Farrah Dragon Silver Poppy Ring $667

Farrah Dragon Silver Lotus Earrings $863

Farrah Dragon 18K Gold Orchid Necklace $1,062

How cool is the name Farrah Dragon? I know. It’s like a Bond girl or something. Actually just an amazing jewelry designer whom I met through a mutual friend. Farrah’s sensibility and aesthetic are not only stunning and spot on, they’re also deep-rooted with inspiration from ancient artisans, as well as being eco-friendly and socially responsible. Here – I’ll let her tell you…

LASM: How did you become a jewelry designer?

FD: When I decided to do something different from interior design, I narrowed my dream job down to creating stylish baby slings or a conscious jewelry line. Ultimately I chose what I thought would give me the quality of life I was striving for, plus the most creative expression. By quality of life, I mean something that I could do while starting a family and something that I felt did not harm anyone or anything during the manufacturing process. I also thrive on business strategies and problem solving, so I wanted to be sure to go out of my way to choose something that forced me to make time for creativity. I chose to design and make an eco and socially responsible jewelry line. Since I had taken a jewelry making class in high school, I took a refresher course to learn soldering again and some other techniques. I then self-taught the rest at home.

LASM: Where do you derive inspiration for your pieces?

FD: Mostly in nature. I also love looking at ancient jewelry, because I hand-make nearly everything in metal and I have a lot to learn from artisans who were really only armed with fire and primitive tools.

LASM: Who are your personal favorites when it comes to jewelry designers/brands?

FD: Anything and everything Indian. Indian jewelers have techniques that are just mind-boggling. Their 22K jewelry takes my breath away. I had originally intended to do most of my line in 22K, but the price of gold doubled the year I was launching so it wasn’t realistic. I already have a 22K Indian necklace picked out for my fantasy stroll down the Oscars red carpet! For a surprise birthday present, my husband went to a few jewelry stores in Little India outside of L.A. and asked if their behind-the-scenes jeweler would mentor me; I think they were mostly confused and alarmed and shooed him out….but it was a sweet thought. I also love jewelry by Jar, Line Vautrin, Ted Meuhling, Hanut Singh, Gabriella Kiss, Tony Duquette and vintage Cartier.

LASM: How about clothing designers?

FD: My favorite brands/labels are, Antik Batik, Allsaints Spitalfields, Oscar De La Renta, Naeem Khan and Alexander McQueen.

LASM: Where do you like to shop online?

FD: To be completely honest, I usually only shop places like Victorias Secret, Delias and Alloy for trendy tops, dresses and swimwear. Apparently I’m a slutty teeny bopper at heart! Aside from jeans, I really only tend to like most of my clothes for less than a year, so I try not to spend a lot on them these days, then I can pass them on guilt-free when I’m on to the next thing. I window shop at 1st Dibs, Graham and Green and Vivre.

LASM: Any secret weapon cheap-chic jewelry picks for those who can’t afford the real thing?

FD: I have to admit that it sort of kills me to give away good secrets, but I’ll get over myself. African metalwork jewelry is a personal fave. African artisans create such beautiful, affordable pieces out of bronze, some of which have a color similar to gold, and the craftsmanship is amazing. It’s just so completely different than Western jewelry. Their brass beaded strands are particularly interesting, since they come in all shapes and sizes and layer well. On a totally different note, I think Sundance, J. Crew, Banana Republic and Forever 21 sometimes have great, affordable, stylish jewelry. Also, a cheap trick – Google a local gold plater and mail or drop off a pair of your own cool silver earrings; once gold-plated (under $30), your earrings will look like a totally different fancy new pair.

LASM: Love this idea! What are your favorite off the beaten path L.A. boutiques?

FD: Lost & Found on Yucca is my number one, no doubt; awesome clothing, jewelry, textiles and Moroccan cutting boards – everything is special, unique and stylish. I also love Bazar on Abbott Kinney and the women’s Ralph Lauren store in Malibu – just walking through makes me happy! Broken English and Arp are my favorite jewelry stores…they are both truly inspired.

(You can see the entire Farrah Dragon Jewelry collection at farrahdragon.com or visit Broken English both online and in Los Angeles to purchase.)