 Katie Decker
Katie Decker, Houston; 713-501-2941; katiedecker.com
Materials: Yellow, white, and rose gold (18k) set with pearls, sapphires, quartz, and lots of diamond accents.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Ivy motifs wind through the collection, which also features the occasional architectural detail (think windows) and stylized feminine finishes like curls.
Years in Business: 2 |
 Lauren Fiabane
Noelle Leone, Anaheim Hills, Calif.; 714-602-7996; noelleleone.com
Materials: Sterling silver and 18k yellow, white, and rose gold settings feature spinel, tourmaline, and iolite, accented by diamonds.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Youthful, symmetrically balanced interpretations of Italian history, architecture, and scenery. Every piece is stamped with the company’s initials, NL.
Years in Business: 2 |
 Michele Scholnick
Branch Jewelry, Santa Monica, Calif.; 310-392-2822; branchjewelry.com
Materials: Sterling silver, 18k gold, and platinum with diamond accents.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Minimalist pieces featuring pods, leaves, branches, seeds, and other spoils of Mother Nature with soft-looking matte finishes.
Years in Business: 6 |
 Laura Alexander
Laura Alexander, Fort Myers, Fla.; 888-565-0058;
lauraalexanderco.com
Materials: Sterling silver with 18k gold accents and such popular colored stones as amethyst, blue topaz, and citrine.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Modern talismans with motifs that suggest interconnectivity: knots and celestial symbols, including a four-sided star encircled by conjoined hearts.
Years in Business: 2 |
 Ellen Himic
Ellen Himic, Philadelphia; 610-360-5335; ellenhimic.com
Materials: Sterling silver with 18k gold accents and a wide spectrum of gemstones, from rose quartz to ruby.
Signature Style/Inspiration: From airy, contemporary interpretations of architecture to mundane, everyday functional objects like lace and keys.
Years in Business: 1 |
 Chris Ploof
Chris Ploof, Pawtucket, R.I.;
401-725-7464; chrisploof.com
Materials: A range of gold—from 14k to 18k to 22k—as well as platinum; meteorite iron from Namibia; Damascus stainless steel (multiple layers of steel); various Mokume Gane alloys; and diamonds.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Clean lines combined with high-quality and uncommon contemporary metals for durable and unique pieces.
Years in Business: 9 |
 Jolee Mickesh
Jewelry by Jolee, Chippewa Falls, Wis.; 715-579-1736; jewelrydesignsbyjolee.com
Materials: Sterling silver and 14k gold, featuring (among other stones) pearls, opals, and sapphires.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Images from nature, like leaves, which are fashioned from recycled metals.
Years in Business: 10 |
 Vanessa Leu
Vanessa Leu, Chino Hills, Calif.; 909-393-9978;
vanessaleu.com
Materials: Sterling silver and 14k and 18k gold accented by soft hues of peridot, quartz, and other stones.
Signature Style/Inspiration: Simple lines blended with Asian culture and Zen philosophies—modern, with an East-meets-West sensibility.
Years in Business: 3 |
