A Stylish Agreement
In Style iced out! The classic trends magazine came up with a list of some favorite jewelry designers that I must say I am in agreeance with although there are a few more I would have added to the list. Here are my own top ten jewelry designers.
Ten Dazzling Jewelry Designers
1. Chopard: This is the big jewelry company that Canne! These Swiss people is one of the shiniest stars at the Cannes Film Festival. They even have a partnership with the festival. Chopard designed The Golden Palm Award. The Chopard Award is handed out to new talent in the industry, a male and female revelation. The goal of the relationship between these two giants is to promote creativity in the movie business. Although they make watches, they are proving the Swiss are good at other things! This has helped boost Cannes as not just a European event but an international one. Chopard pieces are not for the faint of heart but one looking to stand out in the crowd.
Gwyneth Paltrow handed out the Chopard Award this year, looking ever so lovely in her jewels.
2. David Yurman: Controversy always creates hype. Using “Cokate” Moss as his spokesmodel right after her arrest, garnered him attention. His black and white advertisements are artwork in themselves. Kate is often photographed his long chain necklaces. Yurman also produces bold cocktail rings. His pieces are classic and basic. His concepts are “All American” and he strives to be a leader in premier jewelry and watches.
3. Stephen Dweck: An avid rock collector from New York City, Mr. Dweck got his start by partnering with fashion designers and showcasing his jewelry on the runways. The most famous piece from this guys was worn by Drew Barrymore. It was a mother of pearl collar that featured the gemstone still on the oyster’s half shell. Mr. Dweck willl travel around the world to collect gemstones for his works and brings elements of nature to every article especially considering a beetle named “Adam” that he incorporates in every piece. All of the pieces are one of a kind. This is all quite apparent with a glimpse of these colossal creations.
4. Judith Ripka: The talented Miss Ripka sets out to design jewelry that can be worn everyday. She is inspired by her European clothes designing mother. Mama taught her to find beauty in everything around her. A strong woman, Judith employs almost all women at her company. Her mission is to design jewelry with simple elegance that can be suited for any role a woman plays in her life. She embraces color and has quite an extensive palette. Kate Hudson embraced her inner Judith while waiting to become a mom herself.
5. Kenneth Jay Lane: Previously a shoe designer, Kenny boy started designing for classically famous females such as Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn (yes eventhough she was in Breakfast at TIFFANY’S!) in the 1960s then Princess Diana before her untimely death. Nowadays, thanks to home shopping network QVC, he is making it to the masses. Some celebutards are so dedicated they stated they would rather go naked than without KJL. His artsy accessories are quite quirky and costume. He even wrote his own memoir Faking It about stealing designs from Bvlgari and his adventures in faux jewels.
6. Pianegonda: A contemporary mixmaster of high fashion and Italian jewels, Franco Pianegonda is fairly new on the scene (1994 was his big break). Nonetheless, this makes him fresh and youthful. Assembled in Italy, his jewelry is like a sculpture worn on the body. He is passionate about inspiring dreams to the wearers. The pieces are constructed of hardwares like sterling silver, gold, and brass. Queen of the parasol, Rihanna, has been photographed in these avant garde pieces.
7. Kwiat: The darling diamond jewelry is another red carpet favorite. They are a little more old fashioned in their approach maybe partly due to their 100 year heritage. The collections have an antique feel to them and even feature brooches and clip earrings. In an effort to modernize their image, they paired up with fashion designer David Rodriquez to create a diamond strapped dress for Carrie Underwood at the Country Music Awards. They have been seen in many American Idol appearances so that makes sense. Another piece of art fabricated by the famed diamond designers were portraits of screen legends like Marilyn Monroe emblazoned with diamonds. Kwiat crafts their diamonds based primarily on cut to receive the most brilliance with the goal in mind to make create an heirloom piece.
Carrie from Sex and the City adorned in a Kwiat brooch
8. Bvlgari: This Italian corporation started by Greeks produces jewelry fit for mythological royalty! The products are modeled after ancient Greek and Roman art with au corant touches. It is pronounced with a “u” but spelled with a “v” like the old time Romans did. These luxurious jewels are incredibly detailed and the collections are eclectic. The empire has been extended into accessories, perfume and even hotels. The pieces are so desired and such a status symbol that they’re replicated. Due to that fact, each genuine piece has a serial number. Lucy Liu wore not only rubies from Bulgari but also carried a clutch at a regal whiskey event.
9. Roberto Coin: Not just your average Italian jewelry designer, Mr. Coin looks to constantly evolve the style of jewelry. In fact, he says that changing style is his style. He is dedicated to red. Every jewelry item has a ruby hidden somewhere which is said to bring a woman happiness and luck when in contact with her skin. He also donates to Youth AIDS. His jewelry is fun to wear. He even made a piece mocking a chili pepper spiced chocolate bar and a purse made entirely of gold thread and chains. Roberto’s style is for a curious, passionate woman.
10. John Hardy: He may not be related to the Ed, but his designs are just as rockin’! With Bali being his main residence, that is where he obtains the vision for his intricate pieces. He learned his craft from the master silversmiths of the island he lives on. He believes in “sustainable luxury”, that you can produce quality items while maintaining a healthy environment. His pieces are diverse and colorful. The fine construction work can be felt through the hammering, filigree, and flattening, and oxidation. Plus, he donates money to the preservation of ecosystems. With this bracelet, 26 bamboo trees are planted!
