Last month I shared one of the many wonderful events of our first Fierce 50 meet up, brunch at the French Kande studio. We were treated to a beautifully prepared spread in a charming setting which paid homage to the inspiration behind the French Kande line: medallions designer Kande Hall discovered during a trip to Paris many years ago.

As Kande shares here story, she and her husband were shopping in a cluster of street vendors when they came across a booth featuring boxes of various medallions. These tokens were a type of precursor to the modern-day business card. Kande grabbed several, thinking they would make unique gifts for family and friends.

When she returned to the states the medallions were placed in a drawer and forgotten until one day when Kande happened to open the drawer and thought one of those medallions would look great hanging on a strand of pearls. While wearing her impromptu creation she was approached by a woman who was ready to purchase the necklace on the spot. Well, basically she told two friends and they told two friends and so on. French Kande was born.

The necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are now carried in upscale stores across the country. One of the most interesting aspects of Kande’s story is the fact that she started this company after reaching the age of 50! At least in Kande’s case you’re never too old to follow your dreams.

French Kande recently rolled out some beautiful new pieces in their Fall 2017 Anvers Collection. I’m featuring the Coastal Mix with Brass Wire, Porto Medallion and Tassel long necklace. Grey, silver and brass create a pretty combination of lighter colors that work well with the grey and mustard yellow I’ve shown above, but they should complement my darker fall sweaters beautifully. I wore it with ripped jeans and a light blue top while running errands this weekend and felt like a million bucks.

The Anvers collection features many other dramatic pieces in the fall line, such as this Double Strand Faceted Black Onyx short necklace and this Swarovski with Metal Beads and long bail. Take a tip from Kande and layer a couple pieces over a white tee to dress up even the most basic look.

French Kande jewelry is truly unique and beautiful, and the featured medallions have their own unique stories. The Porto medallion hails from the Porto wineries in Portugal. Produced by a family of winemakers since 1751, Ferreira Port comes from Portugal’s Douro Valley, the world’s first officially designated wine region. For centuries, it has drawn people for not only its Port, but also for the postcard-perfect landscapes. You’re already smiling to yourselves. No wonder Helen picked this one. ?

Click here to look at the full collection, and let me know which pieces you love.

Thanks so much for visiting today!

French Kande necklace | Top • Target | Distressed Jeans, Chico’s (sold out), similar here, here, here, and here | Merona Cardigan | Sam Edelman Shoes or try these