DESIGNER JEWELRY SETS THE STYLE

Designer jewelry is a relatively new segment of the jewelry market. The term is used to describe the expression of style by a particular jewelry designer.

Jewelry makers all follow basically the same manufacturing procedures, just as clothing makers all follow basically the same sewing procedures. However, the designer garment or designer jewelry is meant to be an artistic statement spoken in textiles or precious metals and gems.

Designer jewelry - like designer garments - is set apart by the amount of hand work that goes into it. But, hand-fabrication alone does not a designer piece make. A strand of South Seas pearls can be knotted by hand and a gold chain can be made by had. While they may be of excellent quality, they are not necessarily “designer.”

Designer pieces have a definite personality. In fashion, it can be minimalist a'la Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein. In jewelry, it can be Neissing or Christian Bauer flexible platinum and gemstone bracelets. Whether it is the old world elegance of Tacoi's hand-engraved platinum, the bold brilliancy of John Bagley's hand-inlayed opals, or the graceful simplicity of Michael Sugarman's hand-fabricated jewelry. All these designs are identifiable and carry the signature of the artist.

Designers put a lot of research and development into each new design. Mass manufacturers more often restyle existing ideas, perhaps merely adding a dangle here, a gemstone there, or simply creating a similar style in a cast or stamped version so it can be produced in volume. These mass produced pieces are not on the same level artistically with designer jewelry. Consider the following analogy: an original Picasso painting (the one-of-a-kind jewel) vs. a poster (generic, mass-produced jewelry items). Designer jewelry can often be distinguished from its mass-produced counterparts by special clasp or hinge treatments, intricate texture detailing and design, hand-finishing, a designer's signature, a finished back.

Usually, the designer jewelry customer is an individual, who appreciates design and who is willing to spend a little more to get a desirable design. This person is more willing to try something innovative and to go out on a design limb. These discriminating individuals look for the unique to express their taste in style and gifts. Designer jewelry clients enjoy fashion and dressing well, and possess a strong sense of style. They may be dressed to the nines or simply in jeans and a T-shirt, but the clothes and jewelry they wear will be of excellent quality - and even the simplest outfits will somehow look different on these customers. These individuals enjoy life. They believe in living life to the fullest. They are daring, adventurous and not timid about attention. And, these gentlemen know that their special lady prefers unique, distinctive, and high class jewelry.

The best way to appreciate fine designer jewelry is by showcasing designer collections - as seen at the Jewelry Studio. It's best to keep each designer's jewelry separate, showing small collections - instead of only one or two random pieces. The Jewelry Studio showcases its designer collections in an art gallery atmosphere, to allow patrons to acquire a firm grasp of each designer's artistic sense. The artistic collections of distinguished jewelry designers, from around the world, can be found exclusively in Montana at the Jewelry Studio.

The Jewelry Studio is proud to showcase the award winning designer jewelry collections of: