CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveCollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection
Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Athena Calderone, who is pictured here modeling pieces from her John Hardy collaboration, is an interior designer, lifestyle blogger, podcaster, entrepreneur, and author of two books.
New York—John Hardy has partnered with interior designer and Eyeswoon founder Athena Calderone on a limited-edition capsule collection.
The “Athena Calderone x John Hardy” (AC x JH) collection transforms Calderone’s interior design style into fine jewelry. She worked alongside John Hardy’s designer and creative chairman Reed Krakoff to create each piece.
For Calderone’s jewelry debut, she chose to highlight the interplay of contrasting volumes. The pieces strike a balance between their bold, sculptural shapes and accenting delicate lines of diamonds.
She looked to 1930s decor—which was often practical and simplistic rather than ornamental—as inspiration, pulling forms, finishes, and materials from the Art Deco period.
The textured surfaces seen on the interior of the “AC x JH” cuffs, collar, and ring are a nod to French artists Jean Després and Jean Dunand’s hammered metalwork from the 1930s.
Their size is a callback to the voluminous forms of the 1970s, and the joinery and chain patterns seen throughout the collection are a nod to Art Deco designs.
“If there is one constant source of inspiration in my work, it is the home. It may seem counterintuitive to credit home as the foundation for a jewelry collection, but for me, it is the most natural springboard for ideas—what I know best and where I feel most creative,” said Calderone.
“Designing timeless pieces that make a visual statement while employing discretion was an intentional goal … Across fashion, jewelry, and interiors, my eye is usually drawn to pieces that are subtly bold and under-the-radar all at once. I find that juxtaposition will always leave you engaged.”
The “Athena Calderone x John Hardy” (AC x JH) collection transforms Calderone’s interior design style into fine jewelry. She worked alongside John Hardy’s designer and creative chairman Reed Krakoff to create each piece.
For Calderone’s jewelry debut, she chose to highlight the interplay of contrasting volumes. The pieces strike a balance between their bold, sculptural shapes and accenting delicate lines of diamonds.
She looked to 1930s decor—which was often practical and simplistic rather than ornamental—as inspiration, pulling forms, finishes, and materials from the Art Deco period.
The textured surfaces seen on the interior of the “AC x JH” cuffs, collar, and ring are a nod to French artists Jean Després and Jean Dunand’s hammered metalwork from the 1930s.
Their size is a callback to the voluminous forms of the 1970s, and the joinery and chain patterns seen throughout the collection are a nod to Art Deco designs.
“If there is one constant source of inspiration in my work, it is the home. It may seem counterintuitive to credit home as the foundation for a jewelry collection, but for me, it is the most natural springboard for ideas—what I know best and where I feel most creative,” said Calderone.
“Designing timeless pieces that make a visual statement while employing discretion was an intentional goal … Across fashion, jewelry, and interiors, my eye is usually drawn to pieces that are subtly bold and under-the-radar all at once. I find that juxtaposition will always leave you engaged.”
From top to bottom, the “AC x JH” cuff in sterling silver with 0.06 carats of diamonds ($1,395) and the “AC x JH” collar in sterling silver with 0.37 carats of diamonds ($3,500)
The “AC x JH” choker features a temple stone with 0.11 carats of diamonds set in sterling silver that sits on a silk black cord ($995)
This “AC x JH” lariat is crafted in 14-karat yellow gold with 0.17 carats of pavé diamonds on the toggle closure ($6,200)
From left to right, the “AC x JH” drop earrings with temple stones ($1,895) or rock crystal quartz ($2,300) with sterling silver and 0.30 carats of diamonds
An “AC x JH” necklace in 14-karat yellow gold ($6,000)
AC x JH is comprised of 17 pieces, from drop earrings and collar necklaces to lariats and cuffs.
Many pieces use sterling silver as a reference to framed pewter mirrors from the 1920s, while select pieces are in 14-karat yellow gold.
Reclaimed temple stone is also seen throughout the collection, adding a touch from John Hardy as the material is native to Bali, which is where the brand was founded.
The “AC x JH” chokers feature the brand’s signature black silk rope, rather than metal chains, holding rock crystal quartz, as a nod to the late 1980s.
Krakoff said he chose to work with Calderone for this capsule because of her reach to consumers who are greatly interested in style, fashion, travel, and everything in between.
Aside from founding her lifestyle blog Eyeswoon, Calderone has designed an interior decor collection for Crate & Barrel and rug collections for Beni Rugs.
However, what Calderone is most known for is the interior design of her many homes. She flipped houses in Brooklyn, New York, until landing in her current home in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City in 2023, according to a New York Times profile on the designer.
Calderone also made an appearance at this year’s Gem Awards. She presented the Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence to Chanel at the annual event last month.
On working with Calderone, Krakoff said, “The process was fluid and highly collaborative, taking our passion for design to the next level to create a collection that is a modern reflection of John Hardy and the brand’s next chapter.”
Krakoff continued that the two both gravitated towards the 1920s and 1930s “in our collaborative efforts to design a collection that would be definitive in the brand’s evolution going forward.”
The Athena Calderone x John Hardy capsule collection retails for $995 to $6,200.
It debuted on April 15 and is available exclusively on the John Hardy website.
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
