Strange things took place at the recent runway shows. It happened at Dolce and Dior, Givenchy and Gucci, in Paris, London and New York. The most beautiful women and clothes in the world were for once, eclipsed by something else. What was it? In a word: Jewelry.
Dolce & Gabbana topped their creations with big, colorful stones set in intricate gold pieces. Gucci delivered its collection with layered necklaces, adding a hippy vibe. At Dior and Celine metals were manipulated in twists and brass, the new metal of the moment, was front and center at Tom Ford and Lanvin.
Inspired by all this adornment, we embarked on a local mission and the city’s top jewelers didn’t disappoint. We found beautiful gems that hit all the runway notes; jaw dropping rubies and sapphires set in gold; brass and yellow gold worked into undulating, textured leaf-like patterns, honeycomb structures, thick braided cuffs and rope bracelets. Even more importantly, we found trustworthy experts, steeped in knowledge, with deep inventories.
14 karat yellow gold hoop earrings; 14 karat yellow and white gold pavé diamond bracelets; 14 karat yellow gold flexible bangles with diamonds; and 18 karat yellow gold pavé diamond ring. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Old Metairie Shopping Village, 701 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-2602, BoudreauxsJewelers.com
Antique English amethyst necklace in 14 karat yellow gold and 18 karat yellow gold woven bracelet.
Adler’s, 722 Canal St., 523-5292, AdlersJewelry.com; also available at Lakeside Shopping Center.
Earrings, necklace and wrap around bracelet all from the “Mysterium Collection:” Sterling silver plated in 14 karat yellow gold, the ring has a 5mm Peridot stone.
Symmetry Jewelers, 8138 Hampson St., 861-9925, SymmetryJewelers.com
Earrings: 18 karat yellow gold with 18 carat rose cut, pear shaped rubies with diamonds. Rings: (left to right): “Cobblestone Ring” in 18 karat yellow gold with old European cut diamonds; 25 carat rose cut oval sapphire with old European cut diamonds in 18 yellow gold; and 7.5 carat rose cut round ruby with old European cut diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold. Necklaces: (top to bottom) “Cobblestone Cross” with 2.4 carat old European cut diamonds set in 18 karat yellow gold on 18-inch chain; 7.9 carat rose cut black diamond cross in 18 karat yellow gold on 26-inch handmade chain; and 14 karat yellow gold oval link 36-inch necklace.
Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry, 365 Canal St., 522-8080; 315 Royal St., 522-0555; JackSutton.com
“Hive” hoop earrings in bronze: “Hive” tri side ring in 18 karat yellow gold; chain link wide cuff in 14 karat yellow gold; and three strand “Halo” yellow gold plated bangle.
Mignon Faget, 3801 Magazine St., 891-2005, MignonFaget.com; also available at Lakeside Shopping Center.
