IGS Holiday Gift Guide #1 - No Passport Required!

Looking for a “statement holiday gift”? You know, that special item that whispers, “I was purchased by a worldly individual with discriminating taste.”  And, then there is the added challenge of finding “worldly,” and, at the same time, “affordable” gifts without traveling the world. When selecting treasures for the first installment of our 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Guide, we used those parameters, and we focused on items that create internal conflict for the buyer… you know, like, “Do I really want to give this to Maggie or just keep it for myself?”  

Holiday Gifts from Around the World:  No Passport Required!

Last Emperor Vintage Jade Earrings
These elegant earrings feature 90-year-old jade buttons from the time of the rule of Puyi, China's ''last emperor.'' Bezel-set in 22-karat gold vermeil, they feature dangling tiers of cultured freshwater pearls.

Silk Road Bracelets
These silver-colored metal bangles borrow from cross-cultural tradition, referencing classic East-West patterns. Individual links strung on elastic give the appearance of a solid bangle, but have a universal fit that makes these a great gift idea.

Celtic Chalice Jewelry
A repousse design, representing a protective shield, is the inspiration for this sterling silver and 18-karat gold jewelry. Handcrafted in Ireland using the lost-wax casting process.

Gold Vermeil Roman Glass Jewelry
Wear a piece of history with this conversation-starting jewelry made with ancient pieces of Roman glass. Excavated in Israel, the glass has picked up an iridescent patina from the earth in which it rested for about 2,000 years…and, 22-karat gold-vermeil wires encircle each glass disk.

Javanese Silver & Braided Leather Bracelet
Jewelers on the island of Java work in open-air studios creating the sterling silver beads that have been a local art form since the 16th century. Those beads, cast from an original mold, are slid onto a braided leather cord to make a handsome bracelet that flatters both men and women.