Style Tip: Best Travel Jewelry for Summer 2011

Packing is like a math problem. How many outfits can you make combining as few pieces as possible? Next problem…what jewelry to bring. Never wanting to spend extra time at airport security, the search is on for a few pieces that can easily transition from day to night. I picked three pieces that will keep you hip, bejeweled and a light traveler this summer!

A long gold chain that can be worn long with a tunic, doubled for a bigger evening look, or wrapped around your wrist.

Gold dangle earrings that can pass as casual day earrings with hair down or more dramatic for evening with upswept hair.

A bit of green. Green is the hottest trend in jewelry this season. I am traveling with an oversized turquoise and wood ring. It is so hip!

 

Have a happy holiday weekend!

The True Prep on Jewelry

Thirty years have passed since The Official Preppy Handbook was published, but there is renewed hope as the recently updated edition guides prepdom into the 21^st Century. Author Lisa Birnbach has teamed up with designer Chipp Kidd to bring us True Prep: It’s a Whole New World.

 

Indeed, much has changed over the last thirty years, but some noted traditional jewelry style maxims still hold true. Always remove one piece of jewelry before leaving the house, bigger diamonds are for evening, and pearls are for anytime. The author selects Verdura as the ultimate preppy jeweler. While his jewels are undeniably stunning, I believe the jewels of Verdura were selected primarily for their lack of pretension.

 

The book is also host to a three page list of vintage stores, where you are all but guaranteed to find the best in costume jewels. After all, if it is good enough for the First Ladies, it should be good enough.

 

My only complaint is the down putting of signet rings, one of my favorite pieces of preppy jewelry.

 

 

Mix Fine and Fashion Jewelry?

Absolutely. Today, fashion is fast. I don’t think twice before pairing an Hermes scarf with a Zara suit. Gucci purse and flip-flops from Target? On a daily basis in South Florida. Many items of clothing and jewelry are timeless, but for trends why not try fashion?

Jewelry is sentimental, it’s about marking milestones. It is also about refining and polishing your look. So, you can love your Art Deco engagement ring and spring for bohemian chic dangle earrings for a flirty night out!

 

 

 

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.

The Designs of Frank Gehry

For as much as I seek out fine design in jewelry, I am also a novice architecture buff. In my recent travels I have been awestruck by two new buildings designed by award-winning architect Frank Gehry. One building is the new home of the New World Symphony in Miami and the other is a large scale apartment building in Manhattan. These buildings gave me pause to return to the jewelry designed by Mr. Gehry for Tiffany and Company.

While jewelry design and architecture are certainly both art forms, their designs are on vastly different scales of size and intimacy. Mr. Gehry has perfected them both. He has designed eight collections for Tiffany & Company since announcing his collaboration in 2006. While Mr. Gehry is rumored to be partial to Fish (one of the collections), I am taken with the Torque collection. The architectural design of the sterling silver and light gray cement ring and wide bangle bracelet are probably as close as I will ever come to owning a building designed by Mr. Gehry. His ability to envision angles and materials that one might consider impossible to pair is unparalleled.

Frank Gehry was born in Toronto in 1929. He moved to Los Angeles early in his adult life, where he completed his education. In 1962 he opened his own design firm. Mr. Gehry’s buildings can be found worldwide. He has received numerous accolades for his work in design including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, and in 2010 was named the “most important architect of our age” by Vanity Fair Magazine, which published a peer review survey and subsequent article on contemporary architecture.

Designer Tiffany Chou Auctions Necklace for Japan Disaster Relief

Jewelry designer Tiffany Chou is giving back. Her custom design “Conched Out” necklace, shown at the left, is being auctioned now to support Japanese disaster relief.

The necklace is designed as a gold-plated conch shell pendant suspended from a 24” gold-filled chain. It is hip, versatile and was featured in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. The bidding has already begun and will continue until Monday, March 28. To participate in the auction please visit www.tiffanychou.com/pages/coral-reef-alliance and click on the link “Bid Now”. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Red Cross to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific.

