CollectionsAug 06, 2024
Lindsey Scoggins Studio Releases ‘Vices and Reverberations’ CollectionCollectionsAug 08, 2024
Chris Ploof’s New Collections Bring the Outdoors to Fine Jewelry
One features leather sourced from invasive species and the other Damascus steel bicycle chains.
The new pieces from Chris Ploof’s capsule collections are unisex but designed with male jewelry trends in mind.
Leominster, Mass.—Chris Ploof Designs has released two new capsule collections, “Leather and Steel” and “Precious Links.”
Leather and Steel is a series of 10 cuff and dog tag designs made from leather inlayed into Damascus stainless steel.
“I love mixing materials, especially things that others have not yet put together,” said Chris Ploof, designer and founder of the namesake brand.
The leather is from Inversa Leathers, a company that sources the material from invasive species, including python, dragonfin, and lionfish.
Inversa Leathers explains on its website that “unchecked invasive species are a driving force in about 60 percent of today’s species extinctions and cause $423 billion in annual damages around the planet.”
It sources these leathers as a byproduct of ecosystem restoration.
“It fits right in with our ethic of trying to make the planet better every day. We are using leather that’s a byproduct of harvesting invasive species for food production,” said Ploof.
Leather and Steel is a series of 10 cuff and dog tag designs made from leather inlayed into Damascus stainless steel.
“I love mixing materials, especially things that others have not yet put together,” said Chris Ploof, designer and founder of the namesake brand.
The leather is from Inversa Leathers, a company that sources the material from invasive species, including python, dragonfin, and lionfish.
Inversa Leathers explains on its website that “unchecked invasive species are a driving force in about 60 percent of today’s species extinctions and cause $423 billion in annual damages around the planet.”
It sources these leathers as a byproduct of ecosystem restoration.
“It fits right in with our ethic of trying to make the planet better every day. We are using leather that’s a byproduct of harvesting invasive species for food production,” said Ploof.
Chris Ploof’s cuff bracelet with an Inversa Leathers dragonfin inlay in Damascus stainless steel ($990)
A hand-forged Damascus stainless steel dog tag pendant with Inversa Leathers python inlay ($759)
Black Inversa Leathers lionfish inlayed in a Damascus stainless steel cuff ($990)
Ploof’s second capsule collection, Precious Links, is centered around bicycle chain links.
Throughout the collection’s seven pieces, he uses sterling silver, stainless steel, palladium 500, 18-karat yellow gold, and 14-karat red gold to create these bracelets.
“As an avid cyclist and former bicycle mechanic, these bike chain styles feel like part of my DNA,” said Ploof.
“I also love a good challenge. I started with the goal of designing a cool bracelet clasp that was unique to us. The shape was influenced by bike chains, naturally, and the bracelets grew out of that.”
A hand-forged bike chain link bracelet made from Damascus stainless steel ($1,200)
The textured bicycle chain link bracelet in silver ($1,210)
The bicycle chain link bracelet in 22-karat gold and silver ($3,410)
The leather inlay bracelets and necklaces range from $750 to $1,000, while the bike chain bracelets go for $3,400 to $5,500, with every piece hand-forged in Ploof’s solar-powered studio in Central Massachusetts.
The Leather and Steel and Precious Links capsule collections are both available on Chris Ploof Designs’ website.
More on Collections
The Latest
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards WinnersAt the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsThe FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 YearsThe fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at BonhamsThe Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida JewelerJohn Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a CompanyIn his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.
