My Favorite Fine Jewelry Designers

Fine jewelry is an investment so it’s important to select carefully and buy pieces you know you’ll love forever. Now is the time of year when we get to dress up more so what better way to top off a holiday ensemble than with some fabulous jewels? Check out some of my favorite fine jewelry designers and my hand-picked selections to give, get or just deck yourself out this season.

Shawn Warren Signature Cushion Necklace, BUY NOW, $4,150
Shawn Warren has been designing fine jewelry for over ten years, and with a main vision for versatility, it’s easy to see how she has become the “secret weapon” of society women and red carpet walkers. I met Shawn several years ago at one of her famous Hamptons trunk shows and I am a big fan of her designs. Patti Stanger, The Millionaire Matchmaker is also a fan and can be seen wearing Shawn Warren regularly. Warren recently launched a gorgeous and less expensive line and she offers a nice selection on her website. This Signature Cushion necklace is a splurge item but quite stunning–a pale aqua Sapphire encased in diamonds and set in white gold. I love its modern design and vintage charm.

Jill Heller LoveBird Necklace, BUY NOW, $2,800
Owned and run by Jill Heller and Amy Heilberg since 2003, this line of fine jewelry is an impressive collection of contemporary and vintage. The LoveBird collection is gorgeous and caters to the most sophisticated shoppers. The pendent with its thick gold chain is a perfect statement piece to dress up any outfit. The layering of the chain also adds an extra touch of style to the already flawless design. I admire Amy and Jill’s talent for designing and finding exceptional pieces of jewelry. I still enjoy my purchases from them over the years and receive so many compliments when wearing their unique and stylish pieces. They also have a huge following among many New York celebutantes.

Ippolita 7 Stone Bangle, BUY NOW, $1,295
The Florence born designer started her jewelry design house in 1993, melding together her love for beauty and craft which has caught the attention of celebs like Mila Kunis, Zoe Saldana and Sofia Vergara. The 7 Stone bangle in clear quartz with diamonds is part of the Ippolita Wicked Collection and I can see why! It is sinfully chic either alone as a statement piece, or stacked with some of your favorite bangles (that is how I like to wear them). The asymmetrical stones give this piece depth and I love how it plays with the contours of my wrist. I bought some bangles from Ippolita over ten years ago and still wearing them so I think they are a sound investment.

Jennifer Meyer Diamond Stick Necklace, BUY NOW, $1050
After working in public relations and in editorial for Glamour Magazine, Jennifer returned to her roots in 2004, crafting her trademark leaf-shaped gold charm. Expanding largely since then, the designer includes a lot of Rubies in her collection, in honor of her daughter with husband Toby Maguire, Ruby Sweetheart. The newest edition to Jennifer Meyer’s Bar/Stick collection, the Diamond Stick necklace has wasted no time in landing on the famous necks of Hollywood’s A-list. Scarlett Johansson donned the design for her December 12th appearance on The Today Show and Jennifer Aniston rocked the piece in her upcoming film Wanderlust. Jennifer Meyer got her start alongside her grandmother, who taught the designer how to make enamel jewelry when she was just six years old. I love the linear array of diamonds in this geometric beauty and can’t wait to wear with the plunging neckline of my new favorite Jay Godfrey top.

Nina Runsdorf Serpent Cocktail Ring, AVAILABLE at Bergdorf Goodman, $900
Nina Runsdorf has quite the jewelry pedigree–her family has been in the business for many generations as one of the top jewelers and diamond merchants, with a lineage tracing back to the founders of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse in Europe. Runsdorf’s collection is glamorous and very special. In fact, met magnificent designs can be seen on celebrities and style mavens including Rachel Zoe and on the hit show Gossip Girl. I love serpent accessories and Nina Runsdorf’s snake wrapped, ten karat Moonstone slice nails it with its uber-chic design. The statement piece is resplendent and a throw back to Egyptian culture. Keep other animal accents to a minimum when sporting this ring and pair it with something soft and feminine. I bought my very first pair of diamond studs from Nina as she is one of the best gemologists in New York City.

