Quiet Zone

It seems like everyone is talking about quiet luxury. Leandra Cohen is sub-stacking about it, fashion magazines are writing about it, and the Roy family is living it. In truth I think the whole concept is a little obnoxious, but, admittedly, I’m also intrigued because I happen to really like both quiet and luxury! While the Roy’s favor Loro Piana cashmere baseball hats I’m more interested in what this new buzzy aesthetic means for jewelry.

First and foremost, luxury means something different to everyone. Some people find the act of entering an upscale jewelry store luxurious. The lighting, the personal service, the perfectly polished pieces waiting to be touched and admired. While others find private appointments high above the hustle and bustle of retail to be the pinnacle. For some luxury is a D Flawless diamond (perhaps not the most quiet of choices) and for others it’s a perfect pearl. For me, quietly luxurious jewelry is all about the craftsmanship, the small details, and the way a piece feels and makes you feel. Wearing jewelry is a tactile experience, not unlike wearing a $625 hat, so the weight of the metal, the smoothness of the pavé, and the precision of the prongs, can all impact how luxurious a piece feels when worn. But note, these qualities are hard to see from afar, they don’t necessarily sparkle or shine, and sometimes these details can’t even be discerned without the help of a loupe. So, what’s the point ? Because sometimes it’s ok if you’re the only one that knows, and in this case, feels, how luxurious and exceptional something is. It’s like your own little secret.

While I don’t think quietly luxurious jewelry has to be expensive, often times it is. After all, rare and exceptional craftsmanship plus pricey materials comes at a cost.

A great example of quiet luxury is this Loren Nicole chain. Sure, it’s $20,000, but each link is completely hand-forged and individually woven in 22K gold. For the wearer the weight and the movement of the chain will feel like a revelation. I’ve seen and felt this chain in person and it’s glorious.

Another exceptional piece of jewelry is this flexible George Lenfant bracelet from the 1960s. I’d recommend reading about him, a true visionary. Why yes, that is gold woven into a chevron pattern! And yes, it moves effortlessly and drapes perfectly around the wrist when worn. The closer you get the more details you’ll find!

For me, custom jewelry is as luxurious as it gets. Having something that is completely your own and made to your specifications is the very best of what jewelry can offer. This Millie and Noah pendant features a hand carved baby portrait in citrine. Oh, and did I mention the portrait swivels to reveal a hand written engraving on the back?

This pendant isn’t the most understated, but it’s not immediately recognizable either. Upon closer inspection the meticulous craftsmanship is revealed. Every detail is meaningful and took months to ideate and create.

The fewer the branded elements the quieter the luxury. VCA Alhambras and Cartier screws are motifs that are meant to be recognized. Hand woven golden cord and meticulously carved stone are far less obvious and tend to fly under the radar. Treasures, first and foremost, for the wearer.

Judy Geid Emerald Riviere Necklace, $35,680.

I know what you’re thinking, a riviere of emeralds isn’t exactly discreet, but hear me out. Judy Geib travels to all corners of the earth to hand select her stones. Sometimes these gems have been collected and saved for years by miners in remote areas of Brazil and Colombia. She then returns to her Brooklyn bench and dreams up designs that she fabricates slowly and meticulously by hand. On a recent trip to Portland I had the good fortune of trying on this emerald necklace, and, though not the quietest, it is overwhelmingly the most luxurious. It feels lived in and effortless, but also incredibly special and breathtaking. And no photo can do justice to the vibrancy of her emeralds, harmoniously combined and color matched in a way that is only possible if you go directly to the source.

If you’re looking for something more subtle but no less extraordinary, take a look at Marla Aaron’s completely hand engraved DiMe bracelets and rings. The one below (which this photo does not do justice, watch THIS!) is Alice in Wonderland themed, complete with hidden references to characters and a lengthy quote carved inside.

Marla Aaron hand engraved DiMe ring, $7,500.

Marla does quiet luxury really well because she isn’t afraid to play with materials and experiment. Her Rolling Spheres ring has independently rolling diamond balls that are each hand cut into spheres - a cut that doesn’t maximize the diamond’s sparkle at all. In fact, if you saw this you may not even realize you were looking at 7+ carats of diamonds! Because that’s the thing about quiet luxury, it doesn’t scream, it whispers.

Marla Aaron Rolling Spheres Diamond Ring, price upon request.