Pam’s Pods Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace by Pam Branch Designs
Painting abstract art in college, Pamela Branch always had a desire to create. With the demands of law school and a subsequent career as a child advocate, painting took a back seat. For ten years, she represented children in family court in New York City. In 2005, she was introduced to the art of jewelry making by colleagues in her law firm, who invited her to join a beading group that was formed to relieve stress. Pam was hooked after the first few minutes of that introductory meeting and she hasn’t looked back since.
Starting out by making simple earrings and necklaces after work and on weekends, she quickly graduated to making complex pieces by using advanced jewelry making techniques and innovative designs. Soon after, she reduced her hours at the firm to part-time and took the leap to quit and pursue her passion full-time.
Once she began designing jewelry, she also started painting regularly and had her first art exhibition called “The Dagger Collection” in 2006. Pam notes that taking the risk of leaving a secure and stable job to pursue her passion was the best decision she ever made. Opening night of the exhibition not only marked the commencement of Pam’s art show, but it also celebrated the launch of PamBranchDesigns.com.
While her online boutique displays Pam’s paintings and wall sculptures, which are beautiful by the way, the main focus is her handcrafted jewelry. Her designs reflect the love and support her family and friends have given her since she made the decision to turn her hobby into a business. Until her most recent collection, she has named all others after family and friends. Whether the designs were wire-wrapped or soldered, whether they were adorned with semi-precious gems or glass, her designs have always been a reflection of the personalities and wit of those closest to her.
Speaking of her most recent (Spring 2009) collection, she found inspiration in an unlikely place – the pod. “Pam’s Pods” is a collection of bold, elegant and artistic pieces that represent the power to find and celebrate a new point of view. In a bold step away from her past lines, which were collections of delicate, understated pieces, Pam is making a statement by mixing in bold, grand pieces wherein the pods is the focal point of each piece – sculpted from either sterling silver or 14k gold-filled wire.
We received three pieces from Pam’s Pods Collection – the Beaded, Curved Pod Earrings in 14k gold-filled, the Twisted Pod Bracelet in sterling silver, and the Carnelian Pod Necklace in 14k gold-filled. The curved earring is made from sculpted and twisted wire, with green aventurine beads wire-wrapped into the pods. It retails for $68 and is also available in cherry quartz, onyx, garnet (beads) and in sterling silver (metal). The bracelet is wire that was twisted and sculpted. It retails for $54 and is also available in sterling silver. The necklace has a large Carnelian bead that sits in a wire pod. The necklace is 18” long and the pendant is an additional 4 5/8” long. It retails for $84 (currently on sale for $54) and is also available in sterling silver.
On a scale of 1 to 5, this collection is a 6 – absolutely to-die-for! The pieces are très chic, totally modern, and definite must-haves.
The earrings, I’m totally obsessed with. It’s my new favorite pair and I don’t like leaving home without them. It’s a statement piece with its inventive design, yet it’s delicate in structure and feminine in style. With the weather on the chilly side, I’ve been pairing them with my turtlenecks. Spring is right around the corner though and I’ve been trying them on with my dresses, patiently waiting for the day I can wear them with a flirty little summer dress like this cotton gauze dress in yellow.
The bracelet is a dainty little thing. With the absence of beads, the design is what makes this piece stand out – almost like a piece of art. It exudes effortless elegance, less is more. I wore it to dinner and paired it with a black and white dress, simple but cohesive ensemble. I received so many compliments. When you wear less, each piece you have on takes on more importance and the focus sets on the blending of the whole as opposed to each.
The necklace is simply fabulous and bold. The elongated pendant is what defines this piece. It’s utterly unique and when I wear it, I make it the focus of my outfit. I don’t accessorize with it, I dress around it. I found that a tube top or dress is what showcases this necklace the best. Since it’s currently on sale, I’d stop reading now if I were you and get one before they’re all gone.
Come to think of it, you should get all three. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Check out Pam’s art too. The economy won’t start improving if we don’t start buying. So stop reading and go shopping!
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