Creating jewelry is a labor of love. I hope that my passion is evident in every design.

-Bellarri

MEET BELLARRI

When did your passion for jewelry begin?

In my late teens, I was a fashion model in Toronto. I loved the runway, clothing and jewelry created by top designers. After I moved from Canada to the United States, I pursued a career in loose diamonds. Along the way, I was asked to create settings to showcase the stones. After designing many collections for several private-label jewelers, I decided to start my own company and brand.

What was the jewelry business like in the 1980s?

It was a challenging, male-dominated industry at that time. I’m proud that I stuck it out and found success! It was difficult at first, but I began to make my mark with thought-provoking designs and vibrant colors.

You seem to have a natural flair for color.

As an artist, I try to push the envelope. And color is my niche area. Many companies and designers tell me they look forward to my color predictions each year. When I fall in love with a colored stone, I am inspired to create a new jewelry design around it.

What sets your jewelry collection apart from others?

Bellarri is a true design house. I design each and every piece. Yet, there is a breadth and depth to my collection. I create 250-300 totally new pieces per season. It’s like having a baby every nine months! That’s why I take such care in naming my collections. If I find inspiration on a boulevard in Paris or a piazza in Italy, I will bestow that name on my new design.

You offer a wide variety of designs, but your focus on quality is evident.

Thank you. It’s important to us. Our gems are laser-cut so precisely that they appear to grow out of their settings. I want my stones to be an integral part of the architecture of each piece. The metal should make the gem colors dance.

Any advice about how to wear Bellarri jewelry?

The Bellarri brand has a persona and each collection has its own unique flair, yet they all work together.You can add a Bellarri necklace to your personal collection today and it will work with a Bellarri ring you acquired 25 years ago. I always tell my daughter, “Even if you’re in a hurry to run out the door, throw on some red lipstick and your Bellarri earrings. Bold basics make you look professional!”

What makes your partnership with VanBrock work?

The VanBrock team “gets it.” I select the finest independent boutique locations around the world. My jewelry has a museum quality, yet I have no desire for my designs to sit on a display shelf. A piece of jewelry comes to life when it is worn. It takes on the personality of the wearer.

"I try to create classic jewelry with a twist that will stand the test of time ...for all women."

-Frederic Sage

Do you have a mission?

Yes! Share our love for color and jewelry with the entire world!

What is your background and how did you get started?

Frederic Sage is not your typical designer. Although he graduated with a degree in the sciences, Frederic later realized his true interests and passion were in design and color. He decided to continue his education by studying Art History and Textile Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. It was there that Frederic Sage was given the opportunity to design for a leading textile manufacturer.

With a fresh and unique look, and an “eye” for color, Frederic, a perfectionist, created designs that were distributed not only in America, but also in Europe and other international communities. During that time, he traveled to more than fifty countries all over the world, and lived in cities such as Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris and Milan.

Eventually, with guidance from his father, who as an importer of precious gems had given him firsthand knowledge and experiences with fine gems, Frederic was able to change paths and pursue his childhood dream of designing and creating fine jewelry.

Who is the woman who wears your jewelry?

Our collections are described as contemporary with a twist and are intended for the modern woman. I love to take traditional designs and update them. For example, many of my bridal rings feature twisting designs, split shanks, and two-tone gold combinations. We do, however, keep all women in mind and have a spectrum of different looks and price points to satisfy different tastes.

Why did you choose to partner with VanBrock?

VanBrock is the perfect partner for Frederic Sage because our missions our perfectly aligned: to provide a unique and unforgettable jewelry experience. They have truly been a pleasure to work with and I look forward to further growing our relationship.

What motivates you to create the next design?

My global travels and experiences have motivated me to create designs with captivating shapes and colors with the use of natural shells, gemstones, and diamonds. The materials I use are from various countries of origin and symbolize a blending of cultures.

I have a deep connection with everything I design and take great pride in all of my pieces; I see each of them as a unique piece of art, as do my friends at VanBrock.

Those who buy the very best never regret their purchases. Jewelry with enduring quality and increasing value will stand the test of time.

