Jewelry lines with a strong point of view are a favorite topic on this blog, whether it’s Erin DeLuca’s lace inspirations, Xiao Wang’s mermaids and sea creatures, or 21st-century Pop Art with an Italian slant as interpreted by Bea Bongiasca.
But while independent studio jewelry designers or high jewelry introductions tend to lead the charge, it’s particularly exciting when a larger private-label jewelry company specializing in more commercial pieces comes out with a line that’s not only well priced but also informed by a specific—and compelling—inspiration point.
When I saw Artistry Ltd.’s Graymoor Lane line at JCK Las Vegas 2018 and learned that the whole collection not only embraced all things Danish modern, but also referred back to iconic designs from that era as the inspiration for each subcollection, I immediately thought of how intriguing that would sound coming from a sales associate working their magic from behind a jewelry store counter. How I’d want to hear more. And get a quickie lesson on the tenets of mid-century modernism as a bonus.
Below, a few examples of how some of Graymoor Lane’s core collections came to be.
Swan Chair = Bloom
The Swan chair in situ, originally designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1958 (image via: @klintdrupp)
The Bloom collection’s soft, organic shapes subtly nod to the Swan chair’s minimalist design and trio of graceful, petal-like components. Clockwise, from left: studs with pavé diamonds in 14k yellow gold, $695; button pendant with pavé diamonds in 14k rose gold, $695; mini stacking ring with diamond in 14k yellow gold, $450
Saarinen Pedestal Table = Cypress
Pedestal table in situ, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1956 (image via: @sarasmith_interiors)
Saarinen’s tabletop flows seamlessly into the base, and the Cypress collection draws on that fluidity with its reigning motif: a sculptural, elongated figure eight. Clockwise, from left: large horizontal pendant with pavé diamonds in 14k white gold, $1,795; small pear earrings in 14k yellow gold, $395; horizontal pendant with pavé diamonds in 14k yellow gold, $725
PH Artichoke Pendant Light = Artichoke
Artichoke pendant lights originally designed by Danish architect and designer Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen in 1958 (image via: @louispoulsen)
The Artichoke collection reimaginines Poul Henningsen’s iconic PH Artichoke Pendant light fixture in the form of delicate, stylized “leaves” with soft, rounded edges. Clockwise, from left: curved open pendant with pavé diamonds in 14k white gold, $850; triple drop earrings in 14k gold, $1,195; curved stud earrings with pavé diamonds in satin-finish 14k white gold, $795
Top: The PH Artichoke Pendant is a light fixture designed by Poul Henningsen and manufactured by Louis Poulsen. It was originally created for display in the Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958 (image via: louispoulsen.com). Its “leaves” lend their form to Artistry Ltd.’s Graymoor Lane jewelry line.
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