Style Setters: The Jewelry Brief Interviews Tiffany Chou

It has been said that if you are lucky enough to live by the ocean you are lucky enough. Or perhaps you could own a piece of jewelry designed by Tiffany Chou. Being a lover of the water myself, I was immediately taken by Tiffany’s designs. Her jewelry captures the essence and uniqueness of the ocean’s splendors and varied life forms in an artistic and thoughtful manner.

Tiffany grew up on the island of Maui, where the ocean was a part of every day life. She attended college at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After a brief Hollywood internship with famed photographer David LaChapelle, Tiffany moved east again. In early 2010, in New York City, Tiffany Chou Jewelry was launched to rave reviews.

I first wrote about Tiffany Chou to cover her eBay necklace auction to benefit earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. Today, Earth Day, Tiffany has created a challenge called “Bling to be Green” to encourage recycling. Her enthusiastic approach to life and giving back is refreshing and I encourage all of my readers to check out her contest..the prize is this shell link bracelet!

How does the ocean fit into your creative process?

I think growing up on an island made the ocean a pretty big influence, not only for my creative process but for my everyday life. I am constantly inspired by the ocean and it also brings me comfort. It is amazing to think that the ocean covers more than half of the world’s surface and yet we have only explored a tiny percentage of it. New plants and animal life are always being discovered so there is no shortage of things to learn about and go to for inspiration. When I need inspiration, underwater images and documentaries are always the first things I go to.

Who, past or present, has had the greatest influence on your life?

I would say my dad has been the greatest influence on my life. My parents adopted me when I was 3 months old and gave me a chance at a great life, which is something I will be forever grateful for. I can always count on my dad for an honest opinion and sound advice, even though I’m not always willing to listen. I am constantly learning new things from him— from business to how to lead a fulfilled life. He taught me that it really isn’t important what other people think of your profession, as long as you enjoy what you do and are happy in life.

The price point combined with the high quality of design of your collections are very enticing. Do you have a commitment to producing attainable art?

When I first decided to start a jewelry line, I knew that one of the most important things was to be able to provide beautiful jewelry that people can actually afford. I want people to feel good about buying one of my pieces, not go home and worry about being able to eat for a week.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my Fall/Winter 2011 line. The biggest challenge I faced was coming up with ideas outside of my beach-inspired comfort zone. I think the best designs are the ones that come naturally. With the new collection, I really tried not to force it. Eventually I came up with some new pieces that I am really excited about, which are different from my beach aesthetic but still have the unique but elegant look I strive to achieve.

With the ocean and environment being such a major source of inspiration, I’m also doing a Facebook challenge called “Bling to be Green” to celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22. I’m giving away a gorgeous silver bracelet made of large cowrie shell links with 625 hand set Pacific Opal Swarovski crystals which retails for $280. To enter, you have to click “Like” on my Facebook Fan page and email me a photo of the most innovative way you’ve reused something that would have otherwise been thrown in the garbage or recycling bin. e.g. Those empty tequila bottles sure make great bookends!

Photo entries will be accepted until Friday, April 29th. All photos will then be posted on my Facebook page, the photo with the most “likes” will win the bracelet. Voting period will last from Saturday, April 30-Tuesday, May 3. The winner will be announced on Facebook Wednesday, May 4th. I’m looking forward to seeing innovative ways to help the environment!

For all the contest details:

http://www.tiffanychou.com/pages/bling-to-be-green-contest

Hollywood History for Sale: Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry at Christie’s

Earlier this week it was announced that Christie’s will sell the vast and legendary collections of Elizabeth Taylor. Sales will include jewelry, art, clothing and memorabilia. The details will be announced later this Spring, but will probably include a series of sales over the next year. One estimate put the value of the jewelry as high as $150 million, but Ms. Taylor’s collection is replete with Hollywood history and historic jewels so the value is anyone’s guess.

The eight-times married Academy Award-winning actress had a love affair with jewelry, which is the title of her 2003 book My Love Affair with Jewelry. The book highlights the notable jewelry from Ms. Taylor’s collection including the 33ct Krupp Asscher-cut diamond ring, the Taj Mahal diamond, a brooch from the collection of the Duchess of Windsor, and La Peregrina pearl which was originally worn by Mary Tudor of England but is now part of a custom necklace by Cartier. Also included in the book are chapters devoted to Art Deco jewelry and animal jewelry, just to mention a couple. It is probable that most of these jewels will wind up on the auction block.

Christie’s is certain to produce a large number of beautiful, “book-like” catalogues for each sale, and (hopefully) host public pre-sale viewings. For those of you thinking about actually acquiring a piece of history check out my post on buying at auction. If you just want to ogle with out spending, Christie’s has one of my favorite, free i-Phone applications that puts articles and full-color catalogues at your fingertips.