The COUTURE Podcast

Since it was founded in 1999, Jewelers For Children has donated over sixty four million dollars to nonprofits serving kids that are facing impossible circumstances. We had the opportunity to sit down with the organization's Director, Sara Murphy, to learn more about the impact all of our efforts have had on the lives of kids in need, to discover the ways in which anyone can get involved, and to learn more about what the future holds for our industry's charity.

Heather Moore, the artist behind Heather B. Moore jewelry, creates bespoke pieces for her clients by stamping meaningful words or phrases into gold or silver, literally altering the molecules of the metal. Beyond the function of this process, her approach is a reflection of her belief that all of one's lived experiences—the good, the bad and everything in between—are a part of our individuality. Tune in to our latest episode of the COUTURE podcast to learn about Heather's passion for and knowledge of a variety of subjects, her love of her hometown of Cleveland, and her striking ability to turn her hardships and heartbreak into a superpower.  

Within the hallowed walls of their Naples and Palm Beach, Florida locations, Marissa Collections has built a veritable jewelry empire. Offering the work of 100's of jewelry designers and brands complements their selection of high end clothing and accessories, allowing their loyal clientele to rely upon the store to outfit them from head to toe. CEO and Owner of Marissa Collections, Jay Hartington, along with Buyer and Lead Fine Jewelry Curator, Jennifer (JJ) McCurry, share with us their circuitous (and often hilarious!) journey towards establishing themselves in the designer fine jewelry space, their unique approach to retailing and their predictions for the next big jewelry trends. 

From a childhood rooted in creativity as an extracurricular pursuit to studying political science at Berkley to a successful, decade long career in the movie business, designer Suzy Landa's path to jewelry design was anything but straightforward. In this episode of The COUTURE Podcast, Suzy shares the unabridged version of her journey, including some great anecdotes about her time working in Story Development for Hollywood films, the fateful moments and auspicious encounters that helped her along the way, and the “gateway” drug that turned her into a self-proclaimed “gem junkie.”  

Founder and creative director of Cadar, Michal Kadar, says that every piece she creates begins with a story. Yet when we sat down to record the COUTURE Podcast, I realized that “story” seemed almost too small of a word to convey the universe she is building through her designs. From understanding the essence of oneself, to the skin that serves as a vessel for one's humanity to the lives and experiences that make up a whole being, she has created a multi-dimensional means of self-expression. 

Have you ever wondered why the jewelry industry flocks to Tucson, Arizona each February? Are you curious about how designers shop for gemstones? What about the gemstones that those "in the know" consider the most underrated or overrated? For this Special Edition Podcast, we stopped a handful of designers and industry tastemakers in the aisles of "the tents," in the back lot of the Tucson Convention Center, in the lobby of Pueblo and, in one case, underneath a highway overpass, to get some insights into their Tucson experience, find out about their favorite stones and to discover the myriad ways people "get in trouble" in Tucson. While the sound-quality on some of these rapid-fire interviews admittedly isn't studio-quality, we're delighted to share the joy, excitement, laughter and passion that was conveyed during these "man on the street" encounters.

Have you ever wondered how Tahitian pearls get their unique color? Or why South Sea pearls are so valuable? Or how those who cultivate pearls work towards maintaining the eco-chain of oysters' natural habitat? In our most recent episode of the COUTURE Podcast, Senior Vice President of Assael, Peggy Grosz, answers these questions and more, while also sharing the vital role she plays in maintaining the venerable company's 75 year legacy. 

Syna means together, and the concept of togetherness and collaboration is a core tenet of the Syna brand of jewelry. Started by husband and wife team, DK and Namrata Kothari, 20 years ago, the collection has evolved throughout the decades while maintaining its core “effortless sophistication” aesthetic. Tune into our latest podcast with DK and Namrata to learn more about their unique journey, their many sources of inspiration and how their spirituality extends to all aspects of their life, including their creative approach. 

A quest for joy is at the heart of everything Corina Limon Madilian does. Along with her husband, Ari, Corina owns and operates the brand Single Stone, a multi-brand jewelry store of the same name, as well as a lifestyle boutique. In our conversation for the COUTURE podcast, Corina shares more about her background, the creative process she and Ari apply to jewelry design, and some very useful tips for successfully working with one's spouse. 

It was fascinating to sit down with NOMIS designer, Alyona Kiperman, to learn how her unique worldview impacts her creativity. A native of Ukraine, Alyona opened her eponymous boutique in Kiev in February of 2022, and her lived experiences have added to the bold defiance that has long been associated with her brand's distinctive aesthetic. 