Buy Diamond Vermeil “Peace/Snake” Pendant, $279.90

Buy Diamond Vermeil “Peace/Snake” Pendant, $279.90 Vermeil peace sign pendant with snake motif Round champagne diamonds pavé-set in center of peace sign and on bail Shop the Full Story: Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry This Summer: Carol Brodie Shares Her Best Kept Secrets

Buy Cultured Freshwater Pearl 37″ Necklace, $589.90

Buy Cultured Freshwater Pearl 37″ Necklace, $589.90 Oval white, gray and black cultured freshwater pearls, accented by round beads pavé-set with round black spinel stones Stationed on sterling round-link chain Shop the Full Story: Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry This Summer: Carol Brodie Shares Her Best Kept Secrets

Buy Diamond Rose Vermeil “Fleur De Lis” Ring, $359.90

Buy Diamond Rose Vermeil “Fleur De Lis” Ring, $359.90 Open fleur-de-lis design pavé-set with round black diamonds Round white diamonds pavé-set in center of ring and on split shoulders Shop the Full Story: Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry This Summer: Carol Brodie Shares Her Best Kept Secrets

Buy Champagne Diamond “Hamsa” Bangle Bracelet, $129.90

Buy Champagne Diamond “Hamsa” Bangle Bracelet, $129.90 Round champagne diamonds pavé-set on Hamsa hand motif atop slender vermeil bangle bracelet Box clasp with double safety latch Shop the Full Story: Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry This Summer: Carol Brodie Shares Her Best Kept Secrets

Buy Smoky Quartz “Circles” Necklace, $849.90

Buy Smoky Quartz “Circles” Necklace, $849.90 Multishaped smoky quartz stones set on inner edges of ring-shaped sterling stations Each circle connected by small oval link Shop the Full Story: Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry This Summer: Carol Brodie Shares Her Best Kept Secrets

Buy Gemstone and Enamel “Dragonfly” Cuff Bracelet, $519.90

Buy Gemstone and Enamel “Dragonfly” Cuff Bracelet, $519.90 Wide, slightly concave vermeil cuff with brushed texture Dragonfly motif centered on cuff Shop the Full Story: Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry This Summer: Carol Brodie Shares Her Best Kept Secrets

Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry this Summer:
Carol Brodie Shares Her Best-Kept Secrets

From Harry Winston to HSN, Carol Brodie has accumulated a vast knowledge of information and celebrity style tips. Her virtual jewelry boutique, Rarities Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie, can be found on HSN as can her monthly visits which feature roughly 35 to-die-for new styles at affordably fabulous price points. If you are dreaming about wearing everything on Barney’s first floor… dream no more. Carol’s collection is chock full of her favorites… which are bound to become yours. Here are her tips for summer-fabulous sparkle:

What are the best investment pieces for this summer?

Blackened jewelry will be all the rage this fall, so how about starting now by buying pieces that pair gold and silver such as the Champagne Diamond Vermeil Disc-Shaped Earrings. The Indian Mughal Dyansty was the inspiration for these earrings which celebrate the sun and the treasures of the earth. A long layering necklace is so important all year long… try this one to update every summer mini and maxi. And don’t forget the cuffs… worn single or by the pair, cuffs always provide the necessary extreme makeover!

Buy Now, Champagne Diamond Vermeil Disc-Shaped Earrings, $3169.90
Buy Now, Smoky Quartz “Circles” Necklace, $849.90
Buy Now, Gemstone and Enamel “Dragonfly” Cuff Bracelet, $519.90

What is the one piece of jewelry that you never take off?

My obsession with the evil eye and hamsa hand go way back to summer holidays in Israel and Greece. My diamond evil eyes have so much become my signature that I am just launching my first ever Swiss-Made timepiece with the iconic design brilliantly sparkling on the dial. You can never wear too many talismans and I always suggest that the hamsa and evil eye should be worn together for maximum style and protection.

Buy Now, Champagne Diamond “Hamsa” Bangle Bracelet, $129.90
Buy Now, Blue Lapis and Sapphire “Evil Eye” Charm Bracelet, $224.90

What do you suggest we do to clean our jewelry in the summer?

My favorite summer secret is the jewelry bath. Gemstone and diamond jewelry gets dirty very quickly with sunscreens, soap and moisturizers. Mix the solution: 1 part ammonia, 1 part dishwashing liquid and 2 parts warm water. Bathe your jewelry (except woods, opaque gems and pearls) 10-15 minutes and use a soft tooth brush to gently wipe away the dirt. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Your jewelry will sparkle like new. For all other jewelry like coral, turquoise, wood and pearls, use a soft damn cloth to clean away the residues that are dulling the pieces.

Can we wear gold and silver together?

One of my favorite things to do is to mix and match my jewelry – old and new alike. I love to layer. I start with an antique piece or one that is black rhodium accented. I layer in yellow gold, rose gold and silver pieces to create a thoroughly modern look. Don’t be scared to experiment… I wear every color and texture of gold and silver as long as I have one estate or oxidized piece to pull it all together like this Diamond Rose Vermeil “Fleur De Lis” Ring.

