Sara Weinstock Black Dragonfly Pendant.

About Sara Weinstock

With a natural birthright as the daughter of artist Marilyn Peery, Sara was allowed to fully pursue creativity in life. This path led to launching her first fine jewelry collection in 2008. Sara has created a meaningful lexicon with symbols she assigns to universal themes and incorporates into the jewelry: the lotus represents new beginnings, the dragonfly is renewal, the cross is faith, the snake as protection. These symbols become a language unto its own in her collections. They also resonate with many women: Mrs. Obama is a fan, and has been spotted in Sara’s designs.

Sara is also a writer, contributing to Huffington Post about life, love, and work that you can be passionate about.

Sara Weinstock Emerald and Opal Chandelier Earrings, $14,950 Retail.

Sara Weinstock Jewelry

The current collections of Sara Weinstock represent the culmination of her experiences to date. Universal Love uses many of her symbols as charms or talismans, combined with other multicultural motifs representing a collective spirit of love. The results are pieces that make a statement about the wearer who is willing to put their heart out there. Black and Gold Nugget incorporates her symbols and themes into organic expressions in contrasting black and her special gold. Silhouette is the most refined collection, with graceful outlines traced in pave diamonds and black and yellow gold. In all of her jewelry, there is symmetry plus some artful organic form–sometimes in the same piece. This makes sense when you look at her inspiration of Nature, and the precise and ambiguous that exists in tandem.

Sara Weinstock Faceted Ring in Black and Yellow Gold.

Sara Weinstock Interview

idazzle.com: What were you doing with your life before you launched your jewelry collection in 2008?
Sara Weinstock: I am blessed with two gorgeous children that I am extremely proud of. I had so much joy being the carpool/field trip/hot lunch MOM. Raising them and being a stay at home mother was the most special gift we were all fortunate enough to receive.

I worked locally in Malibu with another established designer part-time as my kids were getting older while attending G.I.A. Unbeknownst to me my love for the business was developing and my future years being groomed for what was to lie ahead.

Sara Weinstock Glace Cuff Bracelet in black and yellow gold.

What moved you to pursue jewelry design in particular?
I love to create. My mind never stops. When I walk into a room I am always aware of my surroundings and what life has presented to inspire something beautiful. Jewelry was a natural progression as I have always loved estate jewelry. When I was young I would look forward to the times my Aunts would visit and bring their traveling jewelry pouches. I would sit on the floor at their feet and lay everything out and dream.

How did you come up with the jewelry symbols for your themes?
This was a natural unforced evolution. I was in my home in Tahoe making a life change to become a single woman. This was a very difficult decision to make and I found strength in each motif that came to me. I was looking for something that would resonate for what I needed most, whether it be courage, freedom, loving one self, faith, protection. With each symbol came inner strength to carry on my journey. I receive wonderful letters from other women who say my jewelry speaks to them; this is the highest compliment I could receive.

Sara Weinstock Black and Yellow Gold Hamsa Pendant.

Sarah Weinstock Chandelier Earrings.

Do you ever pinch yourself that you are meeting with Editors of the biggest fashion magazines, and getting such great Press?
It is truly exciting. I was just in New York with my publicist and we had our town car and a case full of jewelry running from one top magazine to another with meeting on the hour every hour for 3 days straight. I believe we saw something like 22 magazines. It was rather unreal. In fact I said to my publicist at one point “pinch me, I feel like I am in an episode of Sex and the City.” It was somewhat of an out-of-body experience, but that could be because I was light headed–we never had time for lunch.

Do you have any advice for new designers just starting out?
Stay true to yourself. If you try and give people what they want you will always be chasing the carrot. Believe in your talent, work hard with sacrifice and don’t give up. Be a trend setter not follower. It is rewarding and fulfilling as a career and you work in an industry with some of the most colorful, creative and interesting people.

Sara Weinstock Chandelier Earrings.

Your jewelry is highly personal. Any advice on how to approach the collection, to find a favorite piece that speaks just to the wearer?
I feel that my collection has many pieces that will speak to the same person depending on her mood. I am a Gemini so I change my jewelry often, sometimes in the same day. Fortunately I have a big jewelry box now, I think bigger than my Aunts.

What is the most exciting thing happening in your life and jewelry in 2012?
My travel always keeps me excited. I work with some of the best stores in the world in the most beautiful cities. My new collection that I am launching at Couture is largely inspired by my travels to Paris. I am captivated by the beautiful architecture and French balconies. A big part of my life is my jewelry so the answer becomes one.

Sara Weinstock Peace Ring.

I can’t wait to see her new collection at the Couture Jewelry Show! If you read Sara’s blog, she seem to find spiritual connections in the universe that some of us are oblivious to. It might be this sensitivity that allows her to speak through her jewelry so eloquently. Whatever it is, just keep speaking to us, Sara!

You can find Sara’s amazing jewels on her website and at Barney’s New York. She is also represented at a number of ateliers worldwide, you can visit her stockists page on her website here. You can follow her adventures through her blog here, or keep up with her latest news by Liking her Facebook page here. I look forward to hearing (and seeing) more!

The lovely artist herself, Sara Weinstock.

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Sara Weinstock

To fully appreciate this award, you have to understand the obstacles these independent jewelry artists face. From extremely high-priced raw materials, to getting word of your designs in front of customers, designing fine jewelry is not for the faint of heart. I’m always delighted when talented artists get recognized for their accomplishments.

Shamila Jiwa Fleche's d'amour Rutile Quartz Infinity Rings in sterling silver and 22kt Gold with diamond-accent prongs.

Shamila Jiwa Jewelry

Shamila has devoted herself to designing jewelry full time since 2009, when she left her former field of the non-profit world. Born in Tanzania, of East Indian heritage, a Canadian citizen, and based currently in Seattle, WA, Shamila’s worldview definitely figures into her jewelry designs. She has traveled extensively–personally and professionally–spending a chunk of time in Istanbul, Turkey to apprentice with master goldsmiths. A self-described “gem sleuth”, she is passionate about every gemstone that goes into her collection, recalling each stone’s history of discovery and the specific cutting technique she asked of her gem cutters. This kind of laser-like focus pays off: each gem seems to have its own personality and brilliance beyond the usual.

Shamila Jiwa Faceted 60 Carat TW Cognac Quartz Lale Earrings in 14kt gold with 18kt accents.

The settings are equally thoughtful. 14kt solid gold and silver have a heft and luster when the designs are more substantial, but there is a lyrical delicacy to many settings when the gems themselves need to shine. Her sterling silver is a special alloy formula that shimmers like platinum (and I can attest it is polished to perfection).

With all of this attention to detail, Shamila manages to keep price points in a very attractive range for collecting fine gemstone jewelry. One of her signature styles is using highly domed, faceted gemstones in bezel settings. While they look quite simple, it actually represents a challenge to set and finish. The lips of the bezel must be perfectly sized for the gemstone, and once the gem is set, it is very time-intensive to make sure the metal of the bezel is polished to a fine, shiny finish. To produce simple pieces is actually deceptively laborious–there is no texture to the metal to hide flaws. All must be perfect. When you think of her pieces from this perspective, they represent an amazing value.