For artist Stephen Wilson of Stephen Wilson Studio, the medium is the message. After getting his start in New York City's garment district, hustling gigs making concert t-shirts and offering his embroidery services, Stephen eventually added interior design projects to his repertoire of fashion experience. The mixed medium art that is now his signature came out of a desire to fill his own home with art, and while his work is now carried at several galleries, jewelry and specialty stores, he still embodies the same strong work ethic and penchant for creative discovery that earned him success in those early days. 

When Mollie Good and Stephani Abramow launched their collection, Walters Faith, they knew they wanted to create jewelry with a distinct aesthetic. Long-time admirers of jewelry, they saw a need in the market for the type of “effortless luxury” they wanted to create and, a decade later, their collection continues to evolve while staying true to their core DNA. In our most recent COUTURE podcast, the duo share their journey, some tips for maintaining a vibrant partnership, and what the future holds for the brand. 

Designer Adel Chefridi recalls with wonder how a magician visiting his little town in Tunisia when he was a child sparked his first sense of having purpose. Watching the magic tricks, he suddenly realized that everything wasn't always as it seemed, and as an artist, he transposes a similar sense of awe and wonder onto the gemstones with which he works. In our COUTURE podcast, Adel shares how the many influences from his childhood continue to impact his work, the emotional attachment he feels to the pieces he creates, and what the future holds for his brand. 

Studio Renn was founded by husband and wife team Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri in 2018. While they define the approach to the materials with which they work as "agnostic," the use of  concrete, as an example, in their fine jewelry collection, isn't the only thing that sets Studio Renn apart. It was thrilling to sit down with Rahul to learn about this couple's unique approach to the creative process, the ways in which they are challenging traditional perceptions of what's considered valuable, and to learn why they believe every project requires a leap of faith. 

After emigrating to the United States from Argentina, designer Jorge Adeler, his wife, and their two daughters, Wendy and Valentina, became an insular unit. Tune in to our latest COUTURE Podcast to discover how this family-run business has evolved over the years and how passion and love of family continue to be the driving force behind Jorge's creative expression. 

The designer behind Azlee, Baylee Ann Zwart, first discovered her inherent love of fine jewelry while working abroad in Guatemala. In this episode of the COUTURE podcast, Baylee shares her love of the intimacy in the creative process, her reverence for the relationships that are involved in bringing her creative vision to life, and her commitment to embodying ethical and environmental standards in all aspects of her business.  

Founder of Moksh, Milan Chokshi, takes a holistic approach to running his business. He named the company Moksh because it refers to liberation; he wanted to break free from the traditional view of jewelry held in his native India and establish a brand that revered the art, craft, engineering and precious materials inherent in creating pieces that have global appeal. We were thrilled to sit down with Milan to discuss the intricacies of the craftsmanship applied to the brand's designs, learn more about his philosophy for running his business, and gain deeper insight into his penchant for concert t-shirts. 

A former U.S. Olympian, Erica Molinari never would have guessed she'd one day be designing jewelry. Drawn to the technical aspect of jewelry fabrication, Erica also discovered that she loves the process of coming up with a concept, and making it work. We were thrilled to sit down with Erica to hear about her background as an athlete, how her training continues to fuel her approach to her business, and the freedom she feels in being a self-taught artists. 

As a fifth generation diamantaire, designer Jade Trau has an intrinsic understanding of diamonds that allows her to reinterpret classic styles with a unique and fresh perspective. It was a delight to sit down with Jade to hear about her life-long affiliation with diamonds, the ongoing joy she feels in being able to do what she loves for a living, and how grateful she is for the support she receives from her community. 

Designer Tariq Riaz initially embarked on jewelry design in an effort to solve a problem. The exercise resulted in a newfound obsession with jewelry design and fabrication that he knew he needed to explore, and with his wife's support, Tariq began to immerse himself in learning everything he could about the craft. With a background in engineering and robotics, Tariq's work evokes a form-meets-function sensibility that has already garnered him wide-spread recognition and enviable accolades. 

While working in her previous career in advertising, Lauren Godfrey, the designer behind Harwell Godfrey, learned how to take an idea and turn it into a reality. Drawn to the tactile nature of jewelry design, Lauren also discovered that working with precious metals and gemstones was a profound way to connect with her spirituality. With a loyal following of collectors that includes some of the world's most inspiring public figures, multiple awards and accolades, and a dedication to giving back to a number of charitable causes that are near and dear to her heart, Lauren is looking forward to fully engaging in the ongoing evolution of her brand. 

