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!

Am I Blue?

Not if you are wearing blue gemstones. Blue is a cool color, and is associated with the sea and sky. It also symbolizes trust, wisdom and intelligence; blues can also invoke the idea of tranquility and calm. Blue is easy to wear and is a safe way to incorporate color into your jewelry.

Gemstones can be found in a number of different blue hues. The sapphire, a variety of corundum, is the most commonly thought of blue stone. Sapphire and diamond jewelry is very traditional, which does not mean boring. The most famous jewelry houses in the world have produced amazing sapphire and diamond pieces throughout history; important both in the quality of design and stones. Sapphires can also come in many tonalities of blue, including pastels and almost colorless; price is based on the color, size and transparency of the stone.

Turquoise blue is a symbol of youth. Although this color incorporates green it also has soothing effects. Turquoise has often been used in amulets to provide protection, health, confidence and strength. Turquoise and diamonds jewelry is one of my personal favorites. It is an unexpected combination that produces fabulous effects both in the pop of the turquoise color against the white and because turquoise is a moderately priced material compared to diamonds.

Other gemstones with a “blue” color include aquamarine, blue topaz, iolite, tanzanite and lapis lazuli. Blue topaz is relatively less expensive than sapphire and aquamarine, which its color mimics. It has been popping up in some great designer jewelry this spring, including some designs which caught my eye like the ear pendants shown here by David Yurman.