jewelry

Maggi Simpkins creative by nature

Her ring was the top lot at Brilliant & Black, the Sotheby’s auction dedicated exclusively to black designers, although in truth Maggi Simpkins has physical traits that could make her mistake for a Mediterranean woman. But that’s not her distinctive trait. The Portland, Oregon-born designer has followed a different path than most of her colleagues in the jewelry world. In fact, she has no traditional training in fine arts or jewelry. In short, no classic diploma from the Gia, but a lot of inspiration. Also thanks to the atmosphere breathed in the family, with creative parents by profession.

Anello con un diamante rosa di 2,43 carati circondato da rubini
Ring with a 2.43 carat pink diamond surrounded by rubies

In short, Maggi Simpkins has refined her creative process over time for her jewels, but which the designer also transfers to clothing or interior design. She lives and creates her jewelry, made to order, one-of-a-kind pieces, from her studio in Los Angeles. Although she didn’t go to design school, when she was 20 and had just dropped out of college, she designed a fashion jewelry line for a private label. The designs were purchased from BCBG and Nordstrom. Experiences in the world of jewelry that have continued with other collaborations for companies in the sector. Until she started getting enough inquiries from private individuals and in 2015 she started her own business.

Anello Peakock con un diamante taglio smeraldo, zaffiri e smeraldi
Peakock ring with an emerald-cut diamond, sapphires and emeralds

She mainly creates unconventional rings with large stones surrounded by other colored gems, with an original style. Naturally, you choose materials according to the ethical and sustainable principle. One of the latest creations is a pair of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds customized with 14k gold and diamonds for emerging artist Kenzie Ziegler.

Anello con diamante fancy yellow di 5,12 carati, assieme a diamanti bianchi e zaffiri
Ring with a 5.12 carat fancy yellow diamond, together with white diamonds and sapphires
Anello per matrimonio, pezzo unico, con diamante e turchese
Wedding ring, unique piece, with diamond and turquoise
Maggi Simpkins
Maggi Simpkins
Anello con diamante taglio pera e zaffiri
Ring with pear-cut diamond and sapphires

The precious leaves of Michael Aram

Handcrafted worked metal and colored stones in jewelery by Michael Aram ♦ ︎

In Hindi, the word aram means “sweetness, peace, love, and care.” If this is Michael Aram’s mood, it is uncertain. In any case, he emphasizes this semantic affinity. Michael Aram is an American designer and artist, born in New York, where he works. At the end of the 1980s he traveled to India and this trip changed his life: he discovered the tradition of metalworking and created a home and laboratory in New Delhi. From there, the business continued and Aram founded a company that produces home design items. Furniture, design, but craftsmanship. But it also offers jewelry.

Orecchini in argento rodiato nero, oro, diamanti
Earrings in black rhodium-plated silver, gold, diamonds

The passion for ancient traditions has been linked to an entrepreneurial spirit that has transformed it into a signature in its field. But after a few years, Michael Aram has expanded his business to jewelry as well. Of course with collections that have hand-crafted metal their fulcrum. Not only that: Micheal Aram’s jewels, which also appeared at Couture 2017 in Las Vegas, make a large use of precious stones and precious stones, as in the Botanical Leaf collection. This is something that the Indian likes too much.

Collana con perle grigie, ametrine, zaffiri viola
Necklace with gray pearls, ametrine, purple sapphires
Anello in oro, argento rodiato nero e diamanti
Ring in gold, black rhodium-plated silver and diamonds
Anello Butterfly Ginko in oro, argento e diamanti
Butterfly Ginko ring in gold, silver and diamonds
Orecchini Butterfly Ginko in oro, argento e diamanti
Butterfly Ginko earrings in gold, silver and diamonds
Anello Butterfly Ginko, in argento, oro, diamanti
Butterfly Ginko ring, in silver, gold, diamonds
Orecchini a foglia in argento con diamanti
Silver leaf earrings with diamonds

The Seasons of Lionheart

You have to be brave to move to a distant country and found a jewelry brand. Perhaps it is not accidental, therefore, the choice of the name: Lionheart. But the sisters Joy and Sarah Haugaard, who as teenagers left Denmark to live in New York City, in addition to the heart of lionesses, also have a connection with the world of jewelry. The liveliness of the American city served as fuel to determine the design and jewelery collections, which combine minimal Scandinavian style with the dynamism of Manhattan. The passion for jewels, however, is a legacy from their grandmother, to whom they dedicated their first collection.

Ciondolo personalizzato di Lionheart
Personalized Lionheart pendant

Lionheart’s new collection is Seasons. It is centered on a pendant with interchangeable discs, which are inspired by the beauty of winter, spring, summer and autumn. The discs are crafted from semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, red coral paste, malachite, turquoise and black mother of pearl and are supplied with each pendant (as part of the overall price). All are handmade in Italy. The collection starts at $3,925. The brand uses ethically and responsibly sourced diamonds and precious stones. The gold is 14 or 18 carats and the craftsmanship is made in Italy and New York.

