Those of you who have followed this blog with any degree of regularity know that, although we venerate the time tested classics, we occasionally make detours into modernity.  It’s a simple calculation: a splash of modern detail can enliven even the most tried and true outfits.

Last weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Manready Mercantile third anniversary party. As part of that celebration, Manready made room for several vendors of American made products, a multi-maker popup of sorts.

One of those was Nina Beranato, an Austin, Texas based jewelry maker. I took note of Nina’s offerings a few days before the anniversary party; several of the items she had for sale seemed perfect for a certain special someone in my life.

At the popup, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Nina, and, with her thoughtful recommendation, I purchased the Fragment Necklace (handmade in Austin) for my girlfriend.

How best to describe Nina’s jewelry? High modern bohemian, I suppose. I could easily see these pieces around the neck of someone wearing a flowing , floral maxi dress. But I could just as readily envision one of them worn with the ubiquitous little black dress, a perfect modern accompaniment to one of the classics.