Shamila Jiwa Cosmic Cocktail Infinity Rings in honeycomb faceted blue topaz and smoky quartz.

Shamila Wins Centurion Emerging Designer Award

On December 30th, Shamila found out that she was one of 30 finalists from a field of jewelry designers world-wide, and that it was open for voting. Just to make it to this stage is quite an honor: the winning designs made it through more than 300 voting retailer opinions and scrutiny from the Centurion Retail Advisory Board. There were 5 other Emerging Designer winners, Jamie Cassavoy, Ward Kelvin, Ruchi Kotahwala & Ami Jhaveri, Lydia Lerner, and Robert Namdar.

Shamila embodies a true emerging designer. She has had to navigate every nuance of the industry, and does everything–from public relations, to designing, to styling photo shoots–herself. In her own words, she eloquently described what it means to be a truly independent designer launching her designs in a very challenging economic market:

“I think my biggest take-away from this experience was acknowledging how hard I have worked for many years to organically forge each and every connection within the jewelry community as well as with every new client, media or retailer. I entered this industry with no insider connections, no business or financial partners backing my venture. Relationships are key in this business and I continue to create and maintain them. In addition to designing beautiful and quality pieces, the business aspect is vital and a constant learning process, especially in these economic times. To see the efforts appreciated by the industry is amazing. Especially when you take into account the caliber of the audience at the Centurion Show, it was just a great feeling to have achieved this milestone.”

When I asked her about the Centurion Award, which was announced at the Centurion Jewelry Show in Scottsdale, AZ, Shamila said that she was truly surprised and honored. The Centurion Show is a prestigious industry show, where the finest jewelry retailers and ateliers are invited to view new collections from the top names in jewelry designers. She was presented with the award at a banquet, and spent several days rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in jewelry from around the world. She enjoyed learning a lot from “wonderful, random conversations” gathered from across the show.

Shamila Jiwa Diamond Teardrop Lale Earrings with rose-cut champagne diamonds set into 18kt gold.

Shamila Jiwa Interview

idazzle.com: What did you do before jewelry entered your life?
Shamila Jiwa: Before I became a full time jewelry designer, I spent years assisting local, national and international non-profit organizations on a broad range of projects involving language learning to environmental health and policy issues. I was passionate about making a difference and I wanted to assist many organizations. Armed with a degree in Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs I thought I could do just that. I’d been designing jewelry on a part-time basis since 2002 and it had become my creative outlet. There was a lot of encouragement from my network to pursue my passion; however I had to do it at my own time. Whilst my contributions to my job and projects were impactful, I was only momentarily proud. I wanted to focus on meaningful beauty and design. In 2009, within a week from when I finally committed to designing jewelry full time, the world was facing an economic recession nightmare. I did not let that deter my plan and have not looked back since.

What was your first thought when you found out you were a finalist for the Emerging Designer award?
I had to keep reading the subject header of the email a few times. The email came in end of day on Dec 30th and it seemed like a real fortuitous way to start the New Year. I was relieved, joyous, slightly nervous, and I may have done a “finally, bloody hell” gesture of some sorts! I instantly let my immediate family know, as the news was too much to hold in! The finalists were not allowed to share the information publicly of their win until after the actual awards ceremony in Scottsdale at the end of January.

Shamila Jiwa Cloud Rings in rutilated topaz and smoky quartz in sterling silver and handmade 14kt bezel.

How did it feel to accept the award at the ceremony?
It was very exciting. I was also slightly nervous, obviously! The gala was hosted by Bride’s magazine, and the setup was quite beautiful – from the flowers to the food — it was just a great ambiance. The feeling walking across the stage was sheer exuberance – I was accepting my first award! I also had to remind myself not to trip out of excitement!

I understand that your designs got a lot of attention at the Centurion Jewelry Show that accompanied the presentation of the award. What designs or themes got the most attention?
The Minaret Lariat Set – carved and faceted topaz and citrine inspired by the architecture of Istanbul set in 14k gold with diamonds. The quality of the faceted carvings on the gems drew a lot of attention; they are quite detailed and the craftsmanship is immaculate. Members of the press remarked that the Minaret pieces were definitely unique, especially Jennifer Heebner from JCK Magazine, who really enjoyed the gemstone carvings and delicate design of the earrings and the lariat. Addessi Jewelers in Ridgefield, CT is currently the exclusive stockist of the Minaret Collection.

The other attention grabbers were:
Bold gemstone earrings, their organic facets and size.
Harem Stacking Rings in Gold and Silver – large stacking rings 10mm and 12mm sized stones stack in various shapes.
Rutile Topaz Kova Rings – Many people do not know what Rutile Topaz is. I was lucky to discover it a couple years ago. It is fascinating material. These were a particular favorite of Cynthia Unninayar from CIJ International Jewellery Trends and Colours.

Shamila Jiwa Carved Topaz Minaret Lariat Necklace and Earrings in 14kt gold.

What are your favorite new pieces that you just unveiled?
In addition to the Minaret Set, I debuted my collection of Infinity Cocktail Rings – large domed gemstones, honeycomb faceted on my signature Infinity band. I also launched a limited edition set of Rutile Quartz Rings, set in reclaimed 22k gold, diamonds and non-tarnish sterling alloy. These are popular as gorgeous cocktail rings or very unique engagement rings. For the lobes there are some decadent green onyx and cognac quartz in my Signature tulip motif settings of 14k/18k gold and diamond accents, the colors and the size made these quite the showstoppers!.

Any new or interesting gemstones you are particularly into lately?
I have been into Rutile Topaz for a couple years now, you do not really hear about it and designers rarely use it. I got my pieces directly from Mojok – the quality is phenomenal. Mind you, I also spent half a day seeking out the most perfect stones and acquired only a handful. I am having a lot of green onyx custom cut for my designs; it is really popular. Labradorite is a material I have consistently used for over a decade and sourcing top quality Labradorite in beautiful cuts is still a priority for me. Beautiful rutile quartz where golden needles are set off against clear quartz is always striking. Leopard druzy is another favourite as well as chrome tourmaline. I recently had the privilege of resetting an-out-of-this-world emerald cut chrome tourmaline (40+ carats) into one of my bold signature cocktail rings. Tangerine is a hot color this year and I had saved some gorgeous carnelian I got several years ago which I am currently designing into statement necklaces and earrings.

Collection of Shamila Jiwa Pave Diamond Pendants.

You are extremely exacting about details; for instance, your sterling silver is special, isn’t it? Can you tell me more about it, and your metal philosophy?
I love using quality materials, which is no secret. When I learned that there was a top-notch sterling alloy that was great to work with, produced a bright shiny finish akin to platinum and was tarnish resistant, I made utilizing it a priority for my luxe sterling line. I love it when clients spot the difference immediately upon seeing the quality of this silver. Gold mining is harsh business. All the gold I use is recycled/reclaimed.

What makes your gems so special?
I spend a lot of time hand-selecting unique and beautiful material. I’ve been lucky to work with some exquisite cutters over the years and am very particular about details. I scrutinize the faceting (honeycomb or the carved gems), or a detail such as a certain way the light flows, or the patterns if it is rutilated, or the size. I also enjoy other details such as having very high domes cut for my stacking rings. They instantly stand out in a sea of stacking rings that are table (traditional) cut. I have some Labradorite that is incredibly luscious. This particular quality was unique to one mine, which stopped producing such fiery and slightly transparent material several years ago. If you are a Labradorite connoisseur this specific specimen will stop you in your tracks.