Le diverse combinazioni della collezione
The different combinations of the collection
Ciondolo in oro e pasta di corallo
Pendant in gold and coral paste
Ciondolo Seasons indossato
Seasons pendant worn

Sabyasachi, the maharaja of jewels

Tomorrow’s jewelery of India is the same as yesterday’s India: the opulent jewelry by Sabyasachi ♦ ︎

“Ethnic wear for the global nomad”. Wear robe-related clothes in an increasingly global and moving world. Prophet of this wisdom is Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Indian fashion designer, of Kolkata. His collections of clothes give that opulence that is admired in old prints or vintage photographs: embroidered, baroque, rich fabrics. But it would be wrong to consider it as a simple stylist. He is, instead, a man of multiple interests as well as a designer. From food to culture, from movie (Bollywood) to literature: Sabyasachi is a sort of Renaissance character in Indian interpretation.
In 2008, the designer widened his work on jewelery.

Bracciale in oro con gemme e diamanti
Mangrove bracelet in gold with gems and diamonds

An example of his jewelery is the Mangrove bracelet, made in homage to the great Indian artisan tradition and to the various species of endangered trees found along the Ganges and in the mangroves of the Sundarbans. The bracelet has hand-engraved details and is made of 18k gold with multi-colored gemstones and diamonds. The back is studded with EF VVS VS graded diamonds.

Collana in oro con pietre dure
Gold necklace with semiprecious stones

But not fashion-jewelry, that is, jewelery produced in series, made with cheap materials and with embossed the brand. The collections of Sabyasachi are inspired by deep and precious India, rich in stones like diamonds and emeralds, but cut in a traditional way or, better, not cut with classic faceted shapes. Polki diamonds, like those used by the maharajas of a time, sewn on robes of nobles during the Moghul dynasty. In short, just look at these images (spread on Instagram) to make a dip in the depths of India’s most traditional. “Growing up, I spent hours digging in my mother’s and grandmother’s jewelery lockers. Their taste was simply delicious. Perhaps, that’s why I’m disappointed: where did all this art go?” So he thought about him to revive the tradition.

Collana della collezioe Tropic of Caluctta
Necklace from the Tropic of Calcutta collection
Collana con smeraldo intagliato, rubini, diamanti
Necklace with carved emerald, rubies, diamonds
Orecchini in oro e diamanti
Gold and diamond earrings
Orecchini in oro 18 carati, diamanti, opali
Earrings in 18k gold, diamonds, opals
Modella con abito, accessori e gioielli Sabyasachi
Model wearing Sabyasachi dress, accessories and jewelry

The abstract art of Swati Dhanak

The jewels inspired by the abstract art of Swati Dhanak, a designer of Indian origin who lives and works in New York ♦ ︎

Her grandfather, an Indian jeweler, moved to Dubai in the 1950s, at the beginning of the economic boom that transformed the city. Swati Dhanak was born in the city of the Emirates, and since she was a child she has attended the family jewelry workshop. But the jewelry store in Dubai was not enough for the designer, who moved to New York. At the same time, however, direct experience with jewelery work was fundamental to her choices.

Anello Orbit con diamanti a taglio diverso
Orbit ring with different cut diamonds

In the American city, Swati Dhanak studied at the university, but she also worked for Armani and Chanel. Between East and West, with a solid history behind her and the influence of the family, the designer created her own brand, with a style that however has nothing that can remember the oriental style. Indeed, earrings and rings in 18K white or yellow gold and diamonds are inspired by abstract art, with unusual compositions of geometric and asymmetrical elements. Certainly they are jewels with a strong personality and a good creative dose, perhaps even the grandfather would have approved.

Anello Orbit con diamanti a taglio diverso
Column ring in 18k gold and diamonds
Anello Column Crown in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Duo Column Crown earrings in 18k gold and diamonds
Orecchini Duo Column Crown in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Duo Column Crown earrings in 18k gold and diamonds
Bracciale Column Crown in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Column Crown bracelet in 18k gold and diamonds
Anello Duo Four in oro giallo con diamanti baguette e di taglio diverso
Duo Four ring in yellow gold with baguette and different cut diamonds
Orecchini Duo Orbit in oro giallo e diamanti
Duo Orbit earrings in yellow gold and diamonds
Orecchini Emerald Column in oro giallo e diamanti
Emerald Column earrings in yellow gold and diamonds

Codognato, the art of jewelry in Venice

From Pop Art to the art of ancient Venice: myths and jewels of Attilio Codognato ♦

He was friends with Andy Warhol, which he attended for a long time in New York, and of Roy Lichtenstein. Of the two standard bearers of Pop Art, but not only them, he papered his house in Venice. Yet it is from the cultural roots of the most beautiful lagoon city in the world that Attilio Codognato, who passed away in November 2023, drew inspiration for his jewels. Or, rather, this is what the jewelery shop in Piazza San Marco does, opened by his grandfather, Simeone Codognato in 1866, which continues to offer small glimpses of the art of the sixteenth and seventeenth century Venice, but in miniature.​

Spilla Moro con smeraldi e rubini
Spilla Moro con smeraldi e rubini

Two, in particular, forms of jewelry that Codognato did become icons: the «moretto», traditional figure, that recurs in the paintings of the Venetian Renaissance, and the skull of “memento mori”, which in the past was a warning to ponder: remember that you have to die. Although the subject is macabre, the craftsmanship, luxury, artistic interpretation and transposition in the form of jewelry, they have been successful. And thanks to its attachment to tradition the now jewelry is part of the Venetian landscape. In short, a mix of gold, archeology, passion for art are the elements of the recipe of what is one of the oldest Italian jewelers. Rudy Serra

