Ara Kuo / Carolien Smith

In Japanese, "Ara!" means, loosely, "Oh my!" And that's exactly what I was thinking as I perused the portfolio of Taiwanese jeweller Ara Kuo, who offers a little something surprising in every piece.

Bonus link: I love that clear bird but it's definitely a "special occasion" ring. For everyday wear, try a clear acrylic marble perched on your finger instead. This "figure 8" ring is by UK jeweller Caroline Smith.

Even more jewellery:

• Tóth Zoltán (Hungary) - birds on bone


• Tamara Clark (Surrey, BC) - contemporary silver


• Rosario Camarasa (Argentina) - vintage collages


• Anna de Ville (UK) - flora & fauna


• Mateo Bijoux (New York) - modern metal