The call of the wild
As the verdant days of Texas summertime draw to a close, and leaves begin to change, you might find yourself longing for the warmth and sunshine of brighter days. We know that autumn and winter in Houston is less “howling snowstorms and crackling fireplaces” and more “72 degrees and wearing the one sweater you own while sipping some pumpkin spice”, but even then, sometimes, you just need a little bit of that summer feeling. A great way to inject your look and outlook on life with all the breeziness of summertime is to pop on a nature-inspired piece of jewelry. Vine earrings, animal amulets, flower rings—botanical beauties like these are cute and charming ways to carry a little bit of spring...in your step and round your neck! We at Deutsch want to help you breathe some life into your accessories, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite designers of nature-inspired pieces to keep you looking fresh and ferntastic this winter.
No tree, no shade
John Apel Jewelry: Blooming Bright
John Apel is a brand that dedicates itself to capturing the timeless elegance of nature in jewelry. From carefully selected gemstones to delicate goldsmithing, John Apel’s astounding versatility in design means there’s no shortage of gorgeous nature-inspired pieces to choose from. For us, what sets John Apel apart from other designers of nature-inspired jewelry is the brand’s unflinching approach towards color; where others would stick to diamonds and yellow gold, John Apel introduces bold colored gemstones, imbuing their jewelry with a refreshing sense of playfulness and fun. Of particular note is the John Apel Flower Sapphire and Diamond Station Necklace. 4.10 carats of multi-colored sapphire flowers with diamond centers sit along an 18k yellow gold chain in this stunning floral gemstone necklace. The simple floral design of this nature-inspired necklace is emboldened by the vivid reds, pinks, and yellows of the multi-colored sapphires—a captivating way of infusing the dullness that can come with wintertime with some much-needed color and personality. John Apel furthers their dedication to the elusive beauty of flowers with the John Apel Flower Drop Diamond Earrings. A testament to the brand’s mastery of diamonds, these delicate 18k yellow gold flower earrings feature 1.26 ct of rose-cut diamonds and .28 ct of full-cut diamonds arranged in the signature inner “face” of a pansy. A deep blue enamel outline around the outside of the diamonds further emulates the shape of a pansy and, once again, illustrates John Apel’s fabulous command of color.
Jye’s International: Architectural Arrangement
Jye’s International is a brand renowned for its classic diamond and precious gemstone pieces. What makes Jye’s so unique, though, is the brand’s particular prowess with texture and shape; a simple flat charm is never enough for Jye’s, who, instead, craft their gorgeous designs with the intention of bringing them to life. For their nature-inspired pieces, this means that the jewelry is very deliberately scored to suggest depth and complexity, and often bends outwards and upwards, appearing to wind up the arm, ear, or neck like a living vine. Perhaps the most stunning example of this innovative, texture-based approach is Jye’s Crossover Leaf Bracelet. Inspired by calla lilies, this 18k yellow gold bangle displays two triumphant trumpet-shaped bulbs paved with 3.05 ct of pavé diamonds, which split off into opposite directions. The careful construction of this three-dimensional bangle can only be described as architectural in its attention to detail, and as a result, it truly appears as if a couple of gilded lilies are wound around the wearer’s wrist. Can you be-lily-ve it? A similar 3-d approach to fine jewelry craftsmanship is found in the Jye’s Diamond Crossover Leaf Ring and the Jye’s Diamond Florentine Pendant, both of which take inspiration from Florence, the Italian seat of the Renaissance. Brushed 18k yellow gold, leaf motifs, and white diamond accents feature prominently in these nature-inspired pieces, which combine the opulence of Renaissance Italy with modern technical expertise.
Kwiat: Sylvan Shine
Kwiat is a name that has become synonymous with “diamonds”. This New York jeweler has maintained a prestigious spot among the world’s most elite diamond experts for over 100 years, and this century of experience shows in their impeccable diamond pieces. Kwiat is more than just solitaires and baguette cuts, however; confident in their craft due to their years of expertise, Kwiat is never afraid to experiment with shape and design. Kwiat looks to the future of diamond jewelry design with their hip, contemporary, and yet utterly timeless nature-inspired jewelry. For instance, the Kwiat Climber Vine Diamond Earrings, set in 18k white gold, gently glide a white gold vine along with the ear as five marquise and pear-cut diamond leaves, totaling 1.74 ctw, billow outwards as if blown by a summer breeze. Despite their uber-feminine, airy design, this stunning pair of earrings will still sparkle magnificently, as careful Kwiat engineering ensures more brilliance and light in each stone. Another elegant, vine-inspired design emerges in the Kwiat Pendant American Beauty Diamond Earrings. 5.64 ctw of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds set in platinum drip down the ear in this sophisticated design from the American Beauty collection. Drawing its inspiration from Shirley Kwiat’s favorite flower, pieces from the American Beauty collection attempt to preserve the fragile beauty of the American Beauty Rose in blossoms and vines composed of diamond and platinum. Fancy diamond shapes populate this collection, lending whimsy and shine to every piece they grace. These gorgeous fancy diamond earrings catch our fancy for sure.