Meet the Winners of the 2019 Serendipity Jewelry Awards

From bespoke collections to one-of-a-kind pieces, the jewelry lines, designers and shops featured in the first ever serendipity jewelry awards prove sometimes the best things come in small packages.

BEST NEW LAUNCH FROM AN ICONIC BRAND
Hermès

Launched in Paris in the summer of 2018, the newest Hermès line, Enchaînements Libres, didn’t debut in the U.S. until this past fall—and it is inspirational. “At Hermès, the chain is a fundamental motif that draws on its origins as a harness-maker and saddler, and on a long tradition of chain-making know-how. Taking the chain as a theme is choosing to pay tribute to this unique métier while exploring a shape, a form of great symbolic richness,” says Pierre Hardy, creative director of Hermés jewelry. “To build the collection, I started by reflecting on links, their sequence, what connects micro to mega, the very human to the very abstract. The chain is what links scales and categories; it is a mathematical figure, like the torus and the Möbius strip. It connects and interconnects opposites, it attaches and liberates; it evokes strength, but also fluidity and softness. hermes.com

EXCELLENCE IN DIAMONDS
Shreve, Crump & Low

“The love of diamonds is something that has been instilled in all of us from a very young age,” says Olivia Walker. She and her brothers Brian and Bradford Walker have joined the family business. Their father openly shared his passion with the siblings, showing them “diamonds of all shapes and sizes, constantly quizzing us on value and aspects like color and clarity,” she says. “By the time we jumped into the business, buying and selling diamonds didn’t feel like a job, but rather something much more natural. It’s an obsession.” The business has been around for more than 220 years—the first store opened in 1796 in Boston, MA, (across from Paul Revere’s silversmith shop!). They still have a Boston location, along with another in Chestnut Hill, MA, and, since 2014, in Greenwich, CT. “Inspiration really comes from all around us—we strive to offer an array of modern, classic, but, most of all, timeless designs,” says Walker. “It’s important to us that each piece has a story to tell.” shrevecrumpandlow.com

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Betteridge

Betteridge has not only been in the business for generations, but centuries—with roots that stretch to the 1700s. And the jewelry store has been a fixture in Greenwich since 1952, when Bert Betteridge bought W.D. Webb Jewelers on Greenwich Avenue. “Dad and I grew up playing underneath the showcases of the Greenwich store. Most of our favorite memories happened in town. Greenwich is home,” says Win Betteridge, chief operating officer. The Greenwich store—along with their other outposts in Aspen, CO, Vail, CO, and Palm Springs, FL—carry a variety of styles and pieces. “At Betteridge, you will always find a selection of the finest new jewelry on the market today from historic brands, including Buccellati, Verdura and Seaman Schepps. You also will find designers who we believe are producing the masterworks of tomorrow, such as Fernando Jorge, Marina B and Paul Morelli,” says Betteridge. Betteridge’s own jewelry line, which they’ve been making since the early 1900s, completes the offerings. While tradition and legacy remain important, says Betteridge, they continue to push the envelope: “Here, you will always find a selection of the finest new jewelry on themarket.” betteridge.com

CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN FROM A CLASSIC BRAND
Tiffany & Co

When Tiffany & Co. launched its Blue Book this year—something its done for the past 174
years—Reed Krakoff, chief artistic officer, said, “We wanted to create a collection that speaks to connoisseurs of the unusual and unexpected, to people who are looking for
something they’ve never seen or worn before.” The 2019 collection, “Tiffany Jewel Box,” showcases beautiful and unusual gemstones with a series of nature-themed brooches encased in bespoke vessels. It is an example of how the brand, which has been
around since 1837, continues to push the envelope and offer pieces both beautiful and
innovative. This year alone, the company also introduced a men’s line, Tiffany Men’s, and debuted the “Vision & Virtuosity” exhibition in China, which celebrated “the legendary jeweler’s greatest creative masterpieces,” among other initiatives. tiffany.com

EXCELLENCE IN BESPOKE
ASHA by Ashley McCormick

“In a world full of mass consumer goods, bespoke designs offer something that is special, unique and one of a kind,” says Ashley McCormick, CEO and creative director of ASHA by Ashley McCormick, based in Greenwich, CT. For instance, when it comes to their oval diamond bespoke ring, McCormick—a Greenwich native who launched her business in her Georgetown University dorm room—was inspired by an ancient French shield. “I love the idea of mixing old with new—the icy blue bicolor agate has been used for centuries to create family crest rings—but the scale and diamonds add a fresh, modern look,” she says. Initials can then be incorporated into the design. “No two rings are alike. They are forever heirlooms that can be passed down to future generations—the truest form of sustainability,” says McCormick. Along with bespoke, ASHA offers other collections, including Little ASHA for girls. ashabyadm.com

ICONIC BRAND
Van Cleef & Arpels

There are few brands that are synonymous with style as Van Cleef & Arpels, which was founded 113 years ago in France and now features high jewelry, including everything from engagement rings to watches. The Ludo bracelet, for instance, is a modern take on one of their own signature designs from the 1930s—and now includes pieces in yellow gold, pink gold and white gold, with adornments like rubies, sapphires, diamonds and more. One of their high jewelry collections includes the “Seven Seas” line, with pieces inspired by oceans around the world. Despite their storied history, the company continues to look towards the future: “We look forward to continued success and growth and aim for new heights here at the Maison,” says Helen King, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas. vancleefarpels.com