Tiffany, now based in New York City, grew up on the island of Maui. It was there that she developed the passion for nature and the ocean that serves as the main source of inspiration in her art. Since launching Tiffany Chou Jewelry in early 2010, Tiffany’s designs have developed a following among top fashion editors and stylists. This is a great opportunity to own one of Tiffany’s designs while helping those in need.

“I think it’s important to always be grateful for what you have and to give back when possible.” -Tiffany Chou

Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Gem stones and metals are materials mined from the earth. There is a movement among designers and manufacturers to produce jewels using materials that minimize (or eliminate) harm to the earth’s natural resources. What I love is how several artists can approach the same dilemma and produce very different out comes.

I was introduced to the jewelry of Lauren Bergman of Aroc Urtu through Twitter. Lauren’s design resume is very impressive including some of the world’s biggest jewelry houses, but she has returned to her childhood love of rocks with her own collections. The jewelry of Aroc Urtu focuses mainly around found beach and river rocks, which are then set with small faceted diamonds or colored stones. The combination of naturally finished and machine finished stones is wonderful, and earth-friendly.

Other jewelers, such as Melissa Joy Manning, have taken environmental issues head-on. Starting with a Green Certified Workplace, which includes not only limiting any waste in production but also office recycling, energy and water conservation. Melissa explained her commitment to environmental protection in an interview with the Jewelry Brief in November 2010. Her designs have a distinctly organic and wearable appeal.

Monique Pean, designs fine jewelry inspired by global issues. The material in her designs is all sustainable and conflict free. This includes the gold, which is 100% recycled. A portion of the profits from several collections go directly to charity including clean water initiatives and the Native Arts of Alaska. Monique’s designs are bold and unique. She has fans from the White House to my house.

The Jewelry Brief Style Setters 2010: Thank you for a great year!

As 2010 draws to a close I would like to thank some the many people who made this year of briefs current, informative and witty.

A big thank you to the Style Setters, who took time out of busy schedules to share their creative inspirations and insights.

Many thanks:

Roberto Faraone Menella and Amedeo Scognamiglio of Faraone Menella

Etienne Perret

Banafseh Fatooriechie and Maryam Sardi of Faso

Evelyn Huang of Evelyn H

Sami Zeira

Pamela Froman

Melissa Joy Manning

Thank you to Jen Cullen, Joseph DePalma & Michael Perret for always thinking of me.

And a special thank you to Gail Brett Levine, Executive Director of the  National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, for her constant encouragement.

And finally, to my biggest fan, my sister, Merry Christmas.

To all of my readers, I wish you the happiest of holidays & all the best for 2011.

April

Tales from the Appraiser’s Desk: David Yurman Before the Cable

Recently, while conducting an estate appraisal I came across this necklace. Dated ’75, it was in keeping with the style and time period of the jewelry in the collection I was appraising. But this particular one was signed David Yurman.

Very exciting! My first step was to e-mail Patricia Faber of Aaron Faber Gallery in New York. Patricia is a wealth of information on artist jewelry. She confirmed that it probably was an early necklace by “the” David Yurman, and not by another artist of the same name. Next, I contacted the David Yurman Company. In very short time, they authenticated the necklace for me.

In the meantime, I did my own research on the jewelry artist now synonymous with silver cable jewelry and luxe lifestyle. Born in 1942, David Yurman grew up on Long Island, N.Y. He discovered his creative and artistic abilities at an early age through the medium of sculpture. In the 60′s he was apprentice to the master sculptor Jaccques Lipshitz. After spending time in an artist colony in California, David returned to Greenwich Village where he met his wife Sybil. Together they formed a lasting artistic partnership. They opened Putnam Art Works the precursor to the brand of the David Yurman Company, which was created in 1980. In 1983 David Yurman launched the iconic cable jewelry collection and the rest is history. The company celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year.

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