Truly a Classic: Seaman Schepps Link Bracelet

Seaman Schepps revolutionized the way many woman wore and purchased jewelry. His designs were “the kind of jewelry women wanted for themselves: wearable, exciting and modern, mixing high and low elements together.”*

Created in the 1940s the Classic Schepps Link Bracelet is one of my most favorite pieces of jewelry that he designed. It is a simple yellow gold link bracelet in an alternating pattern with another material, which is not so entirely innovative, but it is a daring twist on a standard bracelet that suddenly makes it a conversation piece.  The other material could be coral, crystal, turquoise or my personal favorite of wood. The bracelets are sold in a variety of widths and links. The visual effect is very rich and dimensional.

The bracelets can be dressed up or down, worn alone or, for the women lucky enough to have more than one, worn in multiples. Different materials can be combined on the same arm, and multiple bracelets can be joined to make one necklace. A couple of links from a shortened bracelet can be used for earrings. Multiple use jewelry is a great way to get variety and longevity out of a look that you love.

*The quote is taken from a fabulous book on Seaman Schepps, which is informative and beautifully illustrated. Seaman Schepps: A Century of New York Jewelry Design, Vaill, Amanda and Zapata, Janet, photography by Behl, David, The Vendome Press, 2004, reference Pg. 11.

To Bead or Not to Bead?

By all means, bead.  One of this Summer’s hottest accessory is still the  statement necklace.  Bead necklaces are one of the best ways to bring the new, bright colors of the season into your wardrobe.  Coral beads or “branches”, faceted “lime” quartz or turquoise beads are just the beginning of the list of gemstones that brilliantly show off a Summer palette.  Depending on the material these necklaces can be composed of a single strand of large beads or multiple strands of smaller beads to really make a statement!