PARK Magazine

the significant advances made in technology,
resulting in an influx of lab grown diamonds
entering the market. This too has an impact on
the industry, as buyers have the choice to now
purchase larger stones for less. It’s a personal
choice - for me, the beauty of a diamond is that
it’s been created over millions of years by
nature, not in a laboratory in six weeks!
FACET 2- What are the 3 main points to
investing in jewelry, I.E. stamped,
signatures...
1I would never recommend purchasing a
diamond over a carat without a reputable
certificate, such as a GIA certification. That’s
the starting block, and creates transparency so
the purchaser is very clear on what they are
buying.
2Buy from a reputable source. Whether you
are buying retail from a brand like Tiffany
or Cartier, or whether you are buying from a
smaller, independent jeweler, do your
homework and ensure the reputation of the
jeweler and the quality of the piece.
3Understand why you are making the
purchase. Is it for everyday wear? Is it a
significant piece to be handed down from
generation to generation? Not every jewelry
purchase is an investment. I have purchased
pieces because I love the design, and enjoy
wearing it. The pleasure derived from wearing
a great piece of jewelry that matches your
personality is priceless.
FACET 3-
What are 3 current jewelry trends?
1Pieces that transform - More than ever
jewelry houses are understanding that
customers want value, and want flexibility. So
pieces are being beautifully designed to be
worn in more than one way. For example,
diamond drop earrings, where the diamond
drop can be removed, leaving the wearer with a
cluster/stud earring that’s perfect for daily wear.
My first experience with jewelry that transforms
was with the iconic Van Cleef and Arpels zipper
necklaces - each one can be transformed into a
bracelet!
2Fancy cut diamonds - More requests are
coming through for pear shape, oval, heart
shape, and emerald cut diamonds! The days of
automatically purchasing a round brilliant cut
diamond for an engagement ring are over, and
fancy cut shapes are strongly in demand.
3Layering and stacking - A trend I love!
Whether it’s an arm stacked up with
Cartier bracelets, or a neck with four to five
different necklaces being worn at once, there is
a sentiment of more is more, and I’m seeing
people have so much fun mixing and matching
different brands to wear at once.
FACET 4 - What are 3 estate/ vintage
brands to look for?
1Vintage Van Cleef is always treasured, and
always in demand. The pieces retain their
value, and while jewelry style evolves over time,
VCA pieces have that knack of always looking
fresh and current.
2It’s not a brand or an estate, but old mine
cut diamonds are having such a moment!
These rare diamonds can date as far back as
the 14th century, and while they have a distinct
look about them, each one is unique, as they
were cut by hand, and dimensions differ from
stone to stone.
3I adore visiting Fred Leighton in New York.
They have original, signed Fred Leighton
pieces, as well as vintage pieces from houses
like Tiffany’s, Cartier, and David Webb. It’s a
treasure trove!
FACET 5 -
What are 3 up and coming brands/
designers to watch for?
1Alice Van Cal - launched in 2018, Alice
creates jewelry that is beautiful, meaningful,
and timeless! Every piece relates to a personal
journal, and is designed with so much thought
behind it. My favorite is the rainbow bracelet,
made with princess cut rainbow sapphires and
diamonds set in white, yellow, or rose gold.
2Araya - I’ve met this dynamic husband and
wife team on several occasions, and each
time I’m in awe of their designs and creativity!
Dubai based Ashni and Sidhant Kothari are
fifth generation jewelers, and launched their
own brand, ARAYA, which is a private jeweler
specializing in crafting exceptional modern
high jewelry. With access to the finest
gemstones and meticulous craftsmanship,
ARAYA delivers one of a kind pieces of art.
3Sybarite Jewelry - Margarita Prykhodko
founded Sybarite in 2012. Russian born,
living in London, she has a background in
architecture and engineering, and has used her
skills and talents to create one of a kind pieces
that are beautiful to look at, unique, and also
fun! Her creations are full of movement -
ballerinas twirl on her rings as your hand
moves - and each one is truly a design
masterpiece.
As trends in the market evolve, the same
can be said of demographics. What are
your thoughts on “self-purchasing” women
and millennials entering the luxury
market?
Absolutely!!! My very first paycheck went on a
pair of small diamond studs, and I’ve continued
to purchase and invest in jewelry ever since. I
would choose a new piece of jewelry over a new
handbag any day! There is no reason to wait to
be gifted a jewelry item, if you have worked
hard, and can afford to reward yourself, then
don’t hesitate. P
To stay in the loop on the hottest
jewelry trends follow Tracey on
instagram @thediamondsgirl