Spilla con smeraldo intagliato e diamanti
Spilla con smeraldo intagliato e diamanti
Spilla serpente in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Spilla serpente in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Anello in oro con smalto, diamanti, teschio e corona
Anello in oro con smalto, diamanti, teschio e corona
Bracciale Salamandra in oro rosa con rubini e diamanti
Bracciale Salamandra in oro rosa con rubini e diamanti
Attilio Codognato, anello Memento Mori
Attilio Codognato, anello Memento Mori
Bracciale serpente in oro, zaffiro, smeraldo, diamanti. Anni Cinquanta
Bracciale serpente in oro, zaffiro, smeraldo, diamanti. Anni Cinquanta

What to give to a woman? A survey reveals it

What’s the ideal gift for a woman? A global survey reveals that women’s favorite gift is…♦︎

What gift do women appreciate most? Since you are reading a gioiellis.com page you have already guessed the answer. But someone might have had some doubts about it. A survey conducted some time ago on a global scale by JewelStreet, a community of independent designers, cleared up any possible questions. Ok, the source is interested in what the results of the survey were, but the numbers seem clear. And, among other things, the survey did not limit itself to indicating generically what women’s favorite gift is, but also went as far as specifying the type.

Gli orecchini sono il regalo più apprezzato
Earrings are the most appreciated gift

The platform, therefore, promoted a survey to find out which gifts are most appreciated by the female public. Result: the study revealed that a piece of jewelery is the most appreciated gift by 58% of women. Next in the ranking are tickets for a show (30%), perfume (23%) and a dinner at a restaurant (15%).

The survey also focused on which type of jewelery is most appreciated: 57% of those interviewed hope to receive earrings as a gift. Ear jewelry, therefore, is the most popular type. Followed by necklaces (42%), bracelets (30%) and rings (26%).

Una collana in regalo piace al 42% delle donne
42% of women like a necklace as a gift

By the way, the survey also identified what women, at least those interviewed, do not want to receive. In first place is (surprise) chocolate (31% of women do not appreciate a gift of this type). Even flowers are not so popular (17% of women don’t want them), as are underwear (17%). Not to mention household appliances or tools such as vacuum cleaners and kitchen accessories. So, if you have doubts about what to give a woman, now you have the answer.

Bracciali, orecchino in oro e anello con acquamarina indossati
Bracelets, gold earring and ring with aquamarine by Marco Bicego

The elegance of the cowgirl Karina Brez

The charm of the Wild West, with the herds, the horses and, of course, the cowboys. And, for women, cowgirls. The contrast between beauty and the natural environment also made Karina Brez, a first generation Ukrainian-American, fall in love with her and who, in turn, made those who admired her as the winner of the Miss Florida title fall in love with her. Now, however, she creates jewelry. Her latest creation is called the Cowgirl Luv Collection, which pays homage to iconic mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada, Denali and Mount Whitney. Each ring in the collection symbolizes a mountain range, presenting a unique blend of sophistication and the wild, free spirit of a cowgirl.

Orecchino in oro, diamanti e turchesi indossato
Earring in gold, diamonds and turquoises

The hoop earrings are inspired by Montana, Aspen, Dakota, Sedona and Dallas. They are made of gold in the three classic colors yellow, white or pink, with the addition of a combination of turquoise, pink sapphires and diamonds. Jewelry worn and photographed through the lens of Dre Joseph. Karina Brez is passionate about horses and gemstones: she completed GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program, she is a graduate and supports non-profit organizations that introduce children to the healing power of horses.

Anelli e collane della Cowgirl Luv Collection
Rings and necklaces from the Cowgirl Luv Collection
Bracciali e anelli della Cowgirl Luv Collection
Bracelets and rings from the Cowgirl Luv Collection
Bracciali della Cowgirl Luv Collection
Bracelets from the Cowgirl Luv Collection
Collana con pendente e anelli in oro, turchesi, diamanti
Necklace with pendant and rings in gold, turquoise, diamonds
Karina Brez
Karina Brez

What are bridge jewelry?

Do you know what bridge jewelry is? This name has been used to indicate a large part of jewelry. If you don’t know what bridge jewels are, then, here’s an opportunity to learn it.

Bracciale fiorito Pandora Garden
Pandora Garden Blumenarmband

Of course, as with all categories, there are nuances. In some cases there are jewels that can be defined differently, a bit like hair color: there are those who are not blonde or even brunette, but somewhere in between. But this does not mean that jewels have long been divided into categories: high jewelery, jewelery, bridge, fashion, to which is added costume jewelery. As it is clear following this cataloging, jewels defined as bridges are halfway between high-end ones and those much more related to fashion.

Collana con pendente ad anelli
Necklace with ring pendant by Morellato

The jewels defined as bridge, in short, is a category that bridges the gap between low-end costume jewelery and high-end jewelery. Bridge jewelry is made with metal such as silver, 9 karat gold, vermeil (gold plated silver). They can be enriched with crystals or with the least expensive semi precious stones or even with synthetic stones and small cultured pearls. In large part this type of jewel is very popular and is represented by major brands, such as Pandora, Thomas Sabo or Morellato, but also individual Maison such as Monica Vinader, Giovanni Raspini or John Hardy, to name a few. And, of course, there are also small artisans who offer bridge jewels.

