The runways in Milan, New York and of course Paris were filled with the hot new jewelry designs for Spring 2010. Of course large and chunky jewelry, a throwback to 2009, still dominated the models on the catwalk, but one trend that really stuck out and looks to be a favorite of fashionistas is the gold cuff.

The gold cuff was on the arms of models in almost every fashion show. There were different styles of gold cuffs from the simple, Tiffany style of polished and sculpted gold to the outlandish such as Louis Vuitton. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are a more understated bunch. Although we pride ourselves on being anything but conservative, bay area fashionistas like to keep the flash to a minimum; it’s just how we roll. In order for fashionistas here in the bay to follow this trend we need to look further than our own backyard. Local jewelry designer Kathy Kamei designs jewelry not for the sake of fashion but for the health of the soul. As Kathy explains on her website, she wishes to empower women and have them give meanings to their passions. Inspired by her time in Bali, Kathy Kamei designs her jewelry to open the hearts of the wearer, remind them to be mindful and also reach spiritual fulfillment.

Kathy Kamei’s designs can be found in earrings, necklaces, bracelets and of course the most important piece of jewelry of the season; the gold cuff. Her “Large Life Circle Cuff” for $365, is a stunning piece in gold with silver trim along the sides. This handmade work of art features many small circles in varying sizes pieced together to form a fabulous cuff that is unique yet understated. Not only is this cuff extremely of the moment, it is a fabulous jewelry piece that can be worn season after season. Cuff’s come in and out of the forefront of fashion, so this cuff is the perfect fashion investment. Every fashionista in the Bay Area should own at least one piece of Kathy Kamei designs. Not only are her designs timeless works of art, they represent everything bay area residents encompass from an internal point of view.