We recently discussed the forthcoming collaboration between renowned Brazilian jeweler H. Stern and renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Neimeyer here. Jewelry is in many ways simply architecture of a smaller scale; beauty and function must be balanced in a delicate art of engineering. It’s no surprise that throughout the years so many architects have lent their creativity to our bejeweled world.

This new H. Stern collection finds its inspiration in Neimeyer’s hand-drawn sketches. Thus, we find graceful arcs and squiggles embellished with diamonds, all impeccably executed by H. Stern’s craftspeople. The collection is due to launch this fall. Here is a sampling:

I leave you with this charming video homage to Niemeyer. I like its playfulness, and how effectively it shows the power of line. We need very little to convey a story or create beauty. Diamonds, though, always help.

Last week I somewhat gleefully shared a tale of heartache, woe, and (alleged) battery, so I thought, lest you think me nothing but a cruel beast, I should share a heartwarming tale of redemption. Consider this my version of Chicken Soup for the Jeweler’s Soul.

I recently read the story of a woman who, thirty years later, returned to the scene of her crime – a jewelry store at which she’d worked – to confess the theft of some two dozen jewels and return the loot. Amazing, no? The skeptics among you may read the story in greater detail here. Tears were shed. Forgiveness was granted. And the world became a better a place. Amen.

Crafting inspiring parables is no easy feat, and I make no claim to success. But how can I focus on elevating your minds, when my own is distracted by the question: Well, Miss Goldsmith, if you were to abscond with a bevy of beautiful baubles, which would they be?

Clockwise from top left we have: South Sea pearl and diamond earrings and ring from Tara; an onyx and diamond ring from Di Modolo’s “Favola” collection; a “Stars” pearl necklace from H. Stern; and a diamond bracelet from Di Modolo’s “Tempia” collection. All jail-worthy jewels, don’t you agree?

It seems I must do a little more Chicken Soup reading myself, and I’m sure this curmudgeon’s beleaguered coworkers would second that. As for the other, my employer needn’t worry. Miss Goldsmith doesn’t have the combination to the safe.

I loved The September Issue, so imagine my embarrassment when someone else pointed out to me that Anna Wintour practically lives in an H. Stern necklace (or two) throughout the film. Sherlock Holmes, I am not, for my powers of observation were apparently on holiday, or perhaps I was just distracted by a giant tub of popcorn.

While I’m not one to dwell on my failings, my guilt has inspired me to show some extra H. Stern love, and what better place than here? Anna Wintour wore several necklaces similar, if not identical, to the citrine “Sunrise Necklace” featured in this look:

Earth/Sky by jmlan

As always, I love to see bold, gem encrusted jewels worn sans evening gown. This piece illustrates the wonderful color variation to be found in natural gemstones. Here, citrines travel from pale butter to caramel to triple malt scotch. Here is the H. Stern “Sunrise Necklace” with some of its kin:

I love the skinny, pointed prongs on these gumdrop-like gems. The ring is tourmaline, and the earrings are, I suspect, tourmaline, peridot, citrine and blue topaz.

Last week, I mentioned all the press that designer K. Brunini has been getting for her latest collection, Body Armor. These mixed-material, fit-for-a-warrior pieces have been getting well deserved attention, as we discussed here and here. Meanwhile, her earlier, nature-inspired work has – quite rightly – been no less ignored. None other than Gisele Bundchen wore a K. Brunini orchid brooch in a recent issue of Muse:

I wasn’t familiar with Muse, which bills itself as “the Fashionart Magazine”. There is some undeniably gorgeous photography on its website, so if you’re turned on by that sort of thing, check it out here.

There is also an arty video of Gisele, though the brooch in question cannot be seen. There is a pair of earrings, though, that look as if they could be attributed to K. Brunini. Without the magazine in hand, I can’t say for certain. They are appropriately twig-like. Perhaps one of you Dear Readers could enlighten me?

Before you venture off to suss that one out, here is some more of K. Brunini’s nature-inspired work:

All the above jewelry is fashioned from 18 karat gold, sterling silver, and gemstones such as diamond and ruby. In addition: the hummingbird pendant is carved from mammoth tusk; the orchid brooches are carved from bone; and the raven ring is carved from jet. Each one is a miniature sculpture you can wear.

The Body Armor Collection, the latest effort from designer K. Brunini, has been getting its share of press with recent mentions in magazines such as Veranda, Italian Vogue, Muse, National Jeweler, Chicago Collection and the Los Angeles Times. We discussed the Body Armor Collection previously here, when it was featured in the appropriately Amazon-warrior-princess styled spread in Condé Nast Traveler.

The dramatic, mixed-materials collection has been filling stylists and editors with cinematic visions. Following the Condé Nast Traveler editorial, there was this Clash of the Titans themed product mix in Chicago Collection:

Somehow I won’t be surprised if the upcoming remake of Conan the Barbarian sparks similar fashion fantasies. What I would like to see now is a fashion editor use these challenging pieces in a more unexpected way, perhaps juxtaposing them with a chic, modern look.

Though I’m not fully behind the 80′s retreads I’ve been seeing throughout the styleverse, I admit to a certain nostalgia for these two films from my childhood. Perhaps I’ve found my Halloween inspiration. As I contemplate my imminent transformation from cube-dwelling scribe to club-wielding savage, here is some K. Brunini jewelry for your admiration: