Sarah Graham has a distinct style in her jewelry designs: her works are organic and textural with a muted palate, feminine yet substantial, and unique yet universal in appeal. Graham draws her inspiration from the natural environment, giving her designs lasting beauty and sustainability through textures and styles found in nature. A matte black finish of oxidized cobalt chrome contrasted with 18k yellow, rose and white gold, set with colored diamonds, is also incorporated. This combination of natural shapes and textures with a glamorous finish is what creates the captivating and unique quality of her designs, and what has earned…
Category: Design of the Times
Design of the Times: Alex Sepkus
CommentsAlex Sepkus is a jewelry designer known for his remarkable focus and artistic expression. He concentrates so heavily on detail that his workforce requires microscopes to execute his designs. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek, medieval churches, and his favorite fantasy literature, Sepkus expresses an enticing playfulness and an unparalleled style of work as a goldsmith. See what he had to say about his design process, his inspirations, and how he began working in jewelry: What is your background in the jewelry industry, and how did you get your start? I studied industrial design at the Vilnius Institute of Arts. The…
Design of the Times: John Atencio
CommentsThis month, we got the chance to speak with John Atencio, who has designed fine jewelry in Colorado for more than 40 years. It all started when he was a business student at Colorado State University and wanted to give his girlfriend a ring. Little did he know this would be the launch of a newfound passion and his own jewelry brand. He made his girlfriend’s ring himself out of silver and since then, has designed thousands of more pieces of jewelry. Atencio hand designs each of the brand’s pieces of fine jewelry to ensure the creation of something distinctive,…
Design of the Times: Ladan & Tania Shayan, SHAY
CommentsLaunched in 2002, SHAY is an eclectic fine jewelry brand that celebrates the different sides of a woman’s personality. Los Angeles native mother-daughter duo Ladan and Tania Shayan has created a collection of sophisticated and classic styles that do not sacrifice fun and glamor. The duo has channeled its passion of runway fashion and laid-back California style into handmade jewelry made from precious diamonds and gemstones set in 18-karat gold and platinum. These pieces are made to be stacked, layered, and mixed-and-matched for a versatile jewelry collection that can go from the office to a night out. Below, the designers…
Design of the Times: Jennifer Dawes, Jennifer Dawes Design
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Launched in 2000, Jennifer Dawes Design is a conscientious jewelry brand helmed by independent designer Jennifer Dawes, who specializes in sustainable jewelry. She has become known for her organic diamond designs as well as her collections featuring colored gemstones in raw and slice form. You’ll find Dawes in the Design@LUXURY pavilion—a curated section of designers housed within the LUXURY show at JCK Las Vegas. Below, Dawes schools us on sustainable jewelry, knowing and loving your customer, and what’s in store at JCK Las Vegas. You launched your brand in 2000, when independent designers and sustainable jewelry were less in-demand. Have…
