jewelry blogs

recently turned to Colleyville native Ali Michael to help debut the new Parker Collection. Coach’s creative director and president, Reed Krakoff, says Michael “embodies the spirit of the classic American girl.” The debut collection, in stores now, stars lightweight shoulder bags and satchels with hardly any hardware – save for a few granny clasps. Standouts include the Parker Convertible Hippie ($358), an oversize carryall with twisted leather handles and a detachable shoulder strap, and the Parker Mini Shoulder Bag in metallic leather with a drawstring closure ($278). The line includes boxy tote bags emblazoned with Andy Warhol-like screen prints. Look for Ali’s pouty-lipped visage, shot by Krakoff, in April magazines.

Start booking your Spa Week appointments Monday. The discount treatments week kicks off April 13, when zen dens from Aqua Medical Spa to ZaSpa at Hotel Zaza offer a selection of full-service treatments for $50 each. Go to www.spaweek.com to sign up.

Dallasite Michael Marcus has been making vibrant cosmetics for 10 years, after branching out from Estée Lauder. His namesake line is said to be worn by Kristin Davis, Tori Spelling and Paris Hilton. Find out what other celebs wear his products during a five-minute consultation at one of his three upcoming Dillard’s personal appearances. Thursday, Marcus will be at Hurst’s North East Mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at Dillard’s NorthPark on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why pay $75 to make something? Because you’ll get a beautiful pewter pendant bracelet and the satisfaction that comes with creating something beautiful by hand. If that sounds appealing, head to the F. is for Frank studio on Manufacturing Street this Sunday. The workshop, led by Dallas artisans Shoshannah Frank and Casey Melton, lasts from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and will cover the basics in jewelry making, from casting the mold in clay to polishing and attaching the pendant to chain, leather or beading. All materials, by the way, are included in the course fee. Recessionistas, rejoice. For more information, call 214-749-0709.

Some ladies still lunch. And telegenic designer Michael Kors will be here to entertain them at September’s Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas Luncheon and Fashion Show this September. This is the second time Kors will serve as guest designer at the usually sold-out charitable event, where both well- and high-heeled women are honored for their shopping and service skills. The group’s choices for the city’s best-dressed women will be announced April 8.

Thursday brings a cache of made-in-Mexico silver jewelry to Heritage Auction Galleries. The Heritage Silver and Vertu Auction, held at the house’s Design District space at 1518 Slocum St., will include pieces from the city of Taxco, where the Mexican silver design movement began in 1930. Look for pieces from major players including Héctor Aguilar, William Spratling, Salvador Terán and Antonio Pineda. Prices start at $280, the opening bid for Terán-designed earrings with an eagle motif. For more information,

A Cincinnati man might take the bus the next time he has to appear in court.

Police said that John Spinnie was charged with assault and criminal damaging in late February and came to the Hamilton County courthouse earlier this week for a hearing.

Carats Direct has entered into a unique partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). Carats Direct will donate profits from a series of eight limited edition pins, designed in the shape of a breast cancer ribbon that features a rare pink diamond, to the CBCF in honour of the foundation’s ‘2020: Future Without Breast Cancer’ initiative. Carats Direct will auction the first $6,800 pin at the Nights of Hope fundraiser on April 2 in Richmond, BC with all proceeds going to the CBCF.

Intended for anyone whose life has been affected by breast cancer, the jewelry was designed by VCC student and breast cancer survivor Kim Balsillie. The ribbon-shaped pin will contain white diamonds and a single, rare pink diamond set in 18 karat white gold.

“As Canada’s leading distributor of pink diamonds, it was a natural fit for us to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - who use the colour pink to raise awareness about breast cancer,” said Angela Dearie, President of Carats Direct. “We have extensive experience marketing unique and rare jewelry, and we’re particularly pleased to work with Kim Balsillie. She has a bright future ahead of her in jewelry design.”