I have seen your Labradorite, and it is very special! What made you decide to launch a fine jewelry collection in 2009, when the financial world was imploding?
I blame it on Istanbul! The city was intoxicating for me, I was so inspired by it and I wanted to work there with a couple of etchers and goldsmiths. It was all very spontaneous but the vision was clear and I made it happen. I had long collected one-of-kind gems and they were all begging to be turned into some beautiful pieces. The foray into doing a fine jewelry line was going to happen at some point, but being in Istanbul and being surrounded by so much beauty just catapulted the idea into action. The seed was planted there and now I continue my creations from Seattle.

Shamila Jiwa Smoky Quartz Lale Earrings in 14kt gold.

What can we expect from an official Emerging Designer for 2012 and beyond?
I am really excited to be featured in museums and notable venues such as Addessi Jewelers in Ridgefield, CT, Manika Jewelry in San Francisco, and the Art Institute of Chicago. I am seeking additional venues to showcase my collection and am set to do some pretty interesting events and collaborations. For instance, on April 29th, I will be a featured designer at the Art Institute of Chicago’s main museum shop for a special trunk show, I am really looking forward to that. The rest of the year will see a line up of events all over USA and in Canada but mostly in the Chicago area–I am set to do about a dozen shows/events this year! My collaborations with various charities will continue, as well as working on some newer collections. I think smokey quartz will be taking the jewelry scene by storm. I have some gorgeous cuts that I look forward to working with later in the Fall. You can expect bold and colorful earrings and cocktail rings in a range of gems as well as special cuts of rutilated topaz and quartz, multicolored moonstones, and sapphires as well as other surprises!

Thank you, Shamila, for your characteristic grace in letting me tell your story, a least a part. You can find Shamila’s jewelry at her website here, and at a number of stores and ateliers like Essenza in Seattle, Manika in San Fransisco, and Addessi in Ridgefield, CT, or check her stockists page for more locations.

I want to leave you with a quote of Shamila’s that sums up her personal philosophy and passion for her craft:

“For me personally, fine jewelry is about workmanship, usage of innovative metals, quality gemstones, design, fit and inspiration – it is about all these elements flowing together. I use diamonds sparingly in my designs; the ‘fine’ element comes from the usage of special and beautiful materials composed in simple and classic styles that are a twist on what has been seen or sometimes not seen before. Making sure every nook and cranny of a ring is attended to, that it is hand finished and that it has a Cinderella effect on the wearer is an utmost priority. The weight of a ring or how a gemstone sits on the chest landscape is vital. The luxurious element is very much in these details and it is understated and un-showy. Then there is the inspirational element, which guides the design and creates a connection. I ponder about how to weave a memory of an enchanting city or a moment, using a special gemstone set in recycled gold or innovative silver into a lovely yet simple piece of jewelry imbued with lore. These are necessary details and are evident in the theme of the collection. Creating simple yet striking designs is very complicated, as you can see!”–Shamila Jiwa.

Collection of Shamila Jiwa hand-cut and hand-polished rose quartz pendants in sterling silver.

View this post on idazzle.com: Designer Jewelry Spotlight: Shamila Jiwa Wins Centurion Emerging Designer Award!

The husband and wife team behind Luna & Stella has been creating personalized jewelry to commemorate significant relationships since 2009. Founders Suzanne Ellis Wernevi and Erik Wernevi wanted to honor the unique relationships between families and friends with totally customizable jewelry. Precious gems are set into modern settings that suggest classic style. With a variety of styles in their namesake of moon and stars, the possibilities for customizing are almost endless with chain lengths, metal types and 12 different birthstone gems. They are especially proud of their personalized customer service, and hope to create a unique experience for each customer.

Luna & Stella Moon & Stars Birthstone Charm Necklace, totally customizable, starting at $115.

Mother’s Day would be a big holiday for Luna & Stella under any circumstances, but this Mother’s Day is especially important: Suzanne and Erik are expecting their first baby, and is due to arrive any moment, making this Suzanne’s first official Mother’s Day!

The Jewelry of Luna & Stella

Their clean and simple website guides you through their offerings of rings, earrings, bracelets, cufflinks, and pendants. There are ways to add on and build for any category. You can choose an initial design, like a pendant with stars or the very current wing design on a specific length of chain, then add more birthstone charms as needed in the future. I like the idea of combining their eternity band design with the bezel-set stacking rings to create a unique look that represents important dates, but in a way that looks like fashionable stacking rings in a very affordable price range. Going beyond necklaces and rings, their bangle bracelet with birthstone charms is totally unique, and their cufflinks provide an interesting way to personalize a gift for men. This is significant, stylish jewelry that just happens to be deeply personal.

Luna & Stella designs are all made of natural gemstones and precious metals. They recently relocated the company headquarters from New York City to Rhode Island, which has a rich history of being a jewelry manufacturing base in the US.

Luna & Stella Crescent Moon Stacking Ring, totally customizable, starting at $48.

Luna & Stella Interview

idazzle.com: 2009 seems like a challenging time to start a new company. What made you feel that this jewelry genre needed your attention?
Suzanne Ellis Wernevi, Luna & Stella founder: Birthstone jewelry has been around for a long time (I remember my mom buying my grandmother a Christmas tree pin in the early 80s with her children’s and grandchildren’s birthstones for ornaments!), but we felt it could use a fresh approach. There has been a growing trend in symbolic jewelry for moms over the last few years, particularly styles with initials and names, but we liked the more subtle look of gemstones. Most of what was on the market in birthstone jewelry was frankly pretty tacky, and we thought there was an opportunity for a more sophisticated, modern look. We found that despite the recession, people were still willing to buy gifts for their loved ones, particularly ones that were symbolic and meaningful to the recipient.

Where did the original inspiration come from for the designs that you launched with?
The name Luna & Stella means “moon and star” in Italian — we like to say that like the relationship between moon & star, our jewelry symbolizes the connections between ourselves and those we love. Our first designs were all inspired by celestial iconography.

Luna & Stella Moon & Stars Birthstone Necklace, totally customizable, starting at $205.

Luna & Stella Crescent Moon Birthstone Charm Bangle Bracelet, totally customizable, bangle bracelet is $98, and charms start at $45 each.

Do either of you have specific jewelry experience that helped you launch Luna & Stella?
Prior to starting Luna & Stella, I headed merchandising and design for RedEnvelope, which had a sizable jewelry business. I have held a variety of merchandising and product development roles for J.Crew, Bally, and Victoria’s Secret. I’ve worked in nearly every category, from swimwear to apparel to leather goods, but have always loved jewelry and accessories best.