EXCELLENCE IN COLOR
Faye Kim Fine Jewelry

“Color is one of the most exciting components of creating; I use it to express an emotion or create a mood,”says Faye Kim, designer and founder of Faye Kim Fine Jewelry in Westport, CT. She was trained as a goldsmith and gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America, and worked as a buyer at Tiffany & Co. and Bergdorf Goodman before launching her line in 2003. Today, with more than 25 years experience in the industry, she designs and sells her collection exclusively at her shop and online—always with color in mind. “As a visual/spatial thinker, the juxtaposition of specific colors creates a certain mood, as in the cocktail ring,” says Kim. “The blue-green gemstones and the Madagascar ruby play off of one another to create an energy that is fun and bright. On the other hand, the tones in the sapphire ring are softer, warmer and create a mood that is soothing and calming.” It’s usually the gems and pearls that inspire Kim, as well as everyday elements like nature and people. “Being around beautiful gemstones and pearls truly makes me happy,” she says. fayekim.com

WATCHES FOR ANY OCCASION
Oris

At Oris, watches fall into four categories—Diving, Aviation, Motor Sport and Culture—and offer a chance for you to choose the one that most matches your lifestyle. “We present our thoughtfully designed selection of watches, just as one selects a precious gift to a loved one, hoping that the meaning put behind each detail will be appreciated,” says Joanne Lii, director of marketing. And the 115-year-old company continues to present new offerings like the Oris Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115, which came out this past fall. “It’s inspired by nature, particularly by the Waldenburg Valley, which surrounds the village of Hölstein, where Oris has been based since it was founded in 1904. It’s a reflection of contemporary culture, too, and of our growing desire for authentic experiences. And it’s a watch that explains Oris’s true personality,” says Lii. oris.ch/en

MOST INSPIRING
Monica Rich Kosann

Monica Rich Kosann’s pieces prove that jewelry can be personal and motivating. A former photographer, Kosann says she always considered herself a storyteller, with a brand that evolved over time–from putting her photos in vintage cigarette cases and lockets to creating new jewelry of her own. “Storytelling and empowering women with my jewelry is still at the core of everything I do. Each collection—lockets, charms, charm bracelets, pendants and poesys—are designed to tell a woman’s story,” says Kosann. “Jewelry should not just be beautiful, it should empower women and make them strong!” Take the poesy rings, which are small rings in varying sizes that feature different motifs and may be worn on a chain around the neck. They all have messages that speak of strength, courage and female empowerment, as well as romantic gestures. “The imagery had to match the meaning,” says Kosann. ‘Never fear’ is inscribed in a mini snake ring, which really tells the story.” monicarichkosann.com

MOST UNEXPECTED DESIGNS
Parulina Fine Jewelry

Whether you’re talking about one-of-a-kind earrings made from fossilized coral or the mismatched “Hanging Monkey” earrings that incorporate pink gold, diamonds and rubies, Parulina’s designs are creative and gorgeous. Creative Director and CEO Kuki Parul Seth—who started her business 16 years ago—draws inspiration from a multitude of things, including nature, architecture and the gems themselves. Many of her designs center on animals, from monkeys to leopards to octopuses. “Given what is happening in the world and the animals vanishing from the wild, we would like to spread awareness on this very sad and alarming problem,” says Seth, who donates part of the proceeds from each sale of an animal-themed piece to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Up next for the brand: A new yet-to-be-named collection and a revamped website. parulina.com

MOST ECLECTIC COLLECTION
Manfredi Jewels

At Manfredi Jewels, a mainstay in Fairfield County for decades, you’ll find a variety of brands, collections and designers in their Greenwich and New Canaan, CT locations. “A customer can come into either of two stores and see the best watch and jewelry brands in the world—it’s almost [like] having 40 mini boutiques within the Manfredi space,” says owner Roberto Chiappelloni. Customers can try on jewelry and watch brands includingRoberto Coin, Mikimoto, Bulgari, Vacheron Constantin, Longines and Rolex, to name a few. And the company continues to innovate and look for brands that customers will be excited about: “We are currently renovating our Greenwich flagship location, and we are expanding our offerings in watches and jewelry and continuing to grow our estate and bridal businesses,” says Chiappelloni. manfredijewels.com

MOST INTERESTING HAIR ADORNMENTS
Fred Leighton

“At Fred Leighton, we believe that jewels in the hair have always been and continue to be an exciting and fashionable accessory,” says Rebecca Selva, chief creative officer and PR director. “Adorning the hair with jewels, precious gemstones and metals, goes back to ancient times and over the centuries has found inspired expression. Jewels in the hair always invites creativity and a special moment.” The company—a Madison Avenue mainstay for more than 40 years—has been owned by Kwiat for the last decade, and continues to grow its offerings. “While the core business of Fred Leighton continues to be vintage and antique jewels, Fred Leighton has expanded its collections of in-house designs and also developed its proprietary Fred Leighton Round, a unique round brilliant cut inspired by the beauty and allure of the Old European-cut diamond,” says Selva. fredleighton.com