November 30, 2007

Susan Goodwin's chic jewelry is Victorian at heart

The local designer's new line draws on the period's fascination with crystals

By Natalie Bow

NWsource shopping columnist

When used to describe jewelry, the term "Victorian" doesn't exactly conjure visions of on-trend accessories. But local jeweler Susan Goodwin [1] has drawn on the period's fascination with crystals and their purported metaphysical properties to turn out a new collection of necklaces and earrings that is Victorian at heart but chic in appearance.

Through 27 years of making jewelry, Goodwin's favorite material has been dazzling rock crystal, which is "rumored to have the properties of mental, emotional and spiritual clarity," she says. Titled "Pools of Light," her new series features luminous rock quartz suspended between layers of delicate hammered metals, creating a reflective pool of light around the pieces. The collection is available at home and gift shop Tableau [2] in Ballard.

Highlights of the collection include an intricate but bold necklace with a mother of pearl pendant ($230) that would look fantastic with a strapless black sheath. A matching set of earrings ($120) are equally stunning, but the combination of necklace and earrings is a little overpowering. Also from the collection, though slightly less Victorian, are a gorgeous pair of gold wire hoop earrings with an amber quartz drop ($80).

If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company


Article photos

Susan Goodwin

Photo: Carrie Shursen

Susan Goodwin

Photo: Carrie Shursen

Susan Goodwin

Photo: Carrie Shursen