You have gotten some great press from The Today Show, People Magazine, and others. How does it feel to have some national press spotlight on your company?
We’ve been lucky to be covered in many national news media outlets, such as The Today Show, People, UsWeekly, Oprah, Real Simple, and Esquire. We are grateful for the positive attention, but the best feedback we get is from our customers. We love hearing client’s individual stories about the people our jewelry represents, and what they mean to them. Last mother’s day, after our appearance on The Today Show, we got a call from a woman who wanted to buy our moon and stars charm necklace for her granddaughter. The woman’s husband had recently passed away, and she wanted to give her granddaughter a gift with her grandfather’s birthstone to remind her of him. Granddaughter and grandfather loved to look at the stars together, so our design spoke to her in a very special way. We love to hear these very personal interpretations of the meaning of our jewelry to our customers.

Are there some challenges with having an all-custom jewelry model?
A custom jewelry model is definitely more labor intensive, but we believe that creating individual pieces makes them more meaningful to our customers. Most of our pieces can be easily added to over time, in celebration of a special occasion, or with the addition of a new member to the family.

Luna & Stella Birthstone Locket Cufflinks, totally customizable, starting at $150.

Have you been asked to create items outside of what you offer on your website?
We do get requests and try to accommodate them as much as possible. We just created a brooch inspired by our moon & stars birthstone necklace for a customer that wanted one as a birthday gift for her mother.

Can people return something they have ordered?
We accept returns on all items, with the exception of the moon & stars birthstone necklace.

Luna & Stella Heart Birthstone Charm Necklace, totally customizable, starting at $70.

It sounds like it has been an exciting couple of years! What’s next for Luna & Stella?
We look forward to expanding our collection and bringing the Luna & Stella brand to a growing base of customers, both in the US and overseas. We also hope to set up a small manufacturing facility in Rhode Island, and to increase the number of styles we offer in 14K gold per customer requests.

We are so excited for your new arrival! Do you think that you will be even more inspired once you are parents yourselves?
We are too! Its hard to anticipate the ways that parenthood will change our lives, but we imagine that it will bring new ideas and opportunities that we never expected. We look forward to the adventure!

Thank you, Suzanne and Erik, for the opportunity to get to know you and your designs better! You can see more and purchase Luna & Stella designs at their website here. You can also email me at monica at idazzle dot com to inquire, and I’ll get you in touch with the right people.

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Luna & Stella Personalized Jewelry

*Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Aroc Urtu has arranged for an amazing 20% discount on any orders from their site now through March 1st, 2012, using code vday2012.*

Aroc Urtu Ruby Rings

The Jewelry of Aroc Urtu

The jewelry of Aroc Urtu sits close to the body, warms to the touch, and patinas with wear and time. In short, this is jewelry that feels as good as it looks. It also has a conscience: all of their metals are recycled, diamonds and gemstones are from non-conflict sources, and all pieces are manufactured in New York City versus overseas.

Aroc Urtu has a few different collections, each with their own unique feel and energy. Their Beach Stone jewelry collection is perhaps most evocative of their signature style. Beach stones in soothing colors, polished naturally smooth by countless years in the water and sand, were washed up on shore to be discovered by the designers personally. This, and the contrast of the sharply faceted precious stones set seamlessly into them, define their style perfectly. Recycled gold and silver add a touch of responsible shine to the designs.

Flora and Fauna riff on other themes from nature: twigs and branches, feathers, cute little bunnies, serpentine snakes. Everything is textural, almost as if it’s been cast from the real thing (though in the case of the rabbit, not!). Mezcla, intriguingly named, consists of interesting outlines and cuts of gemstones, not perfectly symmetrical, set softly into sterling silver and 14kt gold.

Aroc Urtu White Beach Stone Earrings with Pink Sapphires in Sterling Silver, Retail $232.

Their most recent design foray delves into the engagement ring category. Aptly named “I DO“, it’s a collection for those looking for something other than a traditional prong-set round brilliant diamond. Softly hued natural diamond slices or rose cuts are bezel set into silver, rose and yellow gold settings. Simple pave eternity bands pair with the organic shapes beautifully, and even sparkle through the diamond slices. Also in the collection are necklaces, bracelets and earrings for wearing or presenting for the big wedding day, all with a very natural aesthetic.

Stack of Aroc Urtu I DO rings with natural color slice and rose cut diamonds in rose, yellow and white gold that enhance their beauty.

The Aroc Urtu Interview

idazzle: What was the inspiration and impetus of your new “I Do” collection?
Aroc Urtu: There aren’t many jewelers in the market right now catering to brides who are looking for earthier more organic pieces on their big day. We’re trying to fill that void with Aroc Urtu I DO, which focuses on unique, one of a kind gems like diamond slices, rough diamonds and rosecuts set in anything from engagement rings and wedding bands to bridesmaids gifts and symbolic jewels.

Aroc Urtu Rose Cut Black Diamond stud earrings set in Sterling Silver, Retail $468.

Aroc Urtu Emerald Slice Necklace in 14kt gold on an adjustable natural leather cord, Retail $1325.

Wow, you do that yourself!!? It’s even more impressive than I thought! What was the original inspiration of setting the faceted stones into the smooth beach stones?
We’ve both been collectors of stones and shells for years. To us, the untreated beach stones we’ve been finding on beaches around the world are equally as beautiful as fine gemstones that are cut and polished by stonecutters. It seemed only natural to combine the two to achieve that perfect balance of sparkly and earthy.

Aroc Urtu Diamond Dotted Branch Earrings in oxidized Sterling Silver, Retail $500.

Aroc Urtu Square Rough Cut Diamond set into yellow gold, shown with eternity band.

Your pieces sit so low and comfortable to the body. Do you think that jewelry design is moving towards ergonomic versus traditional prongs?
Lauren: Personally we prefer a ring that has the stones sitting as low to the finger as possible. Some stones are cut deep (height from the bottom, or culet, of the stone to the top, or table). Sapphires, for example, often require a deep bottom to maximize color intensity. In these instances the stone dictates how low it can be. But often times stones, particularly diamonds, are set way up high as a way to basically show them off. Not our taste. Even with faceted gemstones we keep them as low as possible, whether it is bezel or prong set, for a more understated look. One of the things we love so much about slices is that they have a flat bottom and can sit right on the finger.

A signature of many of your pieces are the beach stones, many of which you source yourselves on travels. With all the press recently, any danger that you will run out of stones?
Sarah: It’s funny because there was a time that we were definitely worried about that. Luckily, there’s no shortage of beach stones on the beach in front of our family home in Bridgehampton. Sometimes we send the boys out during high tide with shovels to scoop bunches of them up into buckets. We’re also lucky enough to have great friends who are kind enough to bring back stones from their travels around the world. It’s the best way to have variety!

Aroc Urtu Beach Stone necklace with champagne diamond slice in rose gold bezel and chain, Retail $1200.

You are committed to responsible manufacturing: recycled metals, zero environmental impact with your beach stones, even your packaging is hemp! Has this been more difficult than traditional manufacturing?
Lauren: When we started out two years ago vendors would look at us like we were speaking martian when we’d ask if they used recycled metals. Now, while still the exception, it is much easier to find jewelers, casters, etc. who are working from the perspective of environmental responsibility. Awareness of conflict diamonds and rubies from Burma that were supporting the oppressive government has increased tremendously as has our own government’s vigilance over the importation of these “dirty stones”. And while, yes, it is easier to work in ways that harm the Earth less, being aware of our roles as caretakers of this miraculous planet we live on requires constant effort. While Sarah and I see many of our fellow designers moving production overseas to keep expenses down, we have chosen to keep everything here in NYC where we can be more vigilant. We also believe in and support the talent of our local jewelers who are watching jobs go overseas at an ever increasing rate.

