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Editor’s Picks, Part 2
The Couture Press Preview took place at the Midtown Loft & Terrace last week, and the smaller-scale, more intimate setting gave me an opportunity to catch up with designers I know well and better get to know brands who are newer blips on my radar.
The event is always a blast--the Couture team is fun, the venue is gorgeous, and the brands asked to participate are always top-notch and distinct. Add in cocktails and handsome waiters passing out cheeseburger sliders, and it’s more or less a place I could live forever.
I rounded up four of my favorite pieces from the preview to share, the ones that truly caught my attention right off the bat, which I’m presenting in the second part of an occasional series of blogs dedicated to some great jewels.
Syna debuted swan cameo earrings at the event, set in 18-karat yellow gold with black diamonds (below, $4,950). I was impressed with the introduction of ivory carvings--which designers Dharmesh and Namrata Kothari found in Indonesia--as they add another dimension to the brand’s aesthetic, which is mainly smooth, round stones.
One trait I have noticed about designer Pamela Huizenga is that she’s great with mixing colors, especially when it comes to neutral and warm hues. Her chrysoprase bracelet, however, set in 18-karat gold with diamonds (below, $16,800), really caught my attention. The pavé around the single cabochon chrysoprase adds a delicate, feminine touch to the piece, that’s just enough and not too much.
Jacquie Aiche has a great collection that covers a range of styles, from elegant and floral to tribal and bold. Her 14-karat yellow gold agate slice prong ring with diamond pavé (below) is a great pairing of a gorgeous gemstone with edgy accents; the warm colors and gold metal is eye-catching but not scene stealing.
Sara Freedenfeld, the designer behind brand Amáli, weaves her gold jewelry by hand, with some pieces taking up to 10 hours to complete. I loved her 18-karat gold Peruvian opal clasp necklace with blue diamonds (below, $6,000), especially since the clasp mechanism allows the wearer to adjust the length of the necklace.
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