8.What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Designer.
9.What profession would you least like to do?
Short order cook..hate being told what to do.
10.If heaven exists,what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
You done good!

Tracy: Piece of cake!
Bunny: Are you offering? Red Velvet.

BEAUTIFUL MOTHERS BOTH!

SALUTING YOU AND ALL MOTHERS!!

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Did you know this week is National Wildflower Week? In honor of this naturally lovely holiday and the oh-so-hot floral trend, we picked our favorite floral pieces for spring and spent some time getting lost in the archives of California Academy of Sciences’ wildflower database. Which are your favorite blooms? Tell us in the comments! Here is what has us blossoming into spring style at the store this season.

1) Romy Turquoise Necklace by Courtney Lee Collection, $400.00 • A gorgeous floral statement, perfect with a cocktail dress or even to dress up a jeans and tee daytime look.

2) Leaf Necklace by Aiprllloveshenry, $93.00 • Try layering this piece with other fine necklaces of different lengths for an on-trend look.

3) Filigree Pendant Necklace by Arcadian Design, $84.00 • The clear teardrop of quartz is eye-catching and entirely beautiful.

4) French 1930s Glass Necklace by EM-Meyruix, $380.00 • This stunning piece was reworked from vintage baubles and is now a perfect accent with any scoop neck dress or sweater.

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This week is SFMade Week- We have joined with SFMade.org to recognize and support the work of local artisans and businesses.
Join us in the store on Saturday, May 12 and 10% of our proceeds will go directly to SFMade.org.
We are truly fortunate to live and work amongst some of the most talented designers in the country. There is quite a fashion scene here in San Francisco and the Bay Area- the Indie spirit here truly fosters new and upcoming talent.
Some of our favorites:

Sharon Zimmerman- Her delicate work in sterling silver with an emphasis on kinetic movement and simple architectural concepts result in jewelry that is timeless, yet edgy, and simultaneously, delicate and bold.

Perrin Lam for Novodeco- Perrin’s creative, whimsical spirit is displayed in his pins and earrings made from acrylics, sterling, stainless steel and exotic woods. He creates every pin so that it can also be worn as a pendant and emphasizes excellent craftsmanship with a fabulous nod to eras gone by- from Mad Man to Modern Man!

Quail Pond: Deborah Rappaport creates an interesting jewelry line consisting of antique bead necklaces to modern, architectural earrings and necklaces with beautiful stones and sterling silver. The antique necklaces mix ancient Chinese beads with African glass beads for
a new spin on ethnic jewelry. Her modern pieces are simple, chic and all made right here in SF!

Lisa Nagel- She may have left her heart in the Pacific Northwest, but SF is her home now. Lisa specializes in lost-wax cast jewelry- utilizing rough druzy stones with sterling to create jewelry that harks back to their roots in nature.

And so many more….. We encourage you to visit our store or our website and explore our local designers-
Carol Taylor for Parade Horse Designs, Katherine Whitaker, Elle Schroeder, Pams&Kin, Nihsima, Emma Duty of Salted Stones, Vintage Jewelry by Susana Speidel and the list goes on.

Stop by and experience the talent and feel free to pick up that last minute Mother’s Day Gift- we will wrap it beautifully for you!

Wedding season is upon us! The excitement of selecting the perfect accessories for your big day can also turn into a stressor. No bride wants to look like she walked straight out of a catalog — this is your big day, and it’s all about you. You have probably spent hours poring over the hottest bridal blogs, weekends flipping through countless inspirational magazines, many an afternoon trying on dresses and searching for the perfect shoes . . . so why settle when it comes to your head, where everyone will look first to see your joyous smile as you walk down the aisle?

These accessories are the crème de la crème of our selection at Circle & Square. Each piece is made by hand, so no one in the world will have the same adornment — until it becomes a generational heirloom, that is. Be beautiful and be yourself. This is a day you’ll remember forever!

Top: Persephone Hat by Kitty Andrews; for the woman unafraid of a major fashion statement.

Middle: Pearl Gold Wire Comb by Amanda Pearl; for the chic bride who likes her tradition with a side of flair.

Bottom: Dartford Hat by Kitty Andrews; for the sassy fashionista who likes a throwback piece.

With graduation just around the corner, finding the perfect gift for that deserving grad can be a challenge. You want something they’ll enjoy and appreciate, but also something significant. We suggest a timeless accessory — something they can wear now and wear later. Each of these pieces is trendy enough to feel fresh, but is polished enough for their first office job and will become a memorable, cherished item in their wardrobe.

1) Lambskin iPad Case by Lisa Nagel, $160.00 • This affordably elegant bag is great for him or her. Sleek, polished, professional and covetable.

2) Sterling Pick-Up Stiks Earrings by Quail Pond Designs, $150.00 • Pretty aquamarine stones are surrounded by piece-y sterling ‘stiks’ that make a fashion statement without going overboard. These are a great way to add visual interest to a boardroom-chic ensemble.

3) Sterling Bracelet by PRIVE by Circle and Square, $200.00 • A weighty, textured piece that will go with everything and will always be remembered.

4) Tribeca 7 Handbag by Holly Caldwell, $795.00 • This timeless, elegant handbag is a great sendoff gift for a new grad. She’ll love the classic lines and modern feel.

5) Rectangular Cufflinks by Lisa Nagel, $40.00 • Striped with rubber for a punchy style, he will love these classy, handcrafted cufflinks.