March 14, 2008

Family Traditions

Jewelry by Sarah Richardson

You can pick a lock, and you can pick your best friends, but you can’t pick your family.

Which is a gift in jeweler Sarah Richardson’s case. The trained metalsmith has turned her family’s 300-year tradition of creating lace into a trade all her own.

To give the illusion of fabric, Richardson casts vintage lace in precious metals. From shimmering snowflake drop earrings to a deceptively durable cuff, the collection conveys the ephemeral appeal of the dainty material. She often incorporates gems and pearls and can customize stones to suit personal preferences.

The baubles, which come in silver or 18-karat gold, have the potential to become treasured heirlooms.

As long as you don’t give birth to ingrates.

Available at Mia Gemma, 933 F Street NW, between Ninth and Tenth Streets (202-393-4367 or miagemma.com). To see styles, go to sarahrichardsonjewelry.com.