How would someone go about custom designing a piece of Aroc Urtu jewelry?
We try to accommodate all custom requests as long as they’re in line with the vibe of the brand. We’ll always stay true to using only Kimberly certified diamonds, non-Burmese rubies, and recycled metals. Email us at sarah@arocurtu.com and Lauren@arocurtu.com if you have an inquiry and we’ll be happy to discuss any custom requests you may have!

Aroc Urtu Eternity Bands, featuring hand-cut micro-pave details in rose, yellow and white gold, Retail $1800 each band.

What’s the most interesting custom design request that you have received?
One of our favorite custom orders was for a client who wanted some fabulous earrings to wear to her sister’s wedding. They had to be earthy to go with her personal style, yet elegant enough to make a statement at the over-the-top black tie event. We created a pair of chandelier earrings that had approximately 20 carats of autumn colored sliced diamonds and almost two carats of rose cut white diamonds. Needless to say, they were a big hit.

They sound fabulous! Where can readers find your designs?
For one, on our website www.arocurtu.com. We’re also carried in select specialty boutiques like Thistle & Clover in Brooklyn, Albertine in the West Village, and The Styleliner – a unique mobile shopping experience! Be sure to check the stockists page of our website for updates!

Aroc Urtu new earring design for Fall 2012.

What’s next for Aroc Urtu?
Lauren: Sarah and I couldn’t be more excited about our two upcoming collections. For summer we’re launching our Sea, Sand, and Sky collection that will incorporate Thai Gold, seafoam emeralds, and water blue sapphires. And for fall we’ve become obsessed with baroque pearls (I told you not to get me started), sliced rubies and emeralds with pave diamonds. We can’t wait to show you!

Where and How to Find Aroc Urtu Jewelry

If you would like to purchase Aroc Urtu’s designs, visit their website at www.arocurtu.com, or to visit a store that carries their designs you can find a location here. As a special Valentine’s Day, you can take 20% off of any jewelry on their site, Feb 1st through March 1st, 2012, using code vday2012 at check out. It’s an amazing opportunity to own a piece of wearable art at a justifiable price!

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Aroc Urtu Jewelry Interview

Colette Jewelry Draco Earrings from the Galaxia Collection, 18kt black gold with diamonds and moonstones, Retail $9980.

The Jewelry of Colette

Born into a French-Mexican family, Colette’s life has straddled both cultures and geographic locations. She manages to marry the more colorful, flamboyant imagery of Mexican and ancient native cultures with a more restrained French aesthetic. In Colette’s skillful hands, snakes are serpents from Eden, tempting rather than repelling us. Swords are bejeweled daggers whose charm doesn’t completely bely their danger. This is conversation-piece jewelry.

Colette Jewelry Excalibur Ring from the Azucar Collection, in 18kt black gold with white diamonds. Retail $4600.

Each design starts with a premise, an idea of inspiration. Then she works through the process of detailed drawings and wax models, until finally the finished piece of jewelry is set and polished to Colette’s exact specifications. Then she physically wears the piece, living with it for a while until she deems it is perfect, covet-able, and ready to weave into her collections.

Her collections are somewhat prolific, and cover a range of themes: flies, flowers, skulls, even the celestial is inspiration. I could spend at least a day browsing through everything. Made of gorgeous materials, every single piece receives the same amount of exacting scrutiny. Colette is especially skillful at incorporating the mechanics of the item into the design: the sword wraps effortlessly and becomes the band. Of course, the real stars here are the stones. With Colette, it always comes back to the stones…

Colette Jewelry Fly Pendant from the Bestioles Collection, 18kt black gold with black and white diamond pave and carved Labradorite, Retail $20,600.

The Interview with Colette

idazzle: It sounds as though your initial inspiration came from coaxing color and light from stones that hadn’t been seen before. Have you moved away from that or is that still an inspiration?
Colette: I have always been in love with color, especially the colors you find in nature like the blues, greens and turquoises of the ocean, land, animals and their intricacies, rainbow sunsets and flowers. You can find the most special color combinations. I love to play with different color palettes, tones and hues. I like to work with stones that have amazing color saturation and then combining them with neutral colors such as diamonds. I am so inspired by colors and what surrounds me – especially when I travel. My latest collection that is currently in the works is largely inspired by the color of the sea in Italy and the magnificent dragonflies that buzz around – their wings are just sensational.

Colette Jewelry Taipan Ring from the Eden Collection, 18kt black gold with diamonds and emeralds, Retail $8520.

Can’t wait to see those! What does your creative process look like? Do you begin with the stones, or with sketches?
Once I have in mind what I want to create I start with a simple sketch, then I move to the real sketch which means a full drawing in color with all the specifications for stone sizes and type of stone. Usually when I get the inspiration of a collection, I already know which stones I am going to work with. It is a simultaneous process. After the proper drawing is finished, then I move to the CAD design, and once everything is perfect, I print a wax and it goes to casting. After that you finally get to see exactly how the design is going to look which gets me really excited! Then, I proceed to setting and finally polishing. The piece is ready. After I make sure everything is made to perfection including the setting, the gold, finish and polish, I wear the piece for a little while. With photography being one of my hobbies, I like to take the pictures of my pieces myself, which I do in different positions and with varying backgrounds. If I want to put the piece in my jewelry box, then I know it is perfect and ready to show!

Colette Jewelry Green Camelot Ring from the Azucar Collection, 18kt black gold with white and black diamonds and emeralds, Retail $12,100.

You have a number of different collections, each with a central theme underlying. Do you have a favorite collection, something especially close to your heart?
The closest one to my heart is “feuille” because it involves so much of my personal life; it is the foundation of my business and thus my logo. The motif is a leaf that I found many years ago on Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris. I have always collected leaves and have a beautiful collection of leaves that I have found over the years. I love leaves because of their beauty and because they mark the seasons and that they fall from trees that represent life. Their structure also seems so elegant. And I want to immortalize leaves by making them into jewelry, setting them with different colored diamonds to represent each season of the year.

Colette Due Bracelet from the Feuille Collection, 18kt black gold with white and black diamond pave, Retail $12,150.

How does your heritage affect your designs?
I have lived between France and Mexico my whole life and I think that this cultural background absolutely has had an impact on my work. In Mexico, there is a great tradition of mysticism that comes from the ancient Azteca culture and a very vivid use of color that one can see in everyday life. My French sensibility I think has made me very in tune with elegance in design and simplicity of lines.

How do you decide when a piece is finished, complete?
I think that a piece is finished when I see that its design truly expresses the idea that I started with and after I have worn it and am confident that it is something that I would like to have for myself.

Colette Jewelry Dominica Ring from the Mar Collection, 18kt yellow gold seastar legs hold a faceted rose quartz, Retail $7500.

Do you have a current muse or obsession?
My current obsessions are insects and wings. These structures are so intricate and many times we look at them and do not really see them and to me they represent different sorts of mysteries.

Out of curiosity, what were the stones you worked with originally, that started it all?
The stones that I worked with originally are Peridot, Tanzanite, and Apatite.