-Rafael, founder, artistic designer and visionary leader

MEET RAFAEL AT JB STAR

When did you first develop your passion for jewelry?

My father was in the diamond business. As a youngster, I often went to the “office” with my dad. First, I sorted diamonds. Later, I learned to cut stones. This early and intimate experience with diamonds certainly shaped my jewelry sensibilities. I consider myself blessed to be successful in my own right in the business my family started back in the 1940s.

Did your father hope that you would follow in his footsteps?

I believe he did. But it took some time for me to develop my own path. First, I earned an undergraduate degree in economics and an MBA from New York University. Then, around 1979, I developed my own business model for JB Star. You could say I took the path less traveled. I’m not interested in the number of units sold or minimizing our costs. Instead I focus all my creative energies on pleasing the truly discerning woman — the woman who simply will not settle for second best.

This has been your vision from the beginning?

Yes, I get up every day and experience the pure joy of working with beautiful gemstones and metals. I pour my creativity into each piece as if it’s being designed for a family member or one of my dearest friends. I’m very lucky to have so many people around the world who appreciate my designs and compliment me on my unique style. I love what I do. I guess it shows.

How do you ensure high quality in every piece?

Our facility in New York is home to the finest artisans in the industry. We start with the best materials, including pure platinum, 18-karat yellow and rose gold, as well as the highest quality diamonds and gemstones. We employ the latest finishing technologies, including lasers.

Most importantly, each piece of jewelry is carefully crafted, inspected and analyzed by hand. No piece ever leaves our New York shop until even the tiniest details are examined. As the experts at VanBrock know, we offer a flawless written warranty and an even better unwritten warranty. We want our select jewelers and their clientele to be completely satisfied with each and every JB Star piece.

What inspired you to offer your exquisite jewelry at VanBrock?

VanBrock is the perfect partner for JB Star. Their team members are some of the sweetest individuals I have ever met. They really care about their clientele. But they’ve also done their homework. They know quality and demand the very best jewelry in the business.

Every woman has a story to tell. Beautiful and meaningful jewelry is the perfect way to commemorate the many chapters of her life.

-Monica Rich Kosann

MEET MONICA RICH KOSANN

What is your first jewelry memory?

When I was a little girl, I didn’t even need to look up to know that my mother was entering the room. She wore a beautiful charm bracelet laden with personal mementos. It always announced her arrival with a delightful jingle. I loved it! Now I do the same with my girls.

Despite this early inspiration, you didn’t set out to become a jewelry designer, did you?

My first passion was fine art photography. I took classes at the International Center of Photography, Rhode Island School of Design, the Sorbonne in Paris, and the International Academy of Art in Austria. I found my niche taking black and white portraits of children and families. I still shoot… and I use film!

How did photography lead to luxury jewelry?

I became very close with the families I photographed and wanted to present each one with a personal gift. During my flea market shopping trips, I discovered beautiful, sterling silver, vintage compacts and cigarette cases that were perfect for holding photos. My clients were touched when they received a personalized case with one of their family photos enclosed.

As demand for these one-of-a-kind pieces grew, I explored the idea of creating new pieces in my own collection. I started with Image Cases, frames and photos albums, and then I introduced heirloom-quality lockets and charms. It has been the ideal way for me to combine my love of photography, vintage designs and fine jewelry. My collection allows a woman to be her own storyteller.

You’ve come full-circle from your mother’s charm bracelet!

I’m passionate about creating luxury jewelry that tells a woman’s story. When you tuck a precious photo or personal note inside an 18-karat gold locket, it becomes yours. It’s a unique piece that can be layered with other meaningful and personalized charms on a bracelet or necklace.

How do you come up with so many new ideas?

I look for inspiration everywhere…in photography, flea markets and old-world European designs. My vintage-inspired pocket-watch key necklaces combine beautiful stones with keys fashioned after those used by men in the 1800s to wind their pocket watches.

I’m also fascinated by the beauty of stones. I love creating one-of-a-kind lockets and other jewelry around unique stones. Lockets are sexy and mysterious because no one knows what is in your locket unless you choose to share it.

What inspired you to offer your exquisite jewelry at VanBrock?

