Beauty and the Beach

We all have those special pieces of jewelry.  That pair of earrings, a necklace, or a special bracelet that we seem to grab from our jewelry box each and every time we want to wear something special.  It might be a family heirloom or something someone gave you, or it might be something you purchased for yourself.

I find that the pieces I gravitate towards in my own jewelry box are the unique items that I've found while traveling and also those that remind me of a place.  I have a favorite Mother of Pearl bracelet that I picked up in Bermuda for just $5.00.  I also have pricier pieces that Mr. Tide has picked up from exotic locales around the world while traveling for work.

There is still one piece that I have on my wish list...ok, several!  But I've had my eye on this particular bracelet for quite awhile now and I'm getting very close to "gifting" myself with it, maybe it will be my Valentine's Day gift to ME!  It's so pretty, and it meets all my criteria for a wonderful piece of jewelry that I know I'll wear over and over.  It's unique, beautifully made, and reminds me of the place where I grew up...Maryland.

Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts is where my "future" bracelet is being held for safe keeping at the moment.

Pictured above, store owner and jewelry designer, Heather Maertens is the brain child behind Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts.  She opened her Solomons Island, Maryland store in 2002, and what was once a small shop with just a few of her custom creations, has grown into a thriving business with a reputation for high quality, unique jewelry with a decidedly nautical flair!

As beautiful as her jewelry is, it's Heather's generous spirit which has touched so many in the area.  She gives both her time and money to local arts organizations, The Humane Society, and Leadership Southern Maryland, just to name a few.  To read more about her charitable works, click HERE.

Below is just a sampling of some of the exclusive designs offered at Maertens. 

Having this beautiful jellyfish hanging around your neck wouldn't "sting" at all.  It's from Heather's newest collection entitled Ghosts Of The Deep.

These gorgeous sand dollar pendants come in sterling silver, 14kt yellow gold, or 14kt two tone with diamond accents.  The small sterling pendant starts at $115.00. 

Photos:  Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts

And this is IT...the bracelet I've been lusting after for a long time now!  The Bay Bracelet (shown here in alternating sterling silver and 14kt yellow gold) is beautifully detailed with reminders of the great state of Maryland.  I believe it should be a required purchase for every well dressed Marylander!

To see these and many more lovely pieces of jewelry from Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts click HERE.  And if you happen to stop by their shop, tell them Kat sent you and let me know what great jewelry you buy!