RAPAPORT... Elegance, simplicity and timelessness are the essence of the Trésor collection by Puja Bordia. Bordia designed her own jewelry for fun while working in the fashion industry in New York City. Her designs were greeted so enthusiastically that she later went on to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to study diamonds. Bordia’s designs are inspired by architecture, nature, sculpture and paintings. She mixes textures, techniques and cultural references to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Blending hand fabrication with casting is the signature of Andrea Lucille Designs by New York–based designer Andrea Lucille Shin. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) graduate combines polished and textured metal surfaces in sculptural forms that showcase colored gemstones, diamonds and pearls to create limited-edition and small-production art pieces. The line has a distinctive, identifiable look that draws upon nature and organic forms for inspiration.
When he first saw the murals in the Mayan temples, Victor Sabido Basteris, founder and designer of jewelry design firm Sabido & Basteris, was captivated by the vibrant colors that had lasted through the centuries. Those colors were the inspiration for the Mexican-Italian designer’s line that takes 999 silver in thin metal threads and treats them in various mineral compounds to create a variety of colors, which are then UV-coated for durability. The metal fibers, woven together to form a light, flexible ribbonlike metal fabric, are used to create necklaces — some with gemstone pendants or diamond embellishments — or his version of the popular friendship bracelet.
Style and jewelry expert Michael O’Connor recently appeared in a segment on the Fox Network’s “Money for Breakfast” morning show. During his appearance, O’Connor advised consumers to shop for classic pieces as they will be more versatile and easily wearable and will always stay in style. He also told consumers to look for a GIA cert when buying diamonds and to understand their metals — the difference between gold, white gold and platinum. He noted that consumers buying designer jewelry brands should understand what the brand represents and find a retailer for that brand from its website. He also recommended that consumers go to jewelers.org to find a reputable jeweler affiliated with the Jewelers of America (JA).
Rio Tinto Diamonds has put out a call for entries to its first Champagne Diamond Design competition. Created to demonstrate the beauty of champagne diamonds, the competition’s goal is to attract designers to showcase these gems in new and innovative designs. The competition is an extension of the mining firm’s market development of champagne diamonds from its Argyle mine in the U.S. and is open to U.S. residents only. Entrants are asked to create a piece of jewelry using the palette of champagne diamond colors in a way that enhances their natural beauty. The entries will be judged by a panel of fashion and jewelry experts who will select four winning designs evaluated on overall beauty, consumer appeal and the potential to add cachet to the champagne diamond category.
For complete entry details and an entry form, contact Jamie Ress at Goldstein Communications, Jamie@goldsteincom.com; 212.838.0822.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - June 2009. To subscribe click here.