Dana Bronfman’s work has been a favorite of mine since I became acquainted with the designer back in 2016. With the start of her brand in 2014, the designer has honed a signature style that’s instantly recognizable—her Oculus style, most prominently—and in quite a short period of time.
Still, Bronfman’s designs have evolved. She released her first bridal collection only last year, and she continues to create some of the most inspiring work out there. Often, it’s with gemstones you don’t see in a lot of places.
Take this ring. Gorgeous, isn’t it? The color brown is a hit this season and I think we’ll see it extend into spring and summer, so this piece is the perfect accessory. A sunny, orangey vibe mixes with a natural color palette on this center stone, which—perhaps you recognized it, but perhaps not—is agate.
“The agate in this ring comes from Montana—I sourced this gem after I was craving nature and the colors of the earth after spending so much time in my New York City apartment during the winter of 2020–2021,” Bronfman tells me. “When I saw this gem, I saw the landscape of the American Western states I was yearning to be among. The pattern in the gem, along with the six sides of the hexagon gemstone, represent the layers of the people who wear our designs. Like nature, which has natural patterns in it as this stone brings out, people are multifaceted and I love to create ways for people to symbolically express their layered natures through my designs.”
As Bronfman so expertly does, the agate is given a beautiful home. It’s eye-catching yet understated: The gemstone is given its platform to be wholly noticed, but does not go without the details that will trace it back to the designer. It’s a thoughtful process—created not just because it looks great, but also to tell a story, to reinforce a narrative.
“The tiers of gold descending from the sides of the stone further the layered story and complement the hexagon shape,” says Bronfman. “I love adding sparkle to complement my earthy stones and transform them into otherworldly designs, so I added diamonds to the chevron steps for another layer of dimension.
“The agate is set in yellow gold with my signature pronged-bezel setting, which is what I call the many prongs you see hugging the stone. Because I love to add an element of surprise, some of my Oculus openings dot the space on the side of the ring underneath the stone.
“This ring is a great example of a quietly bold”—the designer’s slogan—“design because it is casual and understated from the top, but when you really take a closer look, you see the sparkle and can appreciate the bolder aspects of the design.”
Bronfman will be bringing this ring along with other new, one-of-a-kind designs to Belle Cose at the Four Seasons Teton Village in Jackson, Wyo., starting today through Feb. 24, and to the retailer’s Town Square location Feb. 25–27.
Top: Hex Chevron Steps ring in 18k Fairmined yellow gold with 4.83 ct. Montana agate and 0.2 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,560; Dana Bronfman
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