Summertime Hues: 9 New Jewelry Designs From Alex Soldier

After OG Wonder Woman Lynda Carter wore Alex Soldier pendants to the Met Gala in May, the veteran New York–based designer went on to have a pretty fantastic summer.

In July, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2018 UJA Federation awards ceremony, a sold-out event that recognized community leaders for their extraordinary talents and philanthropic endeavors. “Your remarkable support inspires me to create more beautiful pieces for you to wear and share with the world,” Soldier said in his acceptance speech.

Little did the audience know that just a few weeks later, he’d be unveiling nine new one-of-a-kind designs that are intended to be a tribute to femininity while inspiring clients to grow and enrich this world with light, kindness, and beauty. Called Blossom, the collection has a distinctive floral theme, yet each piece stands on its own as an impressive example of colored gems used to spectacular effect and sculptural, finely detailed craftsmanship.

Alex Soldier Blossom carnelian ring — *Ring with carved carnelian, yellow sapphires, and freshwater pearl in 18k yellow gold, $3,500*

“I get inspired by the beautiful family of women that I’m fortunate to work with every day,” says Soldier, who recalls making a pair of earrings for his wife, Galina, about 25 years ago that she still loves and wears. Blossom, with its unique floral motifs and unusual color combinations, was conceived in the same spirit.

One can imagine Soldier handpicking the gems with the evolution of a summer garden in mind, from the tiger lily orange of the carnelian pieces to the rainbow of amethysts, fancy garnets, and sapphires, which embrace the palette of a bouquet of jewel-toned zinnias.

Alex Soldier Blossom lemon smoky quartz earrings — *Earrings with lemon smoky quartz, peridot, yellow sapphires, pink topaz, diamonds, and lemon citrine in 18k yellow gold, $5,500*

Flashes of smoky quartz and rutilated quartz herald the beginnings of fall—the pieces that incorporate these stones have a transitional quality, something you can wear now (and later). Think caftans, cashmere, and everything in between.