The VanBrock team shares my personal belief that fine jewelry is an important way for a woman to express her individuality. Their gallery offers an intimate setting for viewing and acquiring beautiful family heirlooms.

Each object I create carries the soul of the history of the artisans of Florence.

-Temple St. Clair

MEET THIS DESIGNER

You’ve always led an adventurous life. How did that manifest into a career in fine jewelry?

I grew up in Virginia, but was encouraged to see the world. I love deep-sea diving, skiing, exploring museums and experiencing other cultures. After college, I lived in Florence where I studied Italian Renaissance literature, and indulged my passion for art and art history. It was there that I designed my first necklace featuring an ancient coin. Within a year, Barneys began selling my collection.

How would you describe your design style?

Collectors seem to appreciate my modern approach to classical, old-world style. There is usually a story —and a bit of history—behind each of my designs. For example, my rock-crystal amulets are modeled after the medieval charm collection of Lorenzo de’ Medici. My Tree of Life collection celebrates the land, the oceans and the air. My Arno chain honors Kyoto architecture. My Celestial collection reflects the beauty and wonder of the universe.

You also have a brilliant eye for color!

I am inspired by the colors found in art and nature, from the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna to the tropical depths of the Indian Ocean. I continue to travel the world for uncommon gemstones that will bring my collection to life! Some of my favorite gems are royal blue moonstone, aquamarine, pink tourmaline and cabochon peridot.

Tell us about the woman who wears your jewelry.

My collectors recognize the artistic and historical underpinnings of my fine jewelry. In addition, the woman who wears a piece from the Temple St. Clair collection brings her own story to the piece. Each time she wears the ring, pendant, or bracelet, she is reminded of an important event, person or pIace in her life

Why do you place so much emphasis on quality?

The philosophy of Temple St. Clair is to offer the highest quality in luxury jewelry while introducing collectors to timeless design, exquisite colored gemstones and fine 18-carat gold work. There can be no compromising when it comes to quality. I demand the best materials and craftsmanship in every piece.

You have the privilege of handpicking your retail outlets. Why VanBrock?

We met the VanBrock team at a trade show and couldn’t wait to form a partnership. We knew immediately that VanBrock would be a great fit for Temple St. Clair.

“Skill without imagination is craftsmanship and gives us many useful objects such as wickerwork picnic baskets. Imagination without skill gives us modern art.”

-Tom Stoppard

Do you have a mission in life?

To live a good life and to bring a little joy to the few fellow souls.

When you firstly came to the America, how did you localize your designs to American consumers?

When I came to America, I found that the mainstream jewelry design is quite uniform and pedestrian, therefore I had an idea to create something entirely different, beautiful and mysterious.

What are the influences of your industrial design major and family architect background on your jewelry designs?

Industrial design studies made me always think about ergonomics. I can’t imagine making a piece that would not be comfortable to wear all the time.
My father’s architectural and graphic design work taught me love for art and calligraphy.

What do you think are your designs’ features compared with other jewelry designers?

There are some jewelry designers that I admire, but I don’t like to look at their work, because I try not to be influenced by other jewelry.

How do you insist on your own style, as your jewelry is easily recognizable as Alex Sepkus’?

I don’t try to create my own style, it comes naturally. My work reflects my personality and skill. I work without second thoughts, almost intuitively.
I’m a Lithuanian, therefore a spiritual citizen of Old Europe. Hopefully this can be seen in my creations.

Why do you usually use microscope to do design? And what does this method influence your design results?

Working with a microscope forces a certain discipline. It helps to avoid distractions and to concentrate on the piece I’m making.
Also, there is a microscope on every bench in our shop - it helps to get the production quality that is almost the same as my original pieces.

How do you usually find the inspirations on jewelry design?

I really don’t have any inspirations for designs, the shapes seem to flow from my head.
But I need to be inspired to start working, and this can come from anywhere - a book, a painting, an old church, even from music.

You have your own category of jewelry, what is this? Please share more with us.

It is difficult to describe, because I always try to avoid descriptions. Intuitively designed, hand-made looking jewelry with a very high quality of workmanship.