Strike a Poesy
About two years ago, Rod and Monica Rich Kosann were shopping a vintage jewelry show in London when they stumbled on a selection of poesy rings—bands that were commonly exchanged among lovers in England and France during the 15th to 17th centuries, their interior shanks often inscribed with sweet sentiments or poetic references.
Around the same time, the principals behind the Monica Rich Kosann line had also observed a related burgeoning trend: girls wearing rings on long chains. As they pondered a purchase, a woman in the booth approached them offering assistance. She happened to be wearing a ring on a long chain.
The couple took it as a sign, and decided to combine the two ideas for the Poesy Ring collection: 15 SKUs are available in 18k gold, etched with phrases such as Carpe Diem and I Just Adore You on shank interiors and exteriors; stones like rubies and moonstones, along with buckle and snake motifs, adorn others. Entry prices start at $500 for a single ring.
Poesy rings in 18k gold; starting at $500; Monica Rich Kosann, New Canaan, Conn.; 203-972-3115; monicarichkosann.com
New Year, New Trends
Sinuous Swirl earrings in 14k Honey gold with 26.37 cts. t.w. robin’s egg turquoise and 2.63 cts. t.w. Chocolate diamonds; $5,547; Le Vian, Great Neck, N.Y.; 516-466-7200; levian.com
In January, Great Neck, N.Y.–based jeweler Le Vian gave VicenzaOro attendees a peek at its 2014 trend list—way ahead of its annual Red Carpet Revue that takes place each June at JCK Las Vegas.
In an afternoon cocktail reception complete with chocolate-dipped fruit, the famously food-obsessed diamond purveyor dished on trends including Chocolate quartz; cushion shapes; red and blue gemstone colors; wave, link, weave, knot, and cluster motifs; and bridal styles incorporating gold and Chocolate and Strawberry diamonds. That’s “LeVianese” for brown and pink, according to CEO and designer Eddie LeVian.
“We’re seeing a lot more requests for yellow gold. We’re a small town in Wisconsin, so that really speaks to how strong a trend this is; we’re usually a few years behind. [Gurhan’s] mixed metal was very important for a long time, and now those buyers are seriously looking at his gold.”
—Kay Mazza, manager, and Kim Pretasky, owner, Touch of Class, La Crosse, Wis.