Let’s face it: jewelry is, by and large, made for women, sold to women, to be worn by women. So it’s only fitting that in March – which is traditionally Women’s History Month, anchored around International Women’s Day, this year celebrated on March 8^th – Fortunoff Jewelry celebrates Women Designers!  Many women design for companies they don’t own; however, the women highlighted here are those who have stepped up further: they’re all founders of their own businesses, where they create amazing jewelry.  This especially resonates with me, as my mother (coincidentally, a March baby) began the Fortunoff jewelry division, at a time when women were not leading the industry. Over the years, we helped many female designers to launch their businesses, and were especially delighted to welcome women into the field. Now, I’m proud to support these incredibly talented professionals, and pleased to profile them here.

Alison Nagasue - see collection
Alison’s childhood love for rock-hunting grew into a professional education in Metalsmithing. Alison has created collections for many well-known jewelry brands, as well as her own company. Fortunoff has represented a wide variety of Alison’s designs over the decades. Now, we introduce her fun and playful “Glitter Hoops” in vibrant shades of enamel with sparkly finishes, all over sterling silver, and enameled by hand in New York City. These are so affordable, you can add all the colors of the rainbow to your wardrobe! Alison has also designed many items in collaboration with not-for-profits and sourced with women internationally. Currently, her namesake collection explores her own aesthetics.

Auburn - see collection
Samantha Levine is the Creative Director and President of Auburn Jewelry, a Westchester-based small business that creates custom sterling silver and enamel pieces. After exploring other careers, she decided to design and handcraft her signature style of sterling silver and enamel pieces full-time. We love all the charms she creates – from initials to symbols of love to flowers, pet paws and more – which can be worn on chain as pendants, or on a bracelet. Her whimsical designs and affordable pricepoints are just right for today’s young, joyous aesthetic.

Evocateur - see collection
Founder and Designer Barbara Ross-Innamorati and her team of skilled artisans design and individually craft each piece in their Connecticut studio. Using an intricate process, each piece is gilded with 22 karat gold leaf and sterling silver leaf, burnished by hand and fabricated over a period of five days, and finished to a rich patina, resulting in an exquisite work of wearable art that is also surprisingly affordable. The collection features cuffs, earrings, pendants and necklaces, in themes ranging from nature to the walls of art museums the world over – something for every woman.

Just Jules - see collection on Instagram and Facebook
Julie Romanenko has developed her varied collection over the years, tipping her design hat to the “found” pieces from bygone days, often repurposing elements to become wearable jewelry perfect for the woman with an individual aesthetic.  Today, she has several design groups, and we offer a few of our favorites, each one-of-a-kind. 

Margo Morrison - see collection
Margo Morrison launched her jewelry collection in 2001. It was a natural evolution for Margo, as she developed her love of music and art while growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. Margo describes her jewelry, all handmade in her Manhattan studio, as "visual music.” Her signature looks combine complementary colors, textures and shapes of faceted gemstones and freshwater cultured pearls, knotted on neutral shades of nylon cord to give the illusion of floating against the skin. Necklaces are made at two different lengths, to allow for doubling of long necklaces, or layering; earrings and bracelets coordinate with each look.

Marika Desert Gold - see collection   
From her early days in Hungary, Marika was drawn to art, moving to Israel to gain professional education in fashion design.  Over the years, she fell in love with fine jewelry, applying her skills to jewelry design and production, in precious metals, gemstones and diamonds. Her earrings, cuff bracelets, pendants and necklaces all have a light and airy feel, often combining themes from nature with modern flair. Fortunoff Jewelry was proud to introduce some of her innovative, earliest collection to U.S in the 1990s and we are delighted to once again offer Marika's designs today.

Olivia B. - see collection
Designer/owner Shari Cuartero has been in the gem and jewelry world for over twenty years. She recently launched the Olivia B. collection (named for her daughter), which features luscious, vibrant gemstones accented with diamonds, all in 14 karat gold.  Whether earrings, pendant or necklace, the styling is clean, fresh and minimal, with an eye toward today’s casual chic lifestyle.

Sharelli - see collection
Sisters Randee and Hindi Fisher are the founders of Sharelli.  Born and raised in Montreal as part of a multigenerational family of jewelers, they developed their own look, combining their flair for fashion and their expertise in design and craftmanship. The look is modern and sculptural, often with lots of movement, with high-polished and textural finishes. Sharelli is on-trend and constantly evolving.   Lariat necklace, drop earring, layering chain, cuff or ring — there’s a look for every lifestyle. 

Sylvie - see collection
Sylvie was born into a family of diamond masters in Antwerp, Belgium, long the center of the world’s diamond trade. Today, she brings her expertise, combined with a passion for beauty and wearability, to the company she shares with her husband. Each ring is designed by Sylvie, and crafted to ensure quality that will bring joy to the wearer. Sylvie’s motto is, “Designed by a Woman, For a Woman.”

Zina - see collection
Zina has been creating fine quality jewelry for over 30 years. She is recognized as an innovator in the world of “designer” jewelry, with her designs ranging from classic to edgy “easy to wear” styles, all with great attention to detail and a luxe finish. Her collections appeal to both women and men, of all ages. .”

There are so many strong, talented women, many of whom are just finding their creative voices. I look forward to finding them and introducing them to you in the years to come. I hope you’ll join me in applauding and supporting these, and all women, during Women’s Month.