Wendy Brandes in a modified version of her ‘Swear’ ring. Image edited by Observation Mode

Wendy Brandes is a fabulous New York based luxury jewelry designer.

Her pieces are bold, witty, drool inducing and intelligent. Each piece tells a story cleverly translated into its design.

Her signatures are mechanical pieces that open, (on occasion with delightful surprises inside them) twist or unscrew. Like her ‘Sophie Twisting Heart’ Necklace as below. It can be twisted to be worn in three different ways; as a gold heart, diamond heart or gold and diamond oval. Adoring!

Sophie Twisting Heart necklace by Wendy Brandes

She pulls inspiration from strong historical women with interesting stories such as Empress Matilda, Anne Boleyn and Nefertiti etc.

Marie Antoinette ring by Wendy Brandes

Other than her stunning work, Wendy is also notable for her amazing style and witty blog posts. I adore her blog!

I caught up with Wendy to share a typical day in her life. This series will give you a glimpse into the busy lives of varying industry professionals. Read on for 24 hours in the life of Wendy.

9 a.m.
On my way to the gym. This is pretty early for me nowadays. Since I started my own business, I often don’t fall asleep till 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. because my mind is racing. Then I can’t wake up at a reasonable time. In my corporate days, I used to be at the gym every morning at 6 a.m. Anyway, look how old my sweatshirt is!

10:30 a.m.
Realize the dogs need to be groomed. Call groomer.

11:30 a.m.
I can hold a strange, uncomfortable position for hours, yet I refuse to channel this skill into something positive, like yoga. I perch on the tiny amount of free space on the left corner of this chair as I make calls, check email and write appointments in my calendar. I’m also getting Teeny Genie necklaces ready for shipping. I’m selling them to raise money for a blogger in need

1 p.m.
The wardrobe department of Sex and the City 2 borrowed my Cleopatra earrings for a long time. They were returned with this note saying they might be called back, so I’m going to take them to the vault and keep them safe till then.

2 p.m.
It’s cold today, so I’m wearing my yellow leather gloves and a hat Jennine from The Coveted gave me. That’s a Prada tote I got a few years ago from a consignment store.

2:30 p.m.
Go to the post office to get more priority envelopes for the Teeny Genies. Get yelled at for taking a picture in a federal building. A federal building is a place that has 10 counters but only one open, with a line of angry people snaking out the door.

3:30 p.m.
Two of my friends — clothing designer Zang Toi and jewelry designer Tina Tang — met at my New Year’s party. Tina wanted to see Zang’s studio, so I meet her there.

4:30 p.m.
Go to one of my jewelers to pick up more Teeny Genies. I also approve the wax model of a custom ring.

7:00 p.m.
Meet my friend Abbie, an editor at Marie Claire, at Odeon. We eat French fries and discuss crazy people.

11:00 p.m.
Family Guy reruns are on!

1 a.m.
Gorgeous blogger ENC arrives from California for a weekend visit. I thought it would be rude to take a picture of her after a long plane trip, but I assure you she looks as fresh as a daisy!

It is amazing how much she gets done. I love that the Cleopatra earrings were called in, by wardrobe, for the Sex and The City 2 Movie! Here is to hoping they make the movie!

How cute are her dogs? Oh don’t get me started on her yellow gloves! Many kind thanks and glam kisses to Wendy for this piece. All images used in the piece are courtesy of Wendy Brandes.

Find more on Wendy and her work at the below links.
Wendy’s Website

Wendy’s Blog