Earlier this week when I shared a newfound interest in key jewelry, I was thrilled to find a generous share of designers offering their take on the silhouette. From pavéed pendants to leather-laced wraps, there was a nice variety to enjoy.
The day after running that article, I came across yet another key design, this by New York jeweler Michelle Fantaci. Though I was bummed to have missed this addition to my post, the feeling didn’t last long. Soon I became immersed in scrolling through the designer’s pieces, admiring each and every one.
There were the keys, gorgeously detailed in diamonds and gold. And then the necklaces, oh goodie, the necklaces. My current weakness, paper clip chains, were adorned with charms, many of which were colored with enamel. The blue heart (at top), with a crisscrossing armor of baguette diamonds, is a particular favorite.
And then there are Fantaci’s hoop earrings, a style that never ceases to fall out of favor—and one that embodies effortless beauty. There’s something about throwing on a pair of hoop earrings—even with second-day hair (or third or fourth in my case), they just help one to feel just a little more put together. This designer does hoops big and small, and the large pair above is a special eye-catcher, with its graduating pattern of round diamonds that appears like a constellation of sparkle.
Where rings are concerned, there are great ones on hand, but it’s the brand’s signature fan-shape styles that take the cake. Golden bands that spray out in a rainbow of diamonds or gemstones like a peacock showing off, but simple in their elegance in a way that isn’t overpowering or oversized. These are definitely everyday pieces that could be worn anywhere—some of the fan rings could probably even fit flush with an engagement ring for an excellent wedding band option.
In addition to a succulent line of fashion jewelry, Michelle Fantaci offers a gorgeous group of engagement rings, ones you might call nontraditional, though we’re becoming so accustomed to appreciating these styles it seems unnecessary to do so. The materials are classic, but Fantaci’s execution is fresh (it’s been quite some time in the making, too—though the namesake brand was founded in 2007, its bridal line wasn’t introduced until 2017). Examples like the ones above—with two trillion-cut diamonds grouped together in an elongated kite shape—lean somewhat classic, but with a lightly textured band and two different types of prongs, the details are unmistakably cared for. The second ring, the Sabine, with its trapezoidal step-cut diamond center, is undoubtedly modern, like a wedding ring for a superhero.
Speaking of which, it’s important to note that this designer is careful to create products with recycled and responsibly sourced materials. “I use recycled gold and stones of known origin whenever possible, paying a living wage for labor, and avoiding overproducing,” says Fantaci. “My goal is to do no harm. Maybe it sounds like a modest goal, but to achieve that means looking for alternatives to the status quo.”
Top: Bonded Heart charm in 14k yellow gold with blue enamel and 0.66 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,860; Ball and Chain charm in 14k yellow gold with 1.43 cts. t.w. diamonds, $6,225; Michelle Fantaci
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
