We are pleased to introduce new designers to our site again. I’ve spoken before about our family history, and how my mother, sister and I always relished finding and supporting talented women designers. Last year’s blog for Women’s History Month featured many of them.
Our tradition continues, as my team and I have traveled the jewelry shows over the past few months, to add to our collection. I’m pleased to introduce four new female designers – all based in the U.S., by the way – for you to discover too:
Mabel Chong creates her jewelry one piece at a time, using hand-wrap and intricate wirework to complement gemstones. Created in her studio in San Francisco, the handmade designs are unique, making use of gemstone finds. Her styles use tourmalines or pyrite for a neutral palette.
Jennifer Phelps-Montgomery specializes in using natural fancy colored diamonds in shades of yellow and brown like cognac, pale champagne and pink in her designs. She creates very modern, understated designs, and when she finds the right combination – they dazzle with color and a variety of shapes.
Dee Berkley has created a line of colorful, playful jewelry that brings a smile to every wearer. From hand-strung lengths of multi-hued beads to stacks of gemstones in stretchy bracelet sets, each design brings positive energy and a sense of well-being, while being easy on the wallet. Dee and her team are based in Las Vegas.
Puja Bordia is inspired by her family history, which is 18 generations strong in the jewelry and gem business. In the Trésor collection, precious gemstones are set in 18 karat gold, in classic designs, always keeping in mind what will complement the modern, independent woman. The layering necklaces, always classic, are right on-trend! Puja is based in Florida, while her jewelry is crafted in India.
The joy of looking at all types of jewelry has been part of my life for decades. The number of female designers and women-owned businesses has grown exponentially in the last 40 years. I feel blessed to spend time with creative designers and manufacturers and glad Fortunoff has supported women along the way.
