Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
This Is the Most Fun Take on Personalization We’ve Seen All Year
It’s from designer Wilfredo Rosado’s new contemporary fine jewelry brand, W.Rosado.
Los Angeles—You know those plastic beaded bracelets you used to make to spell out your name in childhood, the ones everyone began taking up again in earnest during COVID-19 lockdown this year?
Jewelry designer Wilfredo Rosado has come up with his own, far more elegant take on the nostalgic trend.
The Brooklyn, New York-based designer is most well known for his high jewelry pieces, but just launched a contemporary fine jewelry label, W.Rosado, via a Moda Operandi trunk show last month.
W.Rosado’s first collection is “Pearl ID.”
“After a few years of designing high jewelry, I felt the need to challenge myself to create a collection that is of the utmost quality and fine craftsmanship, but can easily be worn every day,” Rosado explained.
“The idea was to interpret a timeless classic into a collection that is modern and innovative, but also has the potential to transcend age and style.”
The 25-piece range features Australian South Sea pearls embedded with gold initials and symbols like a heart, star, cross, Star of David and a less kid-friendly sweet leaf, also known as the “Mary Jane.”
Rosado worked for months with artisan stone cutters in Idar-Oberstein, Germany to experiment with cutting the pearls. Craftspeople developed special tools during the process to accomplish the delicate work.
Once pearls were carved with the shape of a specific letter or symbol, artisan goldsmiths in Valenza, Italy crafted the symbols in gold and set them into the pearls.
“I pride myself on craftsmanship; it’s a hallmark of my high jewelry and I made no exceptions with this collection,” he said.
“Pearl ID” runs the gamut from a pearl stud earring or pendant with a single initial or symbol to more elaborate pearl necklaces and brooches that spell words like “Love” and “Amore.”
The collection’s mix of influences high—expert craftsmanship and materials—and low—the allusion to childlike craft jewelry—reflect Rosado’s unique artistic background.
Once upon a time, he ran in Andy Warhol’s circle in New York City, going on to serve as fashion director of his magazine, “Interview,” before moving to Milan to work under Giorgio Armani.
Now, making the move from high jewelry to more attainable styles, Rosado said he has noticed that symbols and customization continue to resonate with the typical fine jewelry customer.
“It was important to me to incorporate an element of personalization and symbolism into my first collection
In addition to the Moda Operandi trunk show, W.Rosado is set to retail at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores and on Saks.com, at Los Angeles boutique Just One Eye and on WRosado.com.
It retails between $2,500 and $100,000.
A portion of sales proceeds will benefit City Parks Foundation, of which Rosado sits on the board. It aims to expand green spaces for underserved communities in New York City.
The Latest
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.