Laine & Passementerie: Romantic Jewelry for Valentine’s Day

I have been following Courtney Laine’s work for a number of years now, always in dreamy adoration of her Passementerie line and now of the Laine collection (Laine houses Courtney’s latest line, higher-end one-of-kind collectible pieces while Passementerie features Courtney’s classic designs).

You would never guess it but Courtney is completely self-taught, except for a few metalsmithing classes and graduate gemology classes that she has enrolled in to get a better understanding of the precious gems that are used in her designs.

I am entirely self taught, which has allowed me to take my time, to truly explore the materials that I work with and perfect my craftsmanship. This self-taught approach has given me the freedom to explore alternate techniques of working with gemstone beads, which lead to the development of some of my most treasured signature designs: cascading tendrils of the finest gems & pearls perched atop exquisite gemstone briolettes, lush clusters of gems accented by miniature curls of solid 18k gold, platinum & sterling silver, my signature gem encrusted chains, and the Modern Heirlooms collection which combines antique lockets & findings with fine gems & pearls.

As she looks back to the historical for inspiration, Courtney has evolved her jewelry-making techniques to keep up with her vision. I think that it is her very passion for “beautiful things preserved” that has had me hooked on her work. Courtney’s jewelry defies trends to become classic heirloom-worthy pieces. Or rather “Signature” pieces as she justifiably calls them. That is not just so because of their beguiling aesthetic beauty, but also because of the quality of the materials she uses in all collections which consist only of the finest gemstones, 18-24k gold, platinum and sterling silver and antique findings for several one-of-a-kind designs.

And this is what makes Laine & Passementerie so perfect for gift giving. The Laine collection of locket necklaces and bracelets are my very favorite picks for Valentine’s Day. The idea of a beloved’s photo inserted in a locket is imbued days-gone-by romanticism. And these antique pieces are strung together with Courtney magical and expert beading of colorful and resplendent gems. One can only delight in the details of the craftsmanship, like at the discovery of the mini gems set inside of pearls or other gems. Oh, I think I need a fainting couch… Laine & Passementerie jewelry definitely falls into the high-end, collectible category and although the price points appear high at first glance, a quick read through the descriptions shows that the pieces are, in actual fact, incredibly well priced.  In the under $500 price points, any woman would delight in the now-classic Caviare earrings or any of the Signature Tendril earrings or necklaces over at Passementerie.

And if you are not already absolutely head over heels with the pieces that you see here, know that Courtney will be releasing two new collections in the next few days. The first being is a line of fine silver & 22k gold pendants cast-by-hand from antique buttons and the second, a collection called “Natural Curiosities”, mostly one-of-a-kind pieces, also cast-by-hand in silver & gold and will natural objects. Here’s a sneak peak, but you’ll want to make visit both websites to get the full update.

Men, Valentine’s Day gifts are taken care of… Ladies, you know what to do.