Cara Delevigne con bracciale di Monica Vinader
Cara Delevingne with Monica Vinader bracelet

According to a survey conducted a few years ago of about 120 jewelers in the United States, the percentage of bridge jewelry in overall sales has remained the same or has increased over time. Nearly half (48%) of jewelers said their bridge jewelry sales have remained pretty much the same as the percentage of overall sales in recent years, while another 43% said they have increased.

Bracciale in argento con acquamarina e cianite, catena soft flex
John Hardy, silver bracelet with aquamarine and kyanite, soft flex chain

Why have bridge-type jewels been successful? The factors that convinced the buyers are two: the very low price, also because it is not particularly sensitive to fluctuations in gold prices, and a design that in many cases has nothing to envy to that of more expensive jewelry. In any case, there are also notable differences between bridge jewels.

Orecchini piccoli della collezione Nautilus
Small earrings from the Nautilus collection by Giovanni Raspini

Nak Armstrong, Texas designer

The jewels of Nak Armstrong, which celebrates its first 25 years of activity.

Austin, Texas: in the city that in everyone’s mind is populated by people with big Stetson hats, decorated leather boots and Caddillac, there is a jewelry designer who has won the heart, aesthetically speaking, of the First Lady. He’s called Nak Armstrong, and his jewels, have seduced Sandra Bullock and other Hollywood stars as well as as Michelle Obama.

Bracciale in oro rosa e diamanti
Bracelet in rose gold and diamonds

The Nak jewels are quite original. It’s as the earrings, rings and necklaces were passed through the images of a kaleidoscope and then reassembled. The designer makes no secret of loving tissue intricacies, shadows and the architectural volumes: these elements, like a mosaic, are combined with the help of precious stones and gold or silver. Among other things, Nak Armstrong is also known for his skill in working metals, which allows  him to create jewels that look so geometrically unusual, somewhere between aztec engravings and extraterrestrial graffiti. Nak began designing jewelry in 1990, but debuted with his collection only in 2011, after founding Anthony Nak.

Anello con spinello rosso e spinelli multicolori
Ring with red spinel and multicolored spinels
Orecchini Stem con tormaline e opale
Stem earrings with tourmalines and opals
Orecchini Bahia Banana, con tormaline verdi
Bahia Banana earrings, with green tourmalines
Anello con tormaline rosa e verdi
Ring with pink and green tourmalines
Collana rivière con pietra luna
Rivière necklace with moonstone
Anello con diamanti
Ring with diamonds

Paul Morelli, successful jewels

When a jeweler is successful, he has it for real. A while ago, Paul Morelli bought a waterfront mansion on North Bay Road, Miami Beach, just a month after he bought a house on Hibiscus Island in the Florida Sea for $ 11.5 million. The second purchase was also challenging, as it paid $ 17.5 million for 11 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, swimming pool, dock with boat lift, guest quarters, three garages, a gym and a balcony. Morelli is the owner of The House of Paul Morelli, which has a studio in Philadelphia and a boutique in New York City, but his jewelry is also sold at other retailers, including Neiman Marcus.

Anello in oro giallo e diamanti
Ring in yellow gold and diamonds

What kind jewels have made Paul Morelli so optimistic? It must be added, however, that the success is the result of a career of almost 40 years. Morelli developed an interest in the world of design from a very young age. His family was in the clothing business, but he studied journalism in college and after graduation he started helping a friend make jewelry. Thus starting a bright career. The first major buyer was Bergdorf Goodman. He works exclusively in 18K gold and occasionally platinum. He loves unusual combinations and the pleasure of surprising, light and elaborate shapes, alongside colored cuff bracelets, flowers and geometries.

Campanella in oro giallo e zaffiri rosa
Bell in yellow gold and pink sapphires
Orecchini in oro e diamanti
Gold and diamond earrings
Orecchini in oro, turchese, rubini
Earrings in gold, turquoise, rubies
Bracciale in oro 18 carati con diamanti, zaffiri gialli e viola, acquamarina
18k gold bracelet with diamonds, yellow and purple sapphires, aquamarine
Orecchini in oro 18 carati con diamanti, zaffiri gialli e rosa
18k gold earrings with diamonds, yellow and pink sapphires
Orecchini in oro 18 carati con diamanti su conchiglia rosa intagliata
18k gold earrings with diamonds on a carved pink shell
Orecchini in oro con diamanti taglio rosa
Gold earrings with rose-cut diamonds

The unique pieces of Lotus Arts de Vivre

Jewels inspired by the exuberant Thai nature of Lotus Arts de Vivre ♦ ︎

The Bueren family, of German origin, moved to Bangkog in 1962 and founded Lotus Arts de Vivre. The initiative of Helen von Bueren was then continued by her sons Sri and Nicki. Unlike what one might imagine, the Maison’s goal was not to use the artisan skills of Thai goldsmiths to create European-style jewels at a lower cost. The jewels of Lotus Arts de Vivre are, instead, artistic creations that preserve the culture of ancient Siam, the Asian tradition and are inspired by the beauties of nature.

