Turning Cheap Into Precious
25th February 2019
If you have a rusty hammer that you want to get rid of... think twice!
These genius jewelers have been inspired by the most common and cheapest objects to create precious and feminine jewels.
It is not always necessary to have poetic and fairy-like objects to produce original and new jewels. On the contrary, inspiration from “everyday-things” can lead to big success and become icons. The irony of initially using cheap materials for jewellery makes it more accessible and, also closer to its wearers.
Safety Pins by Jacob & Co
Holding price tags, replacing buttons or saving you because your dress is torn, safety pins are everywhere. Jacob & Co decided to dedicate a whole jewellery collection to this 5 cents object. Describing it as a “traditional symbolism of protection and unity” the collection is composed of diamonds, white or pink gold and sometimes set with brilliant colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. These playful jewels specially target young minds that are looking for original and everyday-wear creations.
Safety Pins Collection, Jacob & Co.
Juste Un Clou & Ecrou de Cartier
We can’t miss the iconic Juste Un Clou de Cartier, nor the more recently launched collection, Ecrou. Both found in the toolbox, these precious jewels, as simple as they are, are still seducing a large clientele. These bold and fearless jewels are mainly available in yellow, pink or white gold, sometimes set with diamonds. Mostly seen as bracelets, both collections offer rings, and earrings as well as necklaces for Juste Un Clou, in different sizes.
The particularity of Ecrou jewels is the movable bolts on the cable; you can decide where to position each one of them. You won’t get bored during your meetings!
These are audacious jewels that will reveal your strong character and independent personality.
Juste Un Clou & Ecrou Collections, Cartier.
The Zip from Van Cleef & Arpels
Another inescapable creation from Van Cleef & Arpels: The Zip. This necklace transformable into a bracelet thanks to a genius mechanism, is pure creativity, technicity and originality. Unveiled for the first time in 1938 after 10 years of development, The Zip is only available as a high jewellery piece composed of diamonds and various precious stones.
Supported by the Duchess of Windsor, the modest zip-fastener becomes an exclusive creation, only worn by elegant and powerful women such as Wallis Simpson, Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie.
The Zip Necklaces, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Cable by David Yurman
The signature collection of David Yurman is directly borrowed from a raw cable. The twisted rope creates movement and texture to this very casual design, embellished by colorful end caps. In silver, white, yellow or pink gold, the cable jewel is often enhanced by turquoise cabochons, diamonds or contrasting gold. The unisex collection is most renown for its open bracelets but it also offers earrings and rings that will reinforce your look.
These jewels are quite strong, almost masculine, that emphasize a determined and powerful personality.
Cable Bracelets, David Yurman.
The Taps Necklace by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé
Last but not least, I would like to finish with this “crazy” (if I may) necklace designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé in 1983. Apparently, the designer had some plumbing issues and come up with two taps for the structure of the necklace. The ropes are made from the Tubogas technique, maybe a wink to Bulgari… Additionally, the strass and ten baroque pearls recall of the water flow and drops.
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It must be quite impressive to see this piece worn, it is most probably heavy and I am not sure about the ractibility to be honest..
Convinced ?
Taps, Diamonds & Pearls Necklace, by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé, made by Ugo Correani, 1983.