2011 Style Setters Review

This year at The Jewelry Brief I was lucky enough to interview five inspirational jewelry designers that are true gems in their own right. They are from far reaching corners of the globe and at different stages in their careers, but they all share the same passion for art, design and adornment.

I was delighted when Emily Wheat Maynard agreed to talk to us about her breathtaking jewelry brand, Elva Fields. As all her pieces are comprised of vintage components, each one is truly unique. Emily told us that she takes inspiration from the materials themselves and creates her collection using all the beautiful objects she finds. The stunning results are perfect jewelry for the environmentally conscious.

Jeweler, Paolo Costagli told us of the fusion between the traditional and contemporary aspects of his work and the emphasis he places on quality craftsmanship. We were also interested to learn that his knowledge of gemstones and eye for exquisite color combinations form the basis of his creative process. This combined with his upbringing in culturally rich Florence and his love of French jewelers, have inspired him to create classic jewelry that will stand the test of time.

Designer Tiffany Chou fascinated us with her ocean influenced jewelry. She told us of how important the ocean was to her, growing up on the island of Maui, and this influence is apparent through her work. Tiffany also told us that she was committed to making her jewelry affordable, so that everyone could enjoy wearing something beautiful. An unusual concern for a jeweler, but one which her fans greatly appreciate.

Shlomit Ofir answered questions from her studio in Tel Aviv. A brilliant young designer, who sees design as a way of living. She is inspired by “snap shots” from every day life so her pieces reflect a wide range of themes from beautiful birds to mid-century modern formica furniture. Shlomit also has a commitment to affordability, which allows her customer to take a chance on a unique piece.

The final interview was with Gerard Yosca, who has been making women glamorous for 25 years. Season after season, he has been creating bold, colorful statement pieces that are hand crafted in his New York studio. He said that he designs for the woman who, “gets excited about her jewelry and wears it because she likes it, regardless of whether it is on trend or appropriate”. I think he was talking about me!

The Jewelry Brief would like to thank Emily Wheat Maynard, Paolo Costagli, Tiffany Chou, Shlomit Ofir and Gerard Yosca once again for their time and wish them every success and a very prosperous 2012.

Happy New Year,

April

 

Style Setter: The Jewelry Brief Interviews Gerard Yosca

Gerard Yosca’s work speaks for itself. One look at his bold, colorful designs and you will understand that his vision is about playful, unique statement pieces. Throughout his 25 years in business, Yosca has stayed true to his vision and consistently creates bold, beautiful jewelry adorning some of the world’s most glamorous women and prestigious catwalks. Yosca has collaborated with many clothing designers including Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Nicole Miller, and Nanette Lepore. He is an Emeritus Board Member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).

 

His colorful, playful attitude is reminiscent of a kid in a candy shop, and in some ways he is one. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Yosca’s career truly began when he was a child. He made craft objects and sold them on the counter of his father’s butcher shop for 10 cents a piece. His first creation was a pom pom critter with two plastic, beady eyes. The bright colors he chose for his creations call to mind the unflinching use of color in his hand-painted jewelry pieces. At Parsons School of Design he studied graphic design and advertising, but soon after returned to his love of the handmade arts. All of the his jewelry is still handcrafted in his New York Studio. Yosca prefers the title Fashion Designer; each season he creates a new, unique and inspired collection. He never follows trends, sees elements of design inspiration all around him and at the end of the day does what he has always loved to do. Women across the globe are lucky for that!

 

What is the most distinguishing characteristic in your design portfolio?

What seems so obvious is the way I work with color… painterly and the way I mix different “attitudes” in my work. You will see rough organic mixed with very refined.

 

What do you enjoy most doing?

I love building a collection. The color, scale, what motif to weave into it. When it all starts to make sense is still so exciting.

 

What are you favorite qualities in a woman to design jewelry for?

Guts. I design for a woman who gets excited by her jewelry and wears it because she likes it regardless of whether it is on trend or appropriate.

 

What is your favorite color?

Green-all the way from acid to brown/grey.

 

Who are your favorite artists?

Peter Doig for color, line, content. I never get tired of his work. Calder, for wit. Louis Comfort Tiffany, I’ve been obsessed with his glass works since I was a child.

 

What is your idea of happiness?

Being with someone to share all of the amazing things (and some bad!) that I get to see and do in this crazy lifetime.

 

 

 

 

Animal Jewelry

Animal jewelry is all the rage (again). Almost any animal you can think of has been incorporated into a fantastic, wearable design. You’re probably familiar with classic snake rings and panther bracelets, but what about pony or owl rings? Have you considered a frog or a peacock bracelet?

 

While there are many updated versions on the snake ring; I am partial to auction or antique market finds of Victorian snake jewelry. Although the style emerged in the 1840′s, serpent jewelry was so popular that many pieces were made, for all budgets, and can still be easily found today. Wild finger wrapping rings, hinged bangles or articulated links that make a neck chain feel like a real snake are just part of their intrigue and appeal.

 

Perhaps you need a wee bit of luck. Zoelle’s Pink Elephant cocktail ring may be just the piece for you. Pave-set pink cubic zirconia with gold-tone and yellow CZ detailing, this ring is not for the meek. The pink elephant could easily become your new statement ring.

 

If a pave animal ring isn’t your cup of tea, try out a large statement brooch. This time of year we are all breaking out our coats, blazers, and sweaters and a brooch is the perfect accent. This fabulous selection is from Tiffany & Co.’s Audubon collection. Diamonds, amethyst, tsavorite, and spessartite are combined with lacquer and set in 18k gold. Simply stunning! No matter what your animal of choice may be, there’s an amazing piece of jewelry out there featuring it. If you don’t have a favorite animal, just peruse the zoo.

Jewelry Gift Giving: Ideas for Everyone on Your List

When it comes to buying a gift for that special someone, make certain jewelry is number one on your list. You will surprise and delight her, and your generosity will bring enjoyment for years to come.

For a creative friend, a voucher for a jewelry-making workshop could herald the beginning of an enjoyable new hobby. Places like The Bead Boutique in Miami are popping up all over the country. Add a personal touch by choosing a selection of beads and findings that your friend might use to make her first pieces. They may even be so thrilled that you will receive a jewel of thanks!

For a gal with a penchant for a greener planet, an eco-friendly gift will undoubtedly be appreciated. Not only does buying an estate piece reduce further depletion of the earth’s resources, but it’s spot on trend. Hurry! There are several auction houses having sales this week including Heritage Auctions, Skinner and Sotheby’s. Christies will be offering Elizabeth Taylor’s Collection next week. Hours of fun can also be had trawling antique stores and market stalls for the perfect present. If you’re pressed for time there are now many jewelry designers who incorporate recycled pieces into their designs. We love the necklaces of Elva Fields, who incorporates a “found” object into each of her masterpieces.

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a diamond. It is most romantic of gemstones and an absolute luxury. A timeless classic such as solitaire stud earrings will captivate the most discerning amongst us. The holidays are also a perfect time for proposals, so if you’re ready, a trip to Tiffany & Co. may make all the difference. There isn’t a woman alive who could honestly say that the sight of a little blue box beneath the tree wouldn’t make them weak at the knees.