Best of 2014: US jewelry designers

America really was the land of plenty when it came to creating exciting and innovative jewelry designs in 2014. Here at The Jewellery Editor we pride ourselves on having our fingers on the pulse and, with four US-based contributors covering the region or us, we are committed to bringing you the very latest in jewelry and watch design from across the pond.

Todd Reed’s creative use of pearls earned him a deserved place on our list and a nomination for a GEM Award alongside The Jewellery Editor’s Maria Doulton. We wish him the best of luck on Friday, when the GEM Award winners will be announced in New York.

New York designer Alexandra Mor is going from strength to strength. Last year she opened her first salon in Boston while this April will see the launch of her new Vows by Alexandra Mor jewelry collection. Also from the Big Apple, the husband and wife team behind Roule & Co jewelry proved to be another of our favourite discoveries this year. Their “heirlooms from the future” include these crescent hoop earrings with a vibrant flash of pink.

Inspired by French Baroque and Rococo architecture, Nicholas Lieou’s whimsical jewels, such as these Cosmos earrings, have earmarked him as one to watch this year.

One of the highlights of 2014 for The Jewellery Editor was our first visit to the Couture Show Las Vegas in May. The most talked-about jewelry show in the US, Couture brings together 250 of the country’s most exciting jewelers and watchmakers under one roof. Taking place at the five-star Wynn resort, Couture presents the crème de la crème of high-end jewelry design.

From Holly Dyment’s colorful enamel pieces to Coomi’s spiritual jewels, which incorporate ancient artefacts, the wealth of talent on show was truly mesmerizing. The rich mix of independent designers also included Monique Péan – who unveiled her new collection of ethical engagement rings at Couture – and Irene Neuwirth, who is renowned for her bold opal jewels.

With such a head-swivelling amount of gorgeous baubles on display, compiling a best-of list was no easy task. Color was very much the order of the day at Couture and among the standout pieces were a pair of emerald and diamond ear cuffs by Jemma Wynne, Nam Cho’s sapphire earrings and a breathtaking pendant set with a 22.30 carat opal by Paula Crevoshay. Couture newcomer Anthony Lent dazzled us with his eclectic and imaginative jewels, which included this Adorned Hands ring with two miniature gold hands clasping a cabochon lavender chalcedony.

It was all about the details for LA-based jewelry designer Arman Sarkisyan – his Peacock earrings are the epitome of wearable art. And a stone and fossil collector from an early age, Pamela Huizenga’s use of oversized stones, such as this entrancing Montana agate ring from the new Florestra de Pedra collection, has earned her the nickname “Rockhound”.

With a return visit to Couture Las Vegas planned for May this year, we look forward to sharing the latest bounty of jewels designed in the US with you in 2015.

Jemma Wynne Covet ear cuffs with baguette-cut emeralds and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Irene Neuwirth rose gold one-of-a-kind necklace with green tourmaline, Lightning Ridge opal and diamonds ($9,770).
Nicholas Lieou Cosmos earrings with diamonds and pearls.
Roule & Co. crescent hoop earrings with pink tourmalines within blackened gold cages.
Nam Cho detachable and convertible earrings with kyanites, blue sapphires and diamonds.
Pamela Huizenga gold ring with a 49.70ct Montana agate and diamond pavé.
Monique Péan’s Montana striped agate earrings in matte gold, from the Seto collection, are inlaid with diamond baguettes and inspired by the warm amber shades of a sunset.
Paula Crevoshay will be showing her breathtaking designs at the Couture Show Las Vegas, including this pendant set with a 22.30ct opal, tanzanites, apatites, blue zircon and diamonds.
Coomi Buddha ring in gold and diamonds.
Anthony Lent Anatomy collection Adorned Hands ring featuring lavender chalcedony, diamond and cabochon ruby, set in gold.
Arman Sarkisyan Peacock earrings with tanzanite, tsavorite, diamonds and oxidised silver.