Gifts that dazzle: handmade jewelry from local artists

'Twas the weekend before Christmas, and all through the bay,
last minute shoppers scrambled for gifts that would be more than just okay.

If this is your plight, fear not, think jewelry — but not from the mall. There are many talented jewelry artists in our area creating adornments in a variety of styles and materials. And these wearable works of art are made by hand. Here are three artists to consider:

Sana Doumet, Clearwater
Lebanese-born Doumet was raised with a passion for art, studying sculpture at the Escuela de Bella Arte in Perugia, Italy. She became drawn to jewelry making during her studies at Boston's School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts, when she discovered that she could transform her love of sculpting into metal. Her technique of juxtaposing the traditional materials of sterling silver, 18k and 22k yellow gold and precious stones with geometric shapes and visible hammer marks make them at once classic and contemporary. Doumet sells her jewelry at art shows, including Mainsail, and by appointment at her studio in Clearwater. (727) 455-5802. sanadoumet.com. Follow @sanadoumetjewelry.

Mark Noll, St. Petersburg
Noll is the unofficial "earring king" of St. Pete. By innovative uses of unexpected materials and a precise hand for carving, he's able to create loads of jewelry at a time. It's necessary, because he regularly sells out of designs at his booth at the Saturday Morning Market, where he sets up every week, including this Saturday. He's mastered the art of upcycling, using materials including Corian (as in countertops), bamboo flooring and beetle wings, called elytra, all of which he uses to make necklaces and pendants, too. marknolldesigns.com. Follow @marknolldesigns.

Albisia Ipek, Tampa
If minimal is your thing, Ipek's your woman. Her delicate designs make subtlety a thing of extreme beauty. South Tampa agrees; Ipek has had her own shop, named Albisia, in Hyde Park Village since 2011. Her simple, often hammered designs of 14k and 18k gold, gold-filled and sterling silver lend themselves well to stacking. Ipek also has a line of fine jewelry, which she makes with 24k gold and precious stones. She's been busy this season, spending most of her time in the studio to keep the shop well stocked. They'll be open all weekend, with extended hours Saturday of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5. p.m. 1623 W Snow Circle. (813) 505-2611. albisia.com. Follow @albisiajewelry.