Lori Friedman, the Westport, Conn.–based designer behind Loriann Jewelry, has consistently prioritized newness in her work, regularly debuting collections that align perfectly with her customers’ appetite for more.
Without overtaxing her creative energy—or her production team—Friedman has been able to reinvent the design codes of her work to land on an idea, or a storytelling motif, that flows seamlessly from one collection to the next. It’s an approach that borrows from the “drops” retail model, and it’s allowed her to reel in clients who eventually blossom into loyal collectors.
Using a familiar vocabulary—black enamel, delicately brushed gold, the tiniest diamonds, and symbols that merge Old World traditions with modern aesthetics—Loriann’s latest collection is Becharmed, 17 easy-to-wear charms “that celebrate life, with an eye toward preserving cherished moments and memory-keeping,” says Friedman. Her goal, she adds, is to inspire a desire to “explore, experiment, and become enamored with these pieces, creating unique stories that resonate and reflect their own journey.”
Every Becharmed jewel corresponds to one of four key pillars—guidance/illumination, strength/fortitude, luck/transformation, and protection/love—and each assortment contains designs that might resonate with, for a timely example, the recipient of a Mother’s Day gift.
Guidance and illumination encompasses celestial objects such as angels, stars, and a crescent moon.
Strength and fortitude speaks to those who have acquired the wisdom to know what cannot or should be changed. A fleur-de-lis represents grace paired with unwavering purpose; a sword amulet embodies courage, discipline, and integrity and the idea that true empowerment comes from within.
Luck and transformation presents universally recognized icons of good luck, positivity, and new beginnings, such as a horseshoe tipped in diamonds and a beautifully detailed ladybug. Both designs are steeped in ancient traditions.
The protection and love talismans ward off negativity and encourage resilience. One standout: A horn hand-carved of black onyx—a stone believed to be grounding, protective, and confidence-boosting—is adorned with a regal gold crown to provide a constant reminder of self-worth and inner strength.
“I’ve received thoughtful feedback from both retailers and clients, and I’m grateful to see interest translating into initial orders,” reports Friedman. “There’s been a wide range of favorites across the board, including the Valeria diamond sword, the Corno horn, the Ladybird enamel ladybug, Amara diamond sweetheart, Angelica guardian angel, Seraphine fleur-de-lis, and Rising Star diamond charm. I think the variety speaks to the personal connection people are making with the pieces.”
“I discovered that I had initially created 17 pieces, not realizing that when reduced in numerology, it [1 + 7] became an 8,” says Friedman. “The number eight is noteworthy, as it represents infinity, abundance, and renewal.” It was a serendipitous moment that let her know it was time to bring Becharmed to her collectors, especially with Mother’s Day on the horizon.
The Becharmed collection will soon be available at Mitchells stores, Bijoux Jewels, Pageo Jewelers Nantucket, and the Bodytalk boutique in Avon, Conn., where Friedman will participate in a trunk show May 9–10.
New charms will be added periodically so Friedman can grow the collection into a comprehensive anthology of mix-and-match options that will allow her customers even more opportunities to express themselves, whether they’re seeking a memento of a loved one, a way to mark an important milestone, or a reminder to stay calm and carry on.
Top: Alessandra enamel key charm in 14k gold with diamonds, $1,220
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