Buy Now, Diamond Rose Vermeil “Fleur De Lis” Ring, $359.90

I know you love to layer, any tips?

One of the things I’ve learned is to keep jewelry in PROPORTION. Choose one big piece and build from there. If you are wearing a chandelier or a long earring, choose a long necklace – 30 inches or more – to compliment the look and keep everything in proportion. Long and layered is a great way to get a big look while still wearing fine jewelry. Cuffs are my personal obsession, but when you wear them I would skip the rings and keep the focus on an important earring. With bead bracelets or bangles, the more the merrier. Stack them up half way to your elbow for drama and impact!

Buy Now, Cultured Freshwater Pearl 37″ Necklace, $589.90

I lost my favorite earring at the beach, any suggestions?

Repurpose your jewelry — there is nothing worse than the single or ORPHAN EARRING lying at the bottom of your jewelry box. If you have lost an earring with sentimental or monetary value, take the other to your local, jewelry repair shop and have them turn your orphan earring into a pendant, charm or ring.

Buy Now, Diamond Vermeil “Peace/Snake” Pendant, $279.90

To see everything presented on air you can tune in to watch Carol Brodie on HSN on Sunday, June 19th from 11am – 2pm and again at 9pm on Sunday night. Be sure to check out HSN.com and order your favorite pieces on line. Styles sell out very quickly and she does not bring them back as they are true Rarities!

The road from Harry Winston to HSN was pavéd in diamonds… Carol Brodie, International Jewelry Expert and host of Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie on HSN, has transformed her career from luxury to HSN working with some of the world’s most exclusive brands along the way.Under the leadership of CEO Mindy Grossman, Brodie joined HSN in 2009 where she delivers a message of empowerment combined with a profound knowledge and expertise of jewelry to women of all ages. Leveraging the power of social media and her on-air success, Brodie has been able to reinvent herself from a luxury branding expert and advisor into an electronic superstar becoming one of the top-sellers in the fine jewelry category and gaining a loyal and devoted following of fans and consumers. Prior to joining HSN, Carol was Chief Luxury Officer of CurtCo Media, publisher to a family of titles targeted to the world’s most affluent readers including Robb Report, Worth, Showboats International and Art & Antiques. In this exclusive position, Brodie lead strategic partnerships, special events, promotions and targeted marketing and public relations initiatives to position CurtCo’s most influential magazines as the voice of the international luxury marketplace. Prior to joining CurtCo, Brodie was Global Director of Communications for world-renowned jeweler Harry Winston. During her eight years there, Brodie was credited with expanding the reach and image of the old-world brand to appeal to a younger clientele and introducing the concept of red-carpet dressing. In addition to her work with some of the world’s most prominent brands, Carol Brodie is a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide on subjects ranging from luxury marketing to international branding. She is also a recognized media personality appearing as a correspondent on Extra, as a style expert on E! Style Court and ABC’s Extreme Makeover as well as frequent appearances on The Bachelor, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition, Today in New York, CNBC, CNN and Martha Stewart Weddings earning her the moniker: ‘The Queen of Luxury’. In 2004, Kiplinger’s named Brodie The Queen of Diamonds a name that has defined her expertise in the fine jewelry industry. Previous to joining Harry Winston in 1997, Brodie spent four years as a partner at award-winning advertising agency J. Walter Thompson, where she managed the Diamond Information Center on behalf of De Beers Consolidated Mines. Not just limited to diamonds, Ms. Brodie has helped build luxury and beauty brands such as Barnes and Noble, Faberge, Ivanka Trump, Clairol, Revlon Professional Products, Maybelline, Matrix and Gucci Timepieces. Ms. Brodie’s personal interests involve philanthropy, gemology and international travel. She maintains positions on the committees of several prominent charities including The Boy’s and Girl’s Club, The Chron’s & Colitis Foundation of America and the Food Allergy Initiative. She resides in Fairfield, Connecticut, Palm Beach, Florida and Manhattan, New York with her two children, Noah and Grant.

Buy Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie Rutilated Quartz & Champagne Diamond Ring

Buy Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie Rutilated Quartz & Champagne Diamond Ring, $499.90, at hsn.com 12.33ct Rutilated Quartz and Champagne Diamond Ring made with 10K gold Brodie is the former global director of communications for Harry Winston Shop the Full Story: Sparkle Plenty at HSN