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.

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.”
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.
The Latest

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.


Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.