Our shifting acronym of GINGER allows us to extol all our favorite things! For this fourth edition, we didnât need to dig deep for the next topic weâre passionate aboutâjewelry (both costume and fine)! Jamie developed an early love for costume jewelry, which she inherited from her mother, who always favored bold choices and bangles from brands including Monet, Napier, and Miriam Haskell. When Michelle purchased a vintage Monet mirror for Jamie, it was kismet. Michelle also inherited a love of all things wearable dĂ©cor from her mother, mother-in-law, and grandmothersâall still active jewelry collectors :)Â
GorgeousÂ
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One of Jamieâs first internships while studying at FIT involved maintaining the Accessory Closet at Vogue. While sometimes seemingly tedious, she became knowledgeable about and appreciated staple Vogue accessory and jewelry brands. Those included Robert Lee Morris, who was asked by Donna Karan in 1985 to collaborate on her first solo collection. Although Morris had worked with other designers, including Kansai Yamamoto, Geoffrey Beene, and Calvin Klein, his relationship with Karan has been the most enduring, lasting for 20 years. Rumor has it that Morris, whose jewelry was styled with the recent Donna Karan reboot, has been invited to design again.
Another favorite at Vogue was Ben Amun, which now does amazing exclusives for Moda Operandi. Longtime CFDA member Isaac Manevitz brings a cool, sophisticated spin to classic vintage designs with his chunky, gold-toned, and nature-inspired jewelryâall hand-crafted in New York. Interestingly, later in her career, Jamie asked Isaac to recreate a gold bangle from Vogue that is now exclusive to Moda. Isaac took great interest in the stories around his designs and congratulated Jamie on one particular sample sale score! Michelle reminded me that I also asked Isaac to recreate a Dries Van Noten necklace we liked with a separate pearl stick pin on a velvet choker!
Coincidentally, Marla Wynne, whose office was in Isaacâs building, shares a similar aesthetic in her original The Stone Collection. Jamie introduced the two businesses during one fun get-together. Speaking of stones, both Jamie and Michelle love Dinosaur Designs (another Vogue favorite), and it was no surprise when Michelle placed one of their beautiful vases on her wedding registry, and Jamie happily obliged! ** Yes, sometimes we think we share a brain đ§
InterestingÂ
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This summer, the American Museum of Natural History will present a very different type of exhibit: the Ice Cold Exhibit, inspired by journalist and author Vikki Tobak's book. The tribute, which will be on display until January 5th of next year, celebrates hip-hop's cultural influence through stunning jewelry worn by iconic stars from the 1980s to today.Â
While in the neighborhood, visit The New York Historical Society to see "Enchanting Imagination: The Objets d'Art of André Chervin and Carvin French Jewelers," a dazzling showcase of meticulously crafted objets d'art. You'll find several stunning Carvin French Atelier jewelry pieces alongside unique, precious items, including the extraordinary Butterfly Brooch made for Ralph Esmerian.
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The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) supports up-and-coming designers and sustainable jewelry collections. Consider events like Presley Oldhamâs trunk show or the yearly MAD About Jewelry event. Similarly, the NYC location of Londonâs Wolf & Badger, B Corp Certified, offers the Worldâs best independent brands (as well as a large selection of Menâs Jewelry). In the past, many often didnât consider âcheapâ jewelry supply chains, but former lawyer turned jewelry designer Rosena Sammi creates new jewelry from the old with her socially responsible The Jewelry Edit.
Great [ For Vintage, Costume, and Fine Finds ]
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There are countless vintage, costume, and fine jewelry gems to discover in person and online. I'm (Michelle) all about brooches, thanks to their runway resurgence, icons like Iris Apfel, and even my mom! Vintage is the way to go, with prices from $5 to $5k, ranging from cheap and cheerful to diamond-encrusted. During my Paris flea market strolls, I encountered treasures like costume lucky charms, signed Marcel Boucher, and Chanel and Dior brooches. I've also picked up beaded and Bakelite bracelets and necklaces in Bali, Miami, and Tulum. They don't have to be expensive, just distinctive, making them perfect travel mementos and gifts.
In NYC, my go-to spot is the Showplace Antique Center on West 25th, especially Sheri's Vintage Collections gallery, filled with American vintage costume jewelry. Sherâs collection includes Victorian, Deco, and serpent styles. Don't miss the Chelsea Flea Market across the street for more affordable finds. Bring cash and be ready to negotiate!Â
There are plenty of options for those who prefer the convenience of online shopping. I find Inga Levin's @queensantiques page irresistible, with its carefully curated selection of rare pieces from renowned designers like Kenneth Jay Lane and Miriam Haskell. RealReal and eBay are also virtual goldmines for stunning vintage and second-hand finds.Â
In fine jewelry, I'm a rose-gold enthusiast with a collection of heirloom deco pieces from the men and women in my family. My favorite contemporary brands include Broken English, EF Collection, Stephanie Gottlieb, Carbon & Hyde, Lana Jewelry, Ring Concierge, and Bleeker & Prince. I also like to look at Mejuri, Stone & Strand, and Saks Off Fifth.
For fine jewelry, a little effort goes a long way. Embrace customization to add a personal touch to your pieces; many jewelers can rework heirloom pieces into modern styles. I've resized and re-plated pieces to make them more me.Â
Remember to remove your jewelry when engaging in activities like working out, showering, or sleeping, and make it a habit to clean them regularly. My go-to is the brilliant Jewelry Cleaner, but I also keep getting ads for Diamond Drunk. Proper storage is key; I use plastic pouches for necklaces to prevent tangling. And if a chain gets knotted, a few drops of oil can work wondersâmassage it gently and use a pin or toothpick to untangle it, being patient and avoiding force carefully.
Easy
Many believe we owe Coco Chanel a thanks for making costume jewelry and pearls (think Pearlcore) a thing. Chanelâs new 5th Avenue Boutique, dedicated to watches and jewelry, is much easier than a trip to Paris.Â
Pop over to the Tiffany & Co. at The Landmark. While I, Michelle, might not be your typical Tiffany gal, I was enchanted by the curated, museum-like space. It's filled with art, galleries, a café by Daniel Boulud, and dazzling Tiffany Hardwear and Elsa Peretti designs. (I'm hunting for a vintage snake bracelet or bone cuff!)
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Afterward, go down to the Swarovski Flagship, a two-story sensory delight at 680 Fifth Avenue. Revitalized by street-style star Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, this store is SERIOUS eye candy. She has infused the 128-year-old brand with fresh energy, making it younger and more relevant. The flagship offers a full range of Swarovski products, including crystal jewelry, figurines, home dĂ©cor, eyewear, tableware, and the new "Swarovski Created Diamonds." Watch for exclusive events with lots of giftsâover Mother's Day, Michelle and her Mama enjoyed champagne and treats while shopping with a specialist named Camille.Â
ReadÂ
A perfect coffee table ode to Coco's impeccable taste and 90 years of Chanel's jewelry designs can be seen in the recent book release  Chanel High Jewelry. It might inspire you or your guests to layer up, like Coco herself!Â
Another inspirational read is DalĂ: Jewels, showcasing Salvador DalĂ's stunning jewelry collection. His unique designs, displayed at the DalĂ Jewelry Museum in Figueres, Spain, inspire with their intricate craftsmanship and imaginative artistry, reflecting his genius and offering endless creative inspiration.
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