Lotus Arts de Vivre, Wing earrings con ali di scarabeo, diamanti, tormalina
Lotus Arts de Vivre, Wing earrings with beetle wings, diamonds, tourmaline

Born as a hobby, the Maison founded of Helen von Bueren has grown to become a success story. With no need to advertise, Lotus Arts de Vivre achieved success mainly through word of mouth. The brand is also committed to producing its creations with the largest possible number of natural materials, with the aim of transferring the beauty of nature to jewelry. For example, next to metals and precious stones, sometimes jewels use seeds, claws, walnuts, coconut shells, purebred skin, ostrich and emu eggs, beetle wings, ebony and teal woods, shells, bamboo and rattan.
Collana con colletto del periodo Meiji dell'inizio del XX secolo presenta un design intricato ornato con quattro forcine per capelli laccate giapponesi, diamanti baguette e tsavoriti verdi, incastonati su piastre di argento sterling rodiato nero
Early 20th century Meiji period collar necklace features an intricate design adorned with four Japanese lacquer hairpins, baguette diamonds, and green tsavorites, set on black rhodium-plated sterling silver plates

Lotus Arts de Vivre is also proud to have resisted the temptation to enter mass production: instead, it remains a predominantly one-of-a-kind jewelery manufacturer. But, in addition to jewelery, he has also extended production to home decorations, cutlery, travel accessories, sunglasses, new and antique furniture, shoes, belts, rugs produced in Kashmir.

Orecchini con diamanti, tormalina rosa, scarabeo
Earrings with diamonds, pink tourmaline, scarab
Orecchini con perle barocche, diamanti, rubini
Earrings with baroque pearls, diamonds, rubies
Orecchini con smeraldi e diamanti en tremblant
Earrings with emeralds and tremblant diamonds
Orecchini con torace di scarabeo, oro, diamanti, argento
Scarab thorax earrings, gold, diamonds, silver
Orecchini di conchiglia intagliati in oro rosa 9 carati
9K Rose Gold Carved Shell Earrings

Pearls and design by Alessandra Donà

She has remained off the radar of the media, yet Alessandra Donà has conquered a non-secondary place on the jewelry market, especially the one that focuses on exports. The brand, in fact, regularly participates in trade fairs such as the one in Singapore or the Jck in Las Vegas. A sign that the jewels of the Vicenza-based brand meet the taste of a varied public who loves the modern and essential lines that characterize collections such as Friday Night or Timeless, consisting of earrings, necklaces or rings in gold with pearls and pavé of precious or semi-precious stones. precious.

Anello in oro con perla e zaffiri rosa
Gold ring with pearl and pink sapphires

Although it is evidently well established in the jewelry market, not much is known about Alessandra Donà. In the short autobiographical notes it is indicated that she took her first steps in the world of pearls during her collaboration with some of the most important international fashion houses. She has also traveled to Europe and the East for many years, perfecting her experience and knowledge of the market and the most important pearl growing regions in the world. After producing for third parties, since 2009 she has launched the brand under her own name. Among other things, the brand was founded in an Italian Renaissance building, Palazzo Capra Querini, in Vicenza. Alessandra Donà explains her style with the intention of proposing jewels “that do not abandon themselves to the temptation of futile trends, but that trace the future in the imaginary axis that harmoniously unites the greatness of the past with the expressions of the future”.

Mono orecchini con perla nera South Sea e labradorite
Mono earrings with black South Sea pearl and labradorite
Anello in oro con perla
Gold ring with pearl
Anello in oro con perla e tsavoriti
Gold ring with pearl and tsavorites
Bracciale in oro e tsavoriti
Gold and tsavorite bracelet
Collana in oro e pavé di zaffiri rosa
Necklace in gold and pink sapphire pavé
Mono orecchino ion oro con perla
Single gold ion earring with pearl
Orecchini in oro, perle, zaffiri rosa
Earrings in gold, pearls, pink sapphires

The jewels of Carlo and Kiki with A & Furst

Pleasant and classic jewels those of the couple Carlo Antonini and Kiki Furst, who created A & Furst in California ♦ ︎

In Milan the name Antonini is associated with the history of jewelry. But also in California. In fact, after studying in the Lombard city, Carlo Antonini moved to St. Helena, a town not far from San Francisco. Here, together with his wife, Kiki Furst, continued the family tradition, now in its third generation: Carlo’s grandfather opened his precious stones company in Milan in 1919. But also Kiki Furst has a history behind it in the world of precious : Kiki’s family started making jewelry in 1850.

Bracciale in oro rosa 18 carati con prasiolite e tsavorite
18k rose gold bracelet with prasiolite and tsavorite

In short, leaving the family traditions behind, the couple started a new life in Napa Valley, famous for its wine production. It is a small paradise where you can continue to work and create jewelry. Thus was born A & Furst, a jewelry brand that has found its place on the American market. The different stories of Carlo Antonini and Kiki Furst have come together in a synthesis: pleasant jewels, easily wearable, without eccentricity, but with a solid aspect of color and well-being.

Anello cocktail in oro con ametista e tanzanite
Gold cocktail ring with amethyst and tanzanite
Orecchini in oro e topazio Blue London
Blue London gold and topaz earrings
Orecchini con tormalina rosa e opale rosa su oro giallo
Earrings with pink tourmaline and pink opal on yellow gold
Orecchini Bonbon con peridoto e agata bianca su oro giallo
Bonbon earrings with peridot and white agate on yellow gold
Anello Bonbon con acquamarina milky e topazio blu su oro bianco
Bonbon ring with milky aquamarine and blue topaz on white gold
Orecchini con topazio blu e zaffiri blu
Earrings with blue topaz and blue sapphires
Collana Lilies con topazio blu e diamanti su oro bianco
Lilies necklace with blue topaz and diamonds on white gold

The jewels that speak with Kendra Pariseault

Creative jewels, designer jewels, jewelry that reminds of voices. They are those of Kendra Pariseault ♦ ︎

You can find runners not only in the morning in city parks or engaged in a marathon. There are also runners who prefer to engage in other speed competitions. For example, with a trunkshow on Moda Operandi even before having a fully functioning website. This milestone (it was May 2019) is reach by the runner-designer Kendra Pariseault, the new rising star of US design. His work, which has just begun, has already been promoted with flying colors. All that remains is to follow his career.

