Not for the Faint of Heart

Angela Cummings is one of a small group of well-known designers (Jean Schlumberger, Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti) who made her reputation with Tiffany & Co. during the 1970’s. Known widely for her flowing organic shapes, and freeform interpretations, Cummings broke the “rules” of high-end jewelry with her use of bold colored gemstones and alternative materials such as wood.

With the earrings pictured here, Cummings pushed the envelope even further with her oval cabochon onyx earclips, each set with intimidating 18k high polished yellow gold spiked studs. Bold in design and size, these earclips from the 1980’s were right on trend for the power look of the women of that era, where shoulder pads and statement jewelry were de rigueur. (see also Large and in Charge) Cummings cleverly left the earrings uncased and uninhibited by more conventional settings. The bright polish of the onyx and the use of yellow gold help to soften the look of wearing edgy studs –making this daring look equally enchanting and elegant. Both the owner and the on-looker are sure to get some pleasure out of these “painfully” beautiful works of art. Print this post