AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
EditorsMay 15, 2008
Fair thee well
This Mother's Day, my sister and I treated our mom to brunch and baubles, the latter of which we found at an arts and crafts festival in Alexandria, Va. After overindulging in lobster drenched in butter and scallops swimming in...
This Mother's Day, my sister and I treated our mom to brunch and baubles, the latter of which we found at an arts and crafts festival in Alexandria, Va.
After overindulging in lobster drenched in butter and scallops swimming in cream sauce, we decided to burn off a little fat by walking a few blocks to the Old Town Arts and Crafts Festival. Most of the booths belonged to jewelry designers showcasing impressive pieces that can be found in stores or on the Internet.
Jimmy Mann's charming personality and recycled aluminum and sterling silver jewelry were on display in a roomy corner booth. Mann's modern, streamlined designs as well as his whimsical motifs&—including ladybugs and olives—attracted customers with ease.
Rebecka Boyd's sophisticated designs reminded me more of an accessories department at a mid-scale retail store than an outdoor fair. It was difficult for anyone to walk away empty-handed from her display of sterling silver and gemstone necklaces and stylish drop earrings.
Hillary Barbour's booth featured necklaces, earrings and bracelets with pearls, crystals and gemstone briolettes. Her well-crafted designs combine classic and current looks that support her company Belle et Bonne's mission: "Empowering women one jewel at a time."
It wasn't my first trip to the Old Town Arts and Crafts Festival. This time, trendy pieces that demonstrate the craftsmanship of up-and-coming designers occupied the spots usually held by cutesy, hand-beaded jewelry.
I wonder, are entrepreneurial efforts of this caliber the new status quo for arts and crafts fairs?
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