Bracciale Resonance in oro 18 carati e diamanti
Resonance bracelet in 18k gold and diamonds

Kendra Pariseault grew up in Rhode Island, attended Skidmore College where she specialized in Gender Studies and art and then jewelry at the Rhode Island School of Design. Later, he worked for Calvin Klein and David Yurman, where he discovered the world of colored stones. She is also co-founder and creative director of the low-priced jewelry line Kendra Phillip. Now, instead, with his brand Kendra Pariseault Jewelry, he aims higher, at more expensive and refined jewels. Without forgetting what his interests are outside of jewelry: fashion, femininity and feminism. And some esoteric aspects: he claims to have recorded the voice of a deceased on his cell phone and, from this experience, he has drawn some jewels that represent sound waves. Pariseault also creates personalized bracelets with the sound wave of a word or a sound at the request of a customer. His jewels cost between $ 5,000 and $ 50,000.

Orecchini in oro 18 carati
Volume earrings in 18k gold
Bracciale Love One Another in oro con perle e diamanti
Love One Another bracelet in gold with pearls and diamonds
Orecchini in oro 14 carati con tormalina rosa
14k gold earrings with pink tourmaline
Anello in oro e zaffiri rosa
Ring in gold and pink sapphires
Orecchini onde sonore in oro e diamanti
Sound wave earrings in gold and diamonds
Orecchini in oro e zaffiri rosa
Gold and pink sapphire earrings
Orecchino in oro giallo 14 carati, zaffiri, topazi blue London, acquamarina, rodolite spinello-blu
Earrings in 14k yellow gold, sapphires, blue London topaz, aquamarine, blue-spinel rhodolite

The noble jewelry of Pippa Small

Social activity and jewelery: this is how Pippa Small got a the title of Lady of the Order of British Empire ♦

She creates jewelry, but is also a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, an order of chivalry that rewards contributions to the arts and sciences, collaborates with charitable and welfare and public service organizations outside the civil service. But Pippa Small, in addition to being a designer, is also an anthropologist, a human rights activist and an ambassador for survival. The London-based designer who also shops in Los Angeles and New York, not surprisingly, is liked by a (former) members of the royal family, such as Meghan Markle, who often wore earrings by Pippa Small.

Bracciale in oro 18 carati e pietre semi preziose, collezione Galaxy
Bracelet in 18k gold and semi-precious stones, Galaxy collection

To this list one could add that she is in love with stones (but this aspect is common to many jewelers) and that she often frequents the East, from Thailand to India, in search of gems and to restore the spirit, as well as to carry out activities of charity. The stones of her jewelry are often simply cut, as was often the case at the time of the maharaja. Among his initiatives, for example, he took part in the Turquoise Mountain initiative, in Afghanistan, to revive goldsmith craftsmanship. The activity was then extended to Myanmar and Syrian refugees in Jordan. In short, Pippa Small is also active in the social field, but this does not mean that her jewelry production is neglected.

Anello in oro 18 carati con ematite, zaffiro color miele, quarzo fumé, occhio di tigre, pietra luna e quarzo rutilato
18k gold ring with hematite, honey-colored sapphire, smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, moonstone and rutilated quartz

 

Bracciale in oro con peridoto
Gold bracelet with peridot
Collana in oro giallo e bianco con cristalli
Necklace in yellow and white gold with crystals
Collana in oro giallo 18 carati, pietra di luna, quarzo e tormalina
Necklace in 18k yellow gold, moonstone, quartz and tourmaline
Orecchini a bottone in oro giallo 18carati e fiore di rubino
Stud earrings in 18k yellow gold and ruby flower
Orecchini pendenti in oro giallo 18 carati e tormalina
Dangle earrings in 18k yellow gold and tourmaline
Anello in oro e cianite
Gold and kyanite ring
Pippa Small
Pippa Small

The symbols of jewels

Have you ever thought that jewels are not only ornaments, but also symbols? That’s right: jewels are also messages. Very often they contain symbols that communicate a feeling, an intention, and even a request for help. But these symbols are not always known. Maybe you are wearing a piece of jewelry that has a meaning and you don’t know it. Here, then, are the symbols most used in jewelry and what their meaning is.

Il bracciale My Life In Seven Charms
The My Life In Seven Charms bracelet by Annoushka Dukas

With a premise: every moment of history, every society, every culture has its own symbols. So, a list that includes exactly all the symbols that are used in jewelry would be very long. Furthermore, the symbols used in Asia, for example, are quite different from the Western ones (for example the dragon or the circles). Then there are symbols that need no explanation, such as those linked to the zodiac signs, or the cross, a symbol of the Christian religion.

Anello in oro e diamante
Heart-shaped ring in gold and diamond

Symbols of love
Symbols linked to love are the most used in jewellery. The meaning of the eternity ring, for example, composed of a continuous line of diamonds or other gems along the entire edge of the shank, is easily understandable: the desire for endless love. From mathematics, however, comes the symbol ∞, the sign of infinity which, on a jewel, means forever, eternal love. Furthermore, it is impossible not to mention the heart, an organ which, according to an ancient tradition, contains passions and feelings of love.