Colette Jewelry single stud earring with attached cuff that wraps around the ear, 18kt black gold with white diamonds and moonstone, Retail $3900.

Thank you so much, Colette, for a glimpse into your magical world!

To see more of her collection, or to contact Colette and her staff about a design, you can visit them at www.colettejewelry.com. You can also see her designs at several stores in the USA and Mexico, including Fragments at 116 Prince Street, New York, New York, or call 212.334.9588.

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Colette Jewelry Interview

Jordan Alexander Necklace Containing 300 Year Old Yemen Prayer Beads, Moonstones, Pave Diamond Beads and Clasp

Jordan Alexander Jewelry Background

So who can make pearls go from tepid to trend? The designer responsible for Jordan Alexander’s aesthetic is Theresa Bruno. A native of Alabama, Theresa grew up surrounded by the tradition of jewelry in the south. The pearls and jewelry collections of her mother and grandmother definitely made an impression, with their fine workmanship and classic styles. But when Theresa began designing her own jewelry in 2010, she wanted something serious but with a twist: a way to wear materials that are recognizably fine, but in a fresh way that can go from office to grocery store to night out effortlessly.

Jordan Alexander Pave Diamond Double Loop Diamond Slice Earrings

The Jewelry of Jordan Alexander

In addition to a selection of core designs, Jordan Alexander releases new collections of jewelry each season. Looking over the collection for Fall 2011, I was struck by the variety of materials: Jasper, Tiger Eye, Chysolite, Pyrite, tea-dyed bone, wood, Moonstone, and antique Yemen prayer beads, to name just a few. The jewelry is a reset of combination expectations, with rough-textured black lava happily coexisting with luminous pearls or twinkling pave beads.

Jordan Alexander Peacock Baroque Pearl Necklace with Diamond Pave Links and Clasp

My favorites? I would layer the 42 inch Navy or Beige Pearl strands with the 28 inch versions with a tassle. Or the long Sandalwood or Bone beads with shorter leather macrames woven with creamy pearls and diamonds. I could have the mother of all arm parties with an ivory or beige pearl bracelet, layered with crocheted multi-strands with sparkling black spinels, and finished with macrame woven with a pave diamond disc. I genuinely covet almost any of her earring designs, but especially love the pave buttons paired with the antique Yemen prayer bead drops: drama, beauty and history all in one sophisticated package.

Jordan Alexander Peacock Bracelet Twist Bracelet with Diamond and Sapphire Beads

The Interview with Jordan Alexander Jewelry

idazzle.com: When did Jordan Alexander Jewelry officially launch, and what was the ultimate impetus to make the jump into fine jewelry design?
Teresa Bruno of Jordan Alexander: Jordan Alexander officially launched in August 2010. I had been designing my own pieces for about three years when I decided to start the company. I wanted a look that combined my grandmother’s classic sense of style with my own edgier sense. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create my own. High-fashion individuals would repeatedly lift the pieces from around my neck and ask to purchase them, and eventually, my business partner and I laid the groundwork to take us to where we are today.

Where are your designs made, New York or Los Angeles? How has your history in Alabama influenced your designs?
I design when I am in both New York and L.A. I feed off of the amazing, creative individuals I work with, and am always pleasantly surprised by where I end up. Because a number of my pieces use such an unusual type of tying method, they are reproduced in LA. Being in Birmingham keeps me true to my southern roots and southern influence.

Do you feel that your background in classical music has impacted your designs?
I have always had a love and appreciation for beauty and artistry. In fact, I spent my childhood and early adult years training to be a classical musician. This training helped define me as a person and influenced my life’s creative journey as a musician, designer, arts educator and film producer.

Jordan Alexander White Agate and Baroque Pearl Necklace with Diamond Pave Links and Clasp

Can you tell us about your design process? For instance, how do you come up with such imaginative combinations of gems?
The actual design process may consist of working from sketches that are exact – working from drawings of designs that I envision – or, sometimes, it’s more fluid and evolves from seeing a specific material or certain finding I want to build on. I’m constantly trying to find creative uses for the materials I find. I look for elements to bring unexpected twists to my designs. I love combining traditional, classic elements like diamonds and other precious stones with rich, organic pieces like lava and moonstone. Perhaps my most recent example is how I’ve been working with diamond and pearl slices to create unique and more economical pieces.

What is the most interesting gem or material you have acquired so far? Have you been able to incorporate that into a design yet?
I certainly think the most interesting piece you’ll find in my designs is the 300-year-old Yemen prayer bead. These beads are pieces of antiquity that mothers prayed over for their children. Aside from being beautiful pieces, the history behind them makes them even more meaningful and valuable to use in my designs.

How does it feel to have the attention of people like WWD editors and the First Lady?! Did you have any sense when launching that your designs would resonate so quickly?
It’s an overwhelming honor, and I pinch myself from time to time to remind myself that this really happening. I put all of my creative energy into my work, and I see the amazing people I work with doing the same thing. To know that what we’re doing is impacting people on a level so much greater than ourselves is truly rewarding.

What is on the horizon for Jordan Alexander?
Right now, we’re expanding our presence across the country. As far as the actual line goes, we introduced our first set of enhancers and rings in Fall 2011. I’m looking forward to taking new concepts and expanding the collection to include more of those pieces.

Jordan Alexander Silver Ring with Quartz Slice and Diamonds

How and Where to Buy Jordan Alexander Jewelry

Many of the pieces are made in LA, but Theresa stays close to her roots by maintaining an office of the company in Birmingham, AL. You can contact them through the Jordan Alexander Facebook page. To see any of the items pictured here, or inquire about Jordan Alexander jewelry, you can find an extensive collection at Fragments New York City store in SoHo, or Fragments website. Contact them here or call 212.334.9588 to find out more. Jordan Alexander’s designs can also be found at other boutiques across the country, including Shari’s Place in Greenvale, NY and Marissa Collections in Naples, FL.

The designer of Jordan Alexander, Theresa Bruno at work

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Jordan Alexander Jewelry Interview

Dori Csengeri Zephyre Earrings

The Jewelry of Dori Csengeri

Each of Dori’s pieces seems to tell a story: the jewelry feels very personal, even intimate. The undulating swirls of silky cords are embroidered by hand in Dori’s studios, using age-old textile methods that are largely forgotten today. Small faceted beads and polished stones are nestled among the fabric, adding unexpected sparkle. The fabric and gemstones combine in interesting, painterly palettes.

Dori Csengeri Ephrah One-of-a-Kind Haute Couture Necklace, Assemblage of Embroidery and Vintage Jewelry

I am very glad that I was able to review her jewelry in person, as there are incredible details that are hard to capture in images online, like an intricately carved bead that one only notices when up close. Also, seeing the scale was helpful, as the jewelry is quite substantial, but is deceivingly lightweight and comfortable. Another detail: the reverse of each piece is lined in butter soft leather, which results in the jewelry being incredibly tactile, all softness and light.

Dori Csengeri Earrings, showing back of earrings lined in soft leather.

