DC Modern Luxury magazine feted Columbian jewelry designer Mercedes Salazar with a cocktail reception and trunk show in Washington, DC at the M29 Lifestyle earlier this month.  Salazar, whose jewelry has been carried by the Four Seasons hotel boutique since its opening two years go, told us her jewelry is all about telling a story.  Her latest is spreading love and tolerance.  Her favorite collection right now is the “the war of love” where she says “guns, tanks, planes are only allowed to shoot flowers, hearts, emeralds and happy messages.” Now that’s a message we can all stand firmly behind.

Salazar has been designing jewelry since the age of nine and does not anticipating anytime soon.  She says she draws inspirations from her travels and can’t leave home without jewelry and why would she? She could probably design something fabulous to go with every single outfit in her closet.  We were coveting her custom made pleated skirt, made of a handmade fabric she bought in Switzerland.  Each of the jewelry designer’s jewelry contains an inspiring message with charms on bracelets and necklaces symbolizing something positive that will “connect you to the Universe.”  Her handcrafted jewelry make great gifts.  Her traditional handcrafted bracelets retail for under $60 but bigger pieces cost upward of $500.

Mercedes Salazar jewelry can be found online and in jewelry boutiques across the country.  Live in DC? Find her collection at M29 Lifestyle (2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW).