At New York Comic-Con, everything geeks love is gloriously conglomerated into one place. There is so much to see that sometimes it can seem like a daunting task. In addition to comics, prints, collectibles, and games, there is also a proverbial cornucopia of clothing and accessory exhibitors. This week, I will be highlighting some of the most exciting and unique clothing and accessory exhibitors in preparation of the exciting events to come!

Featured vendor: Sparkle! Designs
Feature product: “Fear Cuts Deeper Than Swords” Charm Necklace

Sparkle! Designs “Fear Cuts Deeper Than Swords” Charm Necklace Review

“Fear Cuts Deeper Than Swords” Charm Necklace

At each Con, like you, I try to walk the many aisles to secure some unique items to take home with me. Sparkle! Designs is a must-see at New York Comic-Con, coming up on October 6-9. While perusing the exhibitor list on the NYCC website, this handcrafted jewelry company caught my eye. It wasn’t until I was browsing the Sparkle! site that I realized I’ve visited this booth before! Last year, I made a lengthy stop at the Sparkle! Designs shop, pouring over their vast collection of geek-inspired accessories. And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate their motto: “Where fashion meets fandom.”

Sparkle! Designs sells art pendants, hammer-stamped charm necklaces, bracelets, and more. From the Whedonverse to Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Tolkien, the Stars (Trek, ‘Gate, Wars), and custom orders, they have it all. Not only that, but each piece is carefully and beautifully created by hand. It really doesn’t get better than that; when you wear something from Sparkle! Designs, it’s one-of-a-kind.

After much deliberation (there are SO MANY choices!!), I settled on the Game of Thrones-inspired “Fear Cuts Deeper Than Swords” Charm Necklace. As a huge fan of the HBO television series, I am currently working my way through George R.R. Martin‘s “A Song of Ice and Fire” books (don’t judge me, superfans; at least I’m reading them!). Needless to say, Arya Stark is unarguably a hardcore, fierce, tough survivor. Who doesn’t identify with that? When faced with danger, Arya remembers the words of her brave “water dancing” instructor, Syrio Forel: “Fear cuts deeper than swords.” It’s a powerful reminder to all of us, I think.

The words are stamped on a flat brass diamond-shaped pendant, with a silver sword (“Needle”) and an open book hanging alongside it. Buyers have a choice of metal and shape, and there are also often variations of charms. The 24-inch chain is a very nice length; I love how and where it falls! Underneath the words, a small swirl is stamped into the metal. This is an absolutely gorgeous piece and it just feels good to wear it. Meg, the shop owner, also threw in a HYDRA lip balm — SO CUTE! On the label, it states: “The perfect lip balm for the new world order.” The balm uses all natural ingredients, like avocado oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.

Buying from Sparkle! Designs is a no-brainer and I can’t wait to get my hands on another necklace. Whether treating yourself to something special or as a gift for someone else, you will not be disappointed.

Visit Sparkle! Designs at Booth #1375 at New York Comic-Con, and check out their website at www.shopsparkledesigns.com.