Flower Power

By Carrie Soucy, Senior Editor -- JCK Online, 7/1/2003 2:00:00 AM

What is more precious than diamonds and platinum? Nature lovers would argue, "flowers"—and designer Jennifer Kellogg would agree.

Kellogg's Flower Collection—including necklaces, bracelets, and rings—uses the natural beauty of fresh flowers. (There are gemstones, too, but only as an accent.) The sterling silver jewelry comprises a series of small cups that are affixed to a chain and accented with pins, each of which is topped with a faceted rhodolite garnet, peridot, amethyst, citrine, blue topaz, or iolite.

The wearer selects fresh flowers of her choice, cuts the stem off, and inserts one bloom into each silver cup. Each flower is then secured to the armature by piercing the silver pin all the way through the flower's center to the back of the silver cup holding it.

The jewelry can accommodate almost any type of flower, which adds an element of versatility. The original Flower Necklace measures 18 in. long and holds nine flowers. A 16-in. version, which holds eight flowers, also is available. The five- and three-flower necklaces are perfect when a more understated look is desired. The Flower Bracelet holds five flowers and the Flower Ring holds a single flower.