While working as a fine art photographer, Monica Rich Kosann became fascinated with seeking out vintage powder compacts, cigarette cases and lockets and turning them into keepsakes for her most beloved clients. The stories these heirlooms evoked resonated with her process of capturing the essence of her photography subjects in order to convey their unique stories. Over time, Monica's fascination organically evolved and she threw herself full force into jewelry design, creating lockets that debunk the notion that these timeless classics need to be just one thing. In this episode of the COUTURE podcast, we learn how Monica applies her creative lens to lockets and charms, resulting in pieces that are both sentimental and sexy. 

King Baby Studio has long been a go-to jeweler for some of the biggest names in Rock n' Roll (and for those who embody a Rock n' Roll aesthetic!). We were thrilled to sit down with Ben Binder, Director of the brand and the son of its founder, Mitchell Binder, to learn about the brand's commitment to authenticity, how the brand started and how it continues to evolve, and the important role that family plays in the overall company dynamic. 

Fine jewelry house DAVIDOR creates pieces that evoke a sense of precision and sophistication. Its unique use of lacquered ceramic pays homage to ancient jewelry craftsmanship, and yet the brand's ethos is actually a seamless blend of both tradition and innovation. We were thrilled to sit down with the brand's founder, David Gusky, to discuss the years he spent developing the concept for the brand, the inspiration for its widely recognizable arch motif, and what the future holds for the evolution of the brand. 

Artist Paula Crevoshay is widely known as the “Queen of Color.” A painter from a very young age, Paula continues to “paint” with precious gemstones and metals, playing with refractive indices and the light of the earth itself. Tune in to our discussion with Paula where we discussed her approach to jewelry design, her supernatural ability to see color and her belief that the events of her life are pre-ordained.

Designer Jacquie Aiche is ever-cognizant of the powerful effects gemstones and minerals have on the human form, and her sensual, effortlessly chic silhouettes beg to be layered and stacked and worn as talismans of strength and protection. Tune in to our latest episode of the COUTURE Podcast to learn more about Jacquie's journey, and to get some inside tips on what gemstones we all need to be wearing right now! 

We sat down with Marion Fasel, Jewelry Historian, Author, Curator and Founder of The Adventurine, to learn about her rise to prominence in the jewelry industry, to discuss her curated exhibit, "Beautiful Creatures," at New York City's American Museum of Natural History, and to hear more about her philosophy regarding jewelry and jewelry designer's relevance throughout history. As Marion tells us, "To me, the jewelry designers ARE the celebrities!"

We sat down with Marion Fasel, Jewelry Historian, Author, Curator and Founder of The Adventurine, to learn about her rise to prominence in the jewelry industry, to discuss her curated exhibit, "Beautiful Creatures," at New York City's American Museum of Natural History, and to hear more about her philosophy regarding jewelry and jewelry designer's relevance throughout history. As Marion tells us, "To me, the jewelry designers ARE the celebrities!"

Designer Katherine Jetter first made her mark on the fine jewelry industry with the introduction of fresh, contemporary designs featuring opals from her native-country of Australia. She is now recognized for prolific collections that highlight a vast array of extraordinary gemstones sourced from across the globe, and with her multi-brand storefront and Atelier in Nantucket and Boston respectively, Katherine is thrilled to showcase the collections of other artists whose work she admires and respects.

While he may still be waiting for a call from Beyonce, Fernando Jorge has been lauded by the media, he’s been awarded countless accolades, and he has been courted by some of the most highly coveted stores in the world. And yet, Fernando continues to be kind, humble and curious, and he remains committed to expressing his voice and representing the current spirit of our time through his jewelry designs. Tune in to learn about Fernando’s initial discovery of jewelry design, his journey to obtaining expansive knowledge of the art form, and the ways in which his Brazilian heritage and his life experiences inform his design process.  

Valerie Messika’s high-profile collaborations with Gigi Hadid and Kate Moss are illustrative of this designer’s distinctive ability to appeal to a devout audience of well-heeled and stylish women from across the globe. Born into the diamond trade, Valerie was surrounded by important diamonds from a very young age. In our latest episode of The COUTURE Podcast, Valerie shares with us her vision, her journey, her creative inspirations, and the incredible love story that brought her and her husband (and business partner!) together.

While it’s now instantly recognizable for its exquisite gemstone, enamel, diamond and high-karat gold jewelry, Buddha Mama had humble beginning at the kitchen table of its founder, Nancy Badia, who decided to string beads in order to raise money for her Buddhist center. In our most recent COUTURE podcast, Nancy and her daughter and co-designer, Dakota, share with us the gradual evolution of their brand, their creative process and their nostalgia for non-stop travel and hole-in-the-wall bars.

For designer Stephen Webster, a normal routine is the absence of routine. He’s perpetually jet-setting across the globe to visit clients and make personal appearances, but when COVID hit, Stephen found himself grounded at home in England. We caught up with Stephen, remotely, to hear about some of his adventures in quarantine, and we also reflected on some of his past experiences, his drive to give back and his dedication to creating a sustainable brand.

