What were we thinking? Why did it take us so long to acknowledge the eternal beauty of Cindia Carrere and Don Webb's booth?! Season after season it looks perfect, rain and shine. Well organized, color coordinated, accessorized perfectly, with a nice touch of whimsy, it's definitely a reflection of Cindia herself and her product. Gorgeous fresh flowers always adorn the table. The layout invites customers in to have a look at the wide assortment of pins and earrings which are neatly displayed on the lattice work wall panels. Everything is easily seen and touched. You would likely never guess that Cindia shares her booth with April Curtis, because April's yummy, fuzzy scarves blend so perfectly into the product mix and display. They're on the counter flowing out of a basket, and draped next to the earring display boards. The central curved counter provides space to transact business, hold business cards and a tasteful mirror, and highlight special pieces.

Cindia's jewelry is, as the sign says, "habit forming personal adornment." Many of her customers own more than several pieces of this art jewelry, obvious as you survey Eugene's collective ear lobes and lapels. Many pieces feature stamps from all over the world, with amazingly appropriate metal charms from her vast collection. The charms and wonderfully unusual beads combine to make striking earrings that are fun to wear and great conversation starters. Each piece also gets a fitting title, as you can see in the photographs.

Now for the answer to the question, perhaps we were holding the award until it could be a sort of graduation present, as Cindia begins a new career at Gervais Salon and Day Spa, employing her newly aquired skills in hair cut and color, facials and other spa delights. Don't worry, she'll still be at Market as well!

You can find Carrere jewelry nearly every weekend along "Femme Row," the booths facing Oak Street on the Fountain Block. As always, it looks good in pictures, but so much better in person! Cindia and Don set up their beautiful booth in space 29.