Anello con il segno dell'infinito
Ring with the infinity sign

The heart is the most common symbol for love, passion, but also for charity. A crown placed above this symbol wearing it indicates that the one who gave it as a gift is the king of the heart. Another symbol linked to love is the arrow, which according to the ancient Greeks was shot by Cupid to make people fall in love. A lock or padlock protects the heart and, therefore, who you love. A padlock is also used as a union sign that cannot be divided.

Collana a catena con lucchetto, pavé di diamanti
Chain necklace with padlock, pavé diamonds by Zoë Chicco

A key, on the contrary, symbolizes the power to open the heart, therefore access to love and feeling. Or to close off access to other competitors in love. Always among the symbols of love, there are occasionally two shaking hands: they are not the sign of a deal just concluded, but a symbol of loyalty, friendship, alliance in life. But this symbol is used more rarely.

Pendente a forma di chiave in platino e diamanti
Key-shaped pendant in platinum and diamonds from Tiffany

The snake
The snake symbol has different meanings. In the ancient Greek and Roman world it meant a guardian, but also a symbol of wisdom, fertility and creative life force. More recently, however, a snake bracelet has had the meaning of eternal love in the Victorian period. Symbol of sin for the Christian religion, the snake has also become a symbol of carnal passion, of desire.

Bracciale Serpente di Bulgari con turchesi e diamanti
Bulgari Serpente bracelet with turquoises and diamonds

Lucky symbols
Since ancient times, jewels have also been used as amulets. Therefore, jewels with symbols to ward off the evil eye or as a good luck charm abound. It does not appear that a jewel of this type can win the lottery, but the fact is that a large number of people who hope to find luck wearing a necklace or a bracelet. The four-leaf clover is traditionally one of the most used symbols. In fact, luck is as rare as a four-lobed clover leaf.

Anello in oro bianco e diamanti
Four-leaf clover-shaped ring in white gold and diamonds by Recarlo

Another symbol of protection from bad luck is the eye. It is a symbol that dates back to classical Greek antiquity. The idea is that the eye protects from the malevolent gaze of enemies. The horseshoe is also a symbol often used for pendants, although their use is controversial: some think it brings good luck when turned up, but bad luck when turned down. But others think otherwise. In Italy, especially in the South, a small horn is considered a good luck charm.

Collana anti malocchio della Maison Aya
Anti-evil eye necklace from Maison Aya

Beetle
Today it is less common, but every now and then some jeweler proposes a pendant or a ring with the shape of a scarab. The meaning comes from ancient Egypt, when these insects were considered a symbol of renewal and regeneration. Later the scarabs were also considered a sign of resistance of the soul.

Anello triplo grande Luna in oro giallo 14K con uno scarabeo di Labrodorite verde e diamanti bianchi taglio brillante
Luna ring in 14k yellow gold and scarab with labradorites and white diamonds by Lito

Moon and tree of life

It has no meaning related to the stars. The crescent moon, however, symbolizes the beginning of a new relationship, with the hope that the couple will consolidate over time. Another symbol that refers to nature, but also to the origin of life is the tree. And in addition to representing the cycle of biological life on Earth, in the tradition of the Christian religion the tree of life is a tree that God placed in the Garden of Eden, together with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Anello con luna crescente, oro, diamanti
Ring with crescent moon, gold, diamonds by Anthony Lent

The hand of Fatima
Called Hamsa or Khamsa in Arabic, the hand it is an amulet characteristic of the Muslim and Jewish religions. For the Jews it is the Hand of Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron. For popular Islam, the hand represents an infallible remedy against the evil eye and negative influences in general. But the hand of Fatima was also a sign of freedom for women: according to legend, a woman named Fatima sacrificed her hand to be free. Today the hand of Fatima is also used to indicate spaces dedicated to women.

Anello con ciondolo mano di Fatima
Swarovski, ring with hand of Fatima pendant

Symbol of peace

The peace symbol, also called “make love, not war”, dates back to 1958: it is an idea by the American designer and pacifist Gerald Holtom. It became popular in the 1960s and 1970s during the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations. Although for some the symbol is a graphic representation of the physical love between man and woman, Holtom explained that in reality the graphic sign refers to the semaphore alphabet used in nautical signaling: it would represent the letters N and D, which stands for Nuclear Disarmament. In any case, it has become the universal symbol of peace and love more generally.

Il simbolo della pace
Symbol of peace

The loving asymmetry of Kavant & Sharart

Love at first sight, jewels forever. The romantic story of Kavant & Sharart is signed by two designers based in Bangkok: Nuttapon Yongkiettakul, aka Kenny, and Shar-Linn Liew. The two met in 2004 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Raised in a family of jewelers Nuttapon Yongkiettakul has design in his blood. After graduating from university, the couple moved to California: Kenny attended courses at the Gia, while Shar-Linn completed his studies in the financial sector. Until she was infected with a passion for jewelry. Once married, Kenny and Shar returned to Bangkog and their work attracted the attention of jewelry aficionados.