Managing partner of Alex Sepkus, Jeff Feero, loves a challenge. Whether it’s finding a solution for a design dilemma, fixing up one of his many vintage cars, or establishing a complex agenda for one of his infamous, annual road trips, solving problems is his creative outlet. Several weeks into sheltering in place due to the pandemic, Jeff started think about how he could keep in touch with his loyal clients, while possibly making some sales along the way. In late May, Jeff purchased a vintage camper van, which he’d come to think of as his COVID-19 Customer Tracing Van. After ensuring the camper was road ready and comfortably habitable for long stretches of time, Jeff got behind the wheel and embarked on the first of many long-haul trips to visit stores across the country.

The venerable design house, Oscar Heyman, has been continuously operating since 1912. Still family-owned, Oscar Heyman makes magnificent jewelry utilizing the finest gemstones sourced from around the globe and has designed for maisons such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. We spoke with Tom Heyman and learned about the collaborative process involved in making each of its exquisite designs, including a bespoke piece created for one of the world’s most famous jewelry lovers, Elizabeth Taylor. 

With his proud Italian heritage, artist Mattia Cielo wants his brand to speak to a new generation of jewelry aficionados. His collection is his dream, and he wants to share his dream with the industry. Mattia is steadfast in his belief that fine jewelry is transcendent, that it represents unity and is symbolic of human resilience and strength. We were thrilled to talk to Mattia via Skype about his work and life experiences, his beautiful designs, and his unrelenting zest for life.

Fashion correspondent Lynn Yaeger is a well-known fixture within the global fashion scene. Touted as one of the industry’s most influential people, Lynn has long been the muse of several prominent fashion designers. Lynn is also a NYC institution. With her distinctive, iconic look, Lynn garners attention wherever she goes. We were so excited to speak with Lynn, remotely, to talk about her rise to prominence, her penchant for collecting, and her recent discovery of her love for contemporary jewelry design. 

Artist Bibi van der Velden considers herself first and foremost a sculptor. Her primary artistic medium informs her sublime jewelry designs in many ways, including her drive to create pieces that don't need a "body" to become something. A lifelong collector, Bibi's jewelry transcends the expected and often incorporates unique and unusual materials, giving her work a sense of adventure and discovery. We were so happy to have a Skype conversation with Bibi to discuss her designs, Auverture designers and relief fund, what she is doing during the pandemic and her own personal experience with COVID-19. 

As the implications of the COVID-19 situation became apparent, and we ultimately had to cancel our 2020 event, our resolve to keep this community connected, in whatever way we can, was only strengthened. While we’re definitely going to release our previously recorded episodes at some point, hopefully in the near future, we decided to move forward with capturing some voices remotely. We want to know how people in our community are faring during these difficult and uncertain times, where they’re putting their energies, and how the current situation is causing them to rely on their creativity now more than ever before. We sat down, remotely, with COUTURE’s director, Gannon Brousseau, to discuss why we’ve decided to move forward in this way, and highlight some of the positives that are coming out of the unprecedented times we’re all facing.

For the past 17 years Julez Bryant has been helping women feel empowered through her designs, her mentorship and her advocacy. Julez has faced and overcome a lot of adversity in her life and she's learned countless lessons along the way; looking at the challenges she faced as an opportunity to enrich her character. We were delighted to have a Skype conversation with Julez to discuss how she is dealing with the current challenges we are all facing, how she is running her business amidst the global pandemic, and how she believes this is an opportunity to uplift, elevate and support members of our community. 

Michelle Orman sits down with COUTURE Director, Gannon Brousseau, to discuss exactly why the world needs another podcast, and why they’re excited about highlighting the incredible COUTURE community.

The work of artist Victor Velyan is instantly recognizable. His proprietary patina process is utterly unique and distinctive and serves as a perfect canvas for the array of colored gemstones he incorporates into many of his designs. Victor also has a reputation of being a bit of a rockstar, and often makes sartorial choices that draw attention and invite comments and compliments. We were thrilled to sit down and talk to Victor about his design process, his background as a rockstar, and his passion for life and the fine jewelry industry. 

In the last few years, the name Spinelli Kilcollin has become synonymous with chic, contemporary, and sophisticated design. And while it might seem to those on the outside that the brand achieved overnight success, its founders, Yves Spinelli & Dwyer Kilcollin, had been working for years to try to convince stores to get behind their functionality meets design concept. We were delighted to sit down with Yves & Dwyer to hear more about their journey, their secret talents, and their secret to a successful partnership in both life & love.