"Be Jeweled — Be Fabulous"

I am a self-professed jewelry junkie. I wasn't always this way. I used to have a small collection of mostly classic, non-descript earrings and necklaces that went with everything. I just didn't think much about accessorizing with jewelry — until I discovered the treasure trove of prolific local jewelry designers in the Northwest. Now I buy clothing around my jewelry or have a piece specially made for an outfit. I'm hopelessly addicted.

Fortunately, the breadth and variety of locally designed jewelry is vast, so there's a constant supply to feed my habit. Designs come in silver, gold, with precious and semi-precious gemstones, chunky, delicate, modern, bold, funky, simple, dramatic — just the thought of all those beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings makes me positively giddy.

You'll find local jewelry throughout the city, in boutiques and private studios, at festivals and at flea markets. However this year, jewelry aficionados are in for a special treat at a new event called "Be Jeweled — Be Fabulous." If you love jewelry that's unique and well crafted, mark your calendar for Thursday, Nov. 30, 6–10 p.m. You'll have access to 20 exceptional and talented Northwest jewelry designers at the Seattle Center Pavilion.

I had the pleasure of working with the organizers of the event, Maile Roundtree, Christa Hope Robinson and Regina Chang, to enlist the créme de la créme of jewelry designers from the area. I'm coveting many of the pieces that will be available, and it's all good stuff — you won't find crafty beaded bracelets and necklaces here, but you will find a range of jewelry, from a pair of simple gemstone earrings for $35 to a 38-carat garnet ring for $1,849. It's also an opportunity to meet with the designers and discuss their jewelry — many do custom designs, too, if you're looking for something uniquely you.

The event promises to be a fun and chic evening. It not only includes shopping for baubles and fabulous adornments, but champagne, a DJ, jewelry raffles and gift bags. Admission tickets are $15-$50. General admission is $15 beginning at 7 p.m. and includes a glass of wine, fashion shows, a live DJ, a cash bar, floating models and raffle prizes. VIP admission is $50 (a $100+ value) and begins at 6 p.m. with a private preview hour, a glass of champagne, hors d'oeuvres, the VIP fashion show, a $10 jewelry coupon, a free raffle ticket and party favor bags. Advance tickets may be purchased at Andaluz, Click! Design That Fits, Horseshoe, Kobo, Magnotti Antiques & Jewels, Louie Permelia, Square Room, Violette, and other shops. (Note: This is a 21 and over event.)

"Be Jeweled — Be Fabulous" has partnered with Gilda's Club Seattle, a non-profit community support center for people living with cancer. Throughout the evening Be Jeweled will raffle off 14 pieces of jewelry valued at $100 each or more, with one $500 grand prize piece. Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $20. "Be Jeweled — Be Fabulous" will donate 100 percent of the profits from raffle tickets to the organization.

Here's a sneak peek at the designers participating in this event and their picks for fall and holiday jewelry. I hope to see you there — dripping in jewels.

Roundtree & Richardson

Christa Hope

Leilani Jensen Jewelry

Regina Chang Fine Accessories

Schwa Designs

Maria's Designs

Sophie Gardner Jewelry

Smersh Design

Magnotti Design

Jill Renae

Sarah Pauli

Iris Guy Sopher

Erin Jane Designs

Nev & Lia

San Damián Collection

Cleo Wolfus Designs

Jennifer Bauser

Birna Jewelry

StrawBarry Design

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