Look Book

46 W W W.thejeWelrybook.CoM 47 W W W.thejeWelrybook.CoM By Allyson Bainbridge Riccardi Featherstone Design The Colorful Path of an Unconventional Jewelry Artisan. 2 0 14 t r e n d s Meticulously crafted with a keen under- standing of how women wear jewelry, Featherstone Design features bold use of color, settings (including a signature halo design) that bring out the brilliance of gemstones, and many modular options that make a piece convertible, depending on the wearer's mood. Deirdre's success is based completely on word-of-mouth, which is a testament to her ability to understand each client's unique personali- ty and needs, and adapt her designs accordingly. She develops several collec- tions a year, in addition to unique pieces inspired by important gems she acquires, and the many custom commissions created for clients. Deirdre's interest in creating began at a young age… she shared with me an early report card with a stern remark from her elementary school teacher, expressing that Deirdre showed promise if she'd only stop making miniatures at her desk during class! Fascinated with taking things apart and putting them back together, she helped her dad and brothers with all sorts of repairs around the house, and learned the satisfaction of creating something functional and beautiful. As a teenager, she was walking around New York with a friend and stumbled upon the Diamond District. Amazed that there was a neigh- borhood dedicated to the jewelry industry, she marched into Myron Toback's shop and asked Mr. Toback what tools she'd need to make her own jewelry. Myron took a shine to the audacious 13 year-old and became a mentor over the next few decades as Deirdre's self-taught career took shape. Until she established Featherstone Design in 1995, Deirdre thought of jew- elry more as a hobby than a profession. She was always doing side projects, intern- ing at a local jeweler while studying art history and economics at Rutgers. After graduating she spent years working at auc- tion houses and antiques dealers; in her spare time she learned how to execute her visions in silver. She'd already built a word-of-mouth business with custom designs and commissions by the time she decided to commit to being a jeweler full-time. Natural pink pearl and rhodolite drop earrings, one of Deirdre's most recent designs. Custom-commissioned ring featuring a blue star sapphire, diamonds and lavender spinel. Precocious and decades ahead of her time, Deirdre's first finished designs at the age of 18 included silver "nails" and an articulated cuff/ring ensemble – I want to wear these NOW! Deirdre at the bench.

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