Anello Origami in oro, diamanti e tsavorite
Origami ring in gold, diamonds and tsavorite

Kavant & Sharart’s style has nothing oriental about it. Rather, it is inspired by original, modern geometries, with a splash of art deco. The couple also won the debut award at the 2016 Couture Show. Gold, precious stones, but above all a predilection for curves that suddenly stop at acute angles, with volumes that are sometimes deliberately asymmetrical: the Maison’s jewels are also sold from big luxury stores like Harrods, because together with love, business triumphed.

Orecchini con perle South Sea, zaffiri rosa e smalto
Earrings with South Sea pearls, pink sapphires and enamel
Pendente con zaffiri viola e blu
Pendant with purple and blue sapphires
Pendente con zaffiri viola e blu
Rose gold ring with diamonds and enamel
Orecchini Le Phoneix con diamanti bianchi e neri
Le Phoneix earrings with white and black diamonds
Anello Origami in oro bianco diamanti e zaffiri
Origami ring in white gold, diamonds and sapphires
Orecchini Origami in oro e diamanti
Origami earrings in gold and diamonds
Bracciale Talay Wave Twist in oro bianco e diamanti
Talay Wave Twist bracelet in white gold and diamonds

Jennifer DeMoro, California dreamin’

California. Sun, beaches, waves. And a fashion that loves comfort and the informal. In this context Jennifer DeMoro found inspiration for her jewels, which have the seventies as their ideal, when California was the dream of young people all over the world. But Jennifer DeMoro’s jewels are not necessarily to be attributed to a hippy atmosphere or the current Coachella Festival. The designer’s brand is based in southern California, in San Clemente, a seaside town just below Los Angeles. The beach lifestyle in her jewels is transformed into many colored semi-precious stones, which adapt to shiny gold and which remind the designer of the sunsets and intense shades of her territory.

Anello in oro 14 carati con topazio azzurro, smeraldo, ametista, zaffiro arancio e rosa, granato, citrino
14k gold ring with blue topaz, emerald, amethyst, orange and pink sapphire, garnet, citrine

The stones often have special cuts and the colors are chosen to express strong contrasts, with clear geometric shapes: sapphires, rubies, garnets, spinels, emeralds and amethysts are worked with cuts that include baguette, princess, round and marquise. Jennifer DeMoro also finished a Jewelry Design course at Gia.

Jennifer Demoro
Jennifer Demoro
Pendente in oro 14 carati con topazio azzurro, smeraldo, ametista, zaffiro arancio e rosa, granato, citrino
14k gold pendant with blue topaz, emerald, amethyst, orange and pink sapphire, garnet, citrine
Anello in oro 14 carati con ametista, zaffiro rosa e arancio, smeraldo, topazio azzurro
14K gold ring with amethyst, pink and orange sapphire, emerald, blue topaz
Orecchini in oro 14 carati e zaffiri rosa
Earrings in 14 carat gold and pink sapphires
Orecchini in oro 14 carati e smeraldi
14k gold and emerald earrings
Orecchini in oro 14 carati con ametista, zaffiro rosa e arancio, smeraldo, topazio blu
Earrings in 14k gold with amethyst, pink and orange sapphire, emerald, blue topaz
Anello con 4 pietre taglio baguette: topazio, ametista, citrino, zaffiro rosa
Ring with 4 baguette-cut stones: topaz, amethyst, citrine, pink sapphire

The art applied to jewels by Matthew Campbell Laurenza

Sculptor, gemologist, artist. But above all jeweler with roots in the USA and based in Bangkok for 22 years: Matthew Campbell Laurenza alternates the creation of jewelry with that of sculptures with his brand Mcl Design. The jewels have an eclectic style, capable of mixing Thai craftsmanship with art nouveau flourishes and occasionally even a hint of Gothic. In short, jewels that stand out, made of gold, but also silver and precious and semi-precious stones. Made in Thailand, the jewels are then sold in luxury stores mainly in the US.

Anello in argento con cupola a mosaico con smalto rosa avorio e zaffiri misti
Mosaic dome silver ring with ivory pink enamel and mixed sapphires

Each piece of jewelry is a miniature sculpture. Matthew Campbell Laurenza, in fact, before becoming a jeweler he graduated in Fine Arts at Bellarmine University, in Kentucky. But he is also a master goldsmith, counter jeweler, as well as having worked extensively in ceramics, stone, bronze and wood. His pieces are found in private collections and have been shown in exhibitions around the world, from Asia, Russia and the Middle East, to Europe and the United States and are sold in luxury stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, Liberty of London, Lane Crawford, On Pedder, Gallerie Lafayette and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as being worn by Rihanna, Katie Perry, Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Queen Rania of Jordan, Prince Albert of Monaco, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep and Iris Arpel.

Anello con ametista e zaffiri multicolori
Ring with amethyst and multicolored sapphires
Anello in argento con smalto, zaffiri ghiaccio e moldavite
Silver ring with enamel, ice sapphires and moldavite
Anello in argento con smalto arancione e zaffiri colorati
Silver ring with orange enamel and colored sapphire
Collana in argento, zaffiri verdi, ematite
Silver necklace, green sapphires, hematite
Pendente Robot in argento, smalto blu e zaffiri
Robot pendant in silver, blue enamel and sapphires
Orecchini a cerchi in argento placcato oro con zaffiri rosa misti
Hoop earrings in gold-plated silver with mixed pink sapphires
Orecchini in argento, zaffiri e smalto
Earrings in silver, sapphires and enamel
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