Downtown Chic

Last week I was busy entertaining my sister, who was visiting from Europe. She is the ultimate uptown girl – by that I mean more glamor, more entertaining, more champagne, more jewelry and just MORE.

So I decided to take her downtown, to Sorella on the Lower East Side, to remind her of what an edgier neighborhood looks like. I just love the downtown vibe - the dress, jewelry, bags, etc. Even the walk is unique!

To say that my sister, a woman used to being served, was a bit out of her element in the very do-it-yourself world of the Lower East Side, would be an understatement. As for me, I found Sorella quite charming, and there was plenty of downtown style. Our maître’d wore a handful of rings, but had one stand-out piece – a large ring carved out of a single piece of banded agate. My sister, with her more traditional tastes, was not convinced that this qualified as jewelry. Well, I declare it definitely is jewelry!

Just look at the wonderful examples of legendary jewelers rendering pieces in semi-precious stones. I remember CIRCA purchased a chic 60’s Cartier tiger’s eye bracelet a few months ago. How I coveted that piece! Moreover, agate and carnelian were used in the 1700’s for cameos and brooches. The art of jewelry represents our abilities to render and shape any material into something precious, beautiful and desirable. In fact, I recently picked up an unusual coral circle on a Barbados beach last month, which will become “summer jewelry” once I pick out the right leather lariat. So I say, ladies, feel free to experiment. Jewelry, like fashion, should be an expression of your individuality. Remember – it’s all about you!

Images: Frank Gehry Torque ring in brown banded agate for Tiffany & Co.; Vintage Cartier 18K gold and diamond tiger's eye bracelet

In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous! Print this post