The Collections of Dori Csengeri

Dori Csengeri makes jewelry in a variety of styles, organized by collection. With names like Ganymede, Adesso, and MezzaNotte, each collection evokes a particular theme or aesthetic. Her Bridal collections are studies in texture, with a palette that complements an adventurous, aesthetic bride. Dori also does Haute Couture collections, in limited quantity, made exclusively for collectors who follow her work closely. In every collection, you can sense her textile background and her uncanny knack of combining it creatively with metals, beads and stones to create jewelry.

Dori Csengeri Portofino Necklace, $508 Retail

The Dori Csengeri Interview

idazzle.com: Your background is textile design, so how did you end up designing jewelry?
Dori Csengeri: During my studies of textile design, my dream was to be recognized as a designer who brings her own unique style, color palette and motifs to her creations. Over the years, I was bothered by the fact that I had no control over the way the end-user saw my textile designs or used them. While in Paris studying at the Academie de Port-Royal, I was experimenting with collages from textile materials. This is how the soutache cords landed on my desk. From there on, the road to jewelry was fairly short. I started with small color compositions in textiles, which evolved into beautiful lapel broaches. With time and experience, I developed a needlework technique, which is suitable to the creation of textile-based jewelry and realized that the jewelry path is the right path for me.

What inspires you the most: place, people, art, music, or something else?
Inspiration is something that is most evanescent and hard to explain. There are no rules and no winning formula, only that magical moment when the picture becomes clear. Throughout my life I’ve been collecting different materials from all over the world, ranging from local flea markets to shops in Paris, New York and Amsterdam. In every different place I find something special: an interesting bead, a striking new color, feathers, and countless small elements that spark my creativity. As I sit at my worktable my mind’s wheels begin to turn and things like memories, art, nature, scenery, travel, color, and the little details of life hypnotize my imagination. Each embroidered piece starts as a collection of single objects and by the time it’s finished it turns into a new and unique jewelry that carries my dreams and is a window so to speak to my personal world.

Dori Csengeri Paradiso Earrings, $337 Retail

Your designs are so complex, what does your design process look like?
The design process starts with collecting materials that appeal to me and are in sync with the fashion forecasts of colors, themes and moods. I use the textile cords and needle as my drawing board and so my “sketches” are experimental embroidered segments of different ideas and color combinations. After I make a wide assortment of sketches, the sorting process begins. I pick the most intriguing embroidery segments and I continue developing them, until I have finished color groups that each offers a variety of necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

The physical construction of the pieces is very tight and precise. How hard was it to make your ideas a reality in the finished jewelry piece?
I work long and hard on every style in order to ensure that my idea is thoroughly expressed. The colors, shapes, materials, and composition need to speak for me and only after I feel that’s been accomplished can my jewelry pieces go into production. After I finish embroidering the first jewelry piece and approve it, the piece is scanned in real-size. My amazing team of artisans have the “know how” of looking at the scanned images and hand-embroider perfect replicas.

Dori Csengeri La Divina Necklace and Earrings

Do your collections change dramatically from season to season?
Every season brings with it new themes, new materials and new possibilities that present a wide range of exploration and capabilities. What remains constant in my work is my personal language, my embroidery technique and my commitment to make the best jewelry pieces I can for my clients.

How long does it take to make a piece of jewelry, from the hand embroidering, to weaving in the stones, to finishing with findings?
It all depends on the size of the piece and the complexity of its design. I guess that it can take from a few hours to a few days.

Dori Csengeri Purple Haze Earrings

What is your dream for your company and designs?
I enjoy the process of “translating” my inner world into colorful creations. I love what I do, especially when I receive encouraging comments from my customers about the happiness and joy that my jewelry brings them. What more can I ask for…?.

What more, indeed? It was amazing to get inside an artist’s head a little, to see how Dori imagines and then creates truly unique pieces of wearable sculpture. Her website is a journey into a curated collection of color–I highly recommend exploring DoriCsengeri.com. You can purchase her jewelry directly from the website, or visit one of the authorized retailers, galleries or museums who represent her work.

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Dori Csengeri Interview

I just received a few images of her new collections, and they were so gorgeous, I had to share. There is a cohesive quality in the metal colors and textures, yet each piece is totally distinctive. I find the silhouettes incredibly on-trend and modern, yet there is a feeling of authentic ethnicity in the details.

Blackened Silver and 18K Gold Meus Designs Pave Colored Diamond Ring (Center Dia 6.49 cts, Other Dia Wt. 1.89 cts), $11,200 Retail

Blackened Silver & 18K Gold Meus Designs Diamond & Milky Moonstone Oval Bezel Ring (Dia Wt. 2.25 cts), $5,390 Retail

Blackened Silver & 18K Gold Meus Designs Champagne Diamond Tear Drop Earrings with Black Diamonds (Black Dia Wt: 5.66 cts, Champ Dia Wt. 0.80 cts), $7,600 Retail

Blackened Silver and 18K Gold Meus Designs Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds (Dia Wt. .50 cts), $6,200 Retail

Blackened Silver & 18K Gold Meus Designs Champagne Diamond & Emerald Frame Chandelier Earrings (Dia Wt: 1.10 cts, Emerald Wt: 2.3 cts), $4,200 Retail

I covet any of these for my personal collection, but I would (figuratively) kill for the Boulder Opal ring and the Emerald and Diamond Silhouette Earrings. I look forward to seeing more from this talented designer!

View this post on idazzle.com: New Meus Designs

Gerard Yosca Wood Beaded Drop Necklace in Turquoise from the Green Label Diffusion Line, $50 Retail

Gerard Yosca Triple Drop Crystal Earrings, $175 Retail

The Jewelry of Gerard Yosca

Gerard Yosca’s designs successfully meld an astonishing array of materials into a cohesive design theme each season: enamels, candy-colored faceted beads, wood, exotic stones, vintage charms and much more all come together to create wearable sculptures. All of his designs are made with care in New York City, a relative rarity in fashion jewelry these days. His design room is a playground of amazing raw materials all laid out in experimental combinations to get the look of each piece just right. (For a wonderful glimpse into Gerard’s studio and persona, check out this Unracked video interview of Gerard, sponsored by Gilt Groupe). This individual focus and intense concern for the design process shows throughout the whole collection.

Gerard Yosca Cherry Red Bangle Bracelet Set, $112 Retail

Did I mention that his designs are also exceptionally well-priced? It is not easy to find beautifully designed jewelry that is made well, domestically no less, from $75 to $600 retail. Gerard’s pieces are going to represent investments of the BEST workmanship available at their respective price points.

Gerard Yosca 75-Inch Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace from the Green Label Diffusion Line, $98 Retail

The Gerard Yosca Interview

idazzle: Your background in fashion design really shows in your designs. How did you originally discover jewelry design and what inspired you to make the switch?
Gerard Yosca: I actually have a graphic design and advertising background but loved fashion so much that I decided to switch industries. When reality struck, it was much easier to figure out how to make jewelry than how to drape and sew a garment.

Gerard Yosca Gold Wire Crystal Ring, $78 Retail

You design an array of jewelry categories: brooches, fabulous statement necklaces, dramatic cuffs. Is there a particular kind of jewelry that lets you be really free with your design process?
Brooches- they’re like little sculptures.

