First Look: Ariana Boussard-Reifel’s Artemisia Collection

I knew I’d heard the name before—Ariana Boussard-Reifel was among the designers who contributed to Beyoncé’s Egyptian goddess–inspired jewelry ensemble at the 2017 Grammys. The name was also vaguely familiar to me because Boussard-Reifel is the owner of Marteau Vintage Jewelry (whom I follow on Instagram—you should, too), an e-boutique filled with chunky Navajo cuffs from the 1930s and ornate Afghan rings forged in silver and inlaid shimmering glass.

Designer Ariana Boussard-Reifel in her element

The nature of these pieces, which reflect Boussard-Reifel’s passion for tribal adornment and ethnographic objects, helped shape the vision for her eponymous jewelry line, which launched last year. Defined by exaggerated proportions and lustrous metalwork, everything in the collection has a bold, sculptural quality and, like the Queen Nefertiti–worthy brass cuff Beyoncé wore for her Grammys performance, holds the gravitas—and primitive appeal—of an ancient artifact recently salvaged from the earth.

Highlights from the spring/summer 2017 collection

The spring/summer 2017 collection from Boussard-Reifel is further defined by her fine arts background, peripatetic adventures, and sensitive world view. Called Artemisia, the line is inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi (the celebrated Renaissance-era female artist famous for her gory depiction of Judith beheading Holofernes) and designed with fierce women in mind. In fact, each piece is named after an artist or muse who has used her work to explore the juxtaposition of femininity and power.

Here’s a selection of my favorites; all are available in raw yellow brass or sterling silver.