October 10, 2006

Family Business

Giles & Brother

Your older sister got the old man’s blue eyes. Your little sister got your mom’s legs. What did you get? A big vat of jealousy.

A little bauble from Giles & Brother should ease the sting of the short end of the stick. The collection, which is designed by brother-and-sister team Philip and Courtney Crangi, is a cooler (and cheaper) alternative to Philip’s more serious (and expensive) namesake line. (Apparently the creative gene ran freely in the Crangi clan.)

The necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings incorporate cheeky references, from country club to maritime, medieval to Victorian. Hoop earrings are adorned with skull and fleur de lis charms. Rings are imprinted with tiny shields and crowns. Big, bold gold chains are reminiscent of chunky anchors.

The pieces come in sterling, blackened silver, and vermeil (a gold-and-silver combo) — a metal for everyone, in other words. Not that you’ll be sharing the wealth anytime soon.

After all, these are not your family jewels.

Available at Sassanova, 1641 Wisconsin Avenue NW, between Reservoir Road and Q Street (202-471-4400); online at shopbop.com.