Gerard Yosca Rhinestone and Brass Disc Earring, $145 Retail

How do you arrive at your “theme” or direction each season?
It usually stems from what I’m looking for in my personal life. The change from complicated to homier food. The sudden desire for a bright colored sweater. These changes indicate a shift to what’s next. I’ve learned how valuable it is to take cues from what’s going on in my world.

Gerard Yosca Wood Beaded Necklace in Pink, $50 Retail

How would you describe the signature, underlying essence that is Gerard Yosca jewelry year after year, even as trends cycle through?
Every piece has a handcrafted look. You can really see this it is not mass-produced. There is also a strong point of view and personality to each collection. Color is another signature. I love some pretty nutty color combinations.

Classic Gerard Yosca Jewelry from Previous Collections, from Archive Photos

You have designed runway jewelry for some amazing fashion designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, and Nanette Lepore. Are you currently working on any interesting collaborations with fashion designers? If you can’t tell us about your current projects, what’s a recent collaboration that was really memorable?
When I collaborate with another designer I really love to put my heart and soul into the design process. Right now I’m putting all my focus into my signature collection, which doesn’t leave much time for anything else.

Gerard Yosca Turquoise Sunburst Chandelier Earrings, $145 Retail

You sell primarily through small specialty retailers. What are the benefits for collectors to buy through these retailers?
The retailers know what their customers own and what they might like. Often our buyers will mention customers by name, and tell me which of my pieces they’ve purchased. I love that relationship.

Gerard Yosca Wood and Crystal Drop Earring, $135 Retail

Can you tell us about your book?
My book is a project I have not yet found the time to start. But it will show 27 years of jewelry made by someone who knew nothing when he started and who thinks he may be finally getting the hang of it. I hope it might inspire someone to take a chance on a foolhardy career. If you’re passionate and love what you’re doing, you can make a life out of it.

Beautifully said! I look forward to hearing more about the book, and hope that your words inspire some fledgling designer to take the plunge! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

You can find Gerard’s jewelry in a variety of local boutiques around the country, email his studio here to get more information. You can also find his designs online at retailer Charm&Chain. Also, it’s only appropriate that his amazing, downtown styles frequently appear–and steal the scene–on Gossip Girl! I hope that you have a chance to see his designs in person, and maybe I’ll see a few gorgeous necklaces and bracelets on friends this season!

The Designer Himself, Gerard Yosca

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Gerard Yosca Interview

The creator of Meus Designs, Suneera Swarup, has debuted a collection that seems infused with the traditions and cultures of her native India, but utterly modern at the same time. She began designing as a young girl, starting first with textile design. This led to her exploring other surface mediums, until discovering jewelry. She finds inspiration in everything from the vibrant colors of India to an interesting Art Deco motif to music. Her textured, varied collections are all designed and handcrafted in her Los Angeles studio.

Meus Designs 18kt Gold and Blackened Silver Blue Sapphire Pave Teardrop Earrings, $3600 Retail

The Collections of Meus Designs

In the Influence Collection, black or brown diamonds and blackened silver metal stand in striking contrast to vibrant polished 18kt gold. Ancient symbols mingle, somehow cohesively, with Art Deco patterns and lines. There are pendants, suspended on layered leather cords, or strands made of gold, sterling and Ruby beads. Everything has an elegance to it, but looks like you could throw it on with jeans and be instantly glamorous in a strong, feminine way.

Meus Designs Small Framed Cross Ring in 18kt Rose Gold and .97 ct Diamonds

In her brand new collection, intriguing named Lure, Suneera has delved even deeper into playing with metal textures and colors. Deep, rich browns and blacks are highlighted with inlaid highly polished rose and yellow gold, or gleaming cabochon gems. There is definitely something suggesting mystery in this collection.

Meus Designs Lure Hoop Earrings in Blackened Silver with 18kt Gold and Cabochon Emeralds

Meus Designs also has a predominantly Sterling Silver line, named M Sterling. The jewelry in this collection incorporates similar motifs and textures as the other collections, but is crafted in silver, which makes it very collectible.

Meus Designs M Sterling Cross Ruby Ring

The Interview with Meus Designs Creator, Suneera Swarup

idazzle.com: Your shapes and motifs are totally original, as if you have been dreaming of these for years, and now the shapes are expressed in this precious jewelry. Does Meus have a specific Muse, something or someone you often use for inspiration?
Meus Designs: Originality is returning to the origin which is Nature. And nature never goes out of fashion. Aesthetic beauty rules our world in various fields, where form and functionality are inseparable. Meus is the synthesis of Art Deco, ancient traditions and eastern elements.

It sounds like you have a background in design, textile and other surfaces. What prompted your interest in jewelry design specifically?
I have always worked in fields involving color and creativity. In a larger industry, it is difficult to translate design work into actual products. With jewelry design, I feel I have a personal canvas where my design visions can be instantly realized. Plus, I have always had a love for jewelry, like most women do!

Meus Designs Stretch Bracelets with Peruvian Chalcedony and Pave Diamond Accents, $820, $6400, and $700 Retail from Top to Bottom

What does your studio process look like? Do you have specific gems that you design around, or do you design two dimensionally first and then source the stones?
I work both ways – Looking for new, unique material with a design direction in mind and vice versa.

Meus Designs 18kt Gold and Blackened Silver Pink Sapphire Oval Ring, $2140 Retail

Your use of recycled materials is very responsible and also a bit rare. Can you tell us how you decided to pursue this path, even though it’s not so easy?
Recycling and optimizing resources started as a necessity, and gradually became a efficient system, which we are proud to follow. Having a daughter who is passionate about the environment always keeps us in line too. I guess for that reason, she could be called a Muse for Meus!

You recently introduced the Lure Collection, when can we see more designs? Any other collections you can give a hint about?
We have some new pieces that will be completed later this spring that we are really excited about for the Lure collection! They fit in well with the current collections but add a different dimension to the line, particularly in the red-carpet category. There will certainly be collections added to Meus in time, but right now we are focused on expanding Lure.

Meus Designs Carved Turquoise Weave Earrings in 18kt Gold and Blackened Silver

It’s a bit rare that a very new designer would get noticed. Why do you think your designs have resonated with celebrities so quickly after your launch?
I am truly flattered and thankful to everyone who has appreciated my work. I like my designs to be timeless and ageless. I want my jewelry to be passed on as heirlooms; pieces that will hold value and sentiment. I am hoping this is feeling is reflected in the designs and celebrities, being artists in their own right, identify with this feeling.

Meus Designs Emerald Hook Necklace in 18kt Gold, Blackened Silver and Faceted Emerald Beads and Pave

Thank you so much, Suneera, for your thoughts and insights! Meus Designs has shown amazing promise in its first collections launched just in the last year. The word meus translates to “mine” or “belonging to me”, and Meus Designs shows a very strong sense of self and identity in its collection. You can find Meus Designs at Nina at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, Lissa Fine Jewelry in NY, and a few other select boutiques in the country: click here for a list. To contact Meus Designs about any of the jewelry you see here, visit MeusDesigns.com.

Meus Designs Serpent Earrings in 18kt Yellow Gold on Diamond Huggie Hoop

Meus Designs Stack of Bangles in 18kt Gold and Blackened Silver in Sophisticated Gem Colors, Most Styles Around $1000 Retail Each

View this post on idazzle.com: Jewelry Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Meus Designs