Jewelry

Change It Up: Jewelry That Transforms To Create Myriad Looks - Forbes

There is nothing like jewelry you don’t have to think too much about—jewelry that almost styles itself and has added value built-in. Words like multi-functional, module and interchangeable aren’t the most glamorous or luxurious of terms but they definitely describe the inventive ways in which savvy independent designers are creating their collections today. These contemporary looks give a nod to antique jewelry of the 18^th and early 19^th century when parures (suites) of jewelry were fashionable and would revolve around one statement necklace that would either split apart or be accompanied by a variety of pieces. Some of the necklaces would detach to become two bracelets, while smaller components had fittings to transform them into hair ornaments, small pins or dangles for the bottom of day-to-night earrings. There would also be larger pendants that doubled as brooches.

Although the modern styles are less formal and might be designed with fewer elements—some more pared while others, more ornate—they convert easily and create multiple looks with just a few quick maneuvers.

If you live a fast-paced lifestyle, like to get out of the house with as little fuss as possible, want to personalize your pieces and desire jewelry that you can wear in myriad ways for different occasions, then one of these versatile ‘systems’ might be just right for you.

Beth Bugdaycay of Foundrae has built a cult following on her ever-evolving collection of interchangeable chains, add-on links, and meaningful medallions.  Bugdaycay's visionary aesthetic offers the wearer jewelry that record life's moments, those which have occurred and have yet to happen, express dreams and passions, and offer strength and wisdom.  Foundrae revolves primarily around necklaces, but a variety of bracelets and earrings offer a similar way of connecting elements which convey each wearer's individual story as their life continues to reveal itself.

Deborah Pagnani’s 18K gold 'Pill Link'  necklace can be styled 6 different ways by adding in extender links which open and close and a centerpiece of a larger gold baguette statement link.  All of the variations on the 'basic necklace' feature a few enameled links interspersed. The basic single necklace can be connected to a 7"  bracelet to form a longer necklace, a lariat which can also be worn on the wrist, or a  double graduated necklace.

Nam Cho’s button style earrings transform into evening dazzlers when her statement dangling pieces are added on. She also has created a sapphire stunner of a necklace that adapts to become two bracelets.

Robinson Pelham creates a variety of links in a range of gemstones. For this particular oval link bracelet, you can change up colors and add more than one sparkly link as in the pink and orange sapphire version.  Check out robinsonpelham.com  for her many interchangeable earrings and rings.

Alberian & Aulde have worked on crafting and evolving an elegant ‘add-on’ system of different elements to their core pieces of earrings and necklaces.  All of the styles are available in different metals of 18K yellow gold, 14K rose gold and black rhodium-plated sterling silver.  Their ‘latchet’ necklace reveals two circular links, one which opens to attach a tassel of gemstones. This link also allows the latchet bracelets to be attached for more dramatic looks in necklaces and/or a bracelet that wraps multiple times around the wrist. These are available with rose cut white sapphire gemstones set into the circular links.

Alberian & Aulde's latchet earrings feature a white sapphire top and one circular link set with white sapphires which can be worn alone or can open to connect to a larger black rhodium sterling silver and white sapphire round enhancer, a briolette drop, or a tassel created from thin black rhodium plated silver chains. There are plenty more options from which to choose  Please visit Alberianandaulde.com to see them all.