Look Book

23 www.thejewelrybook.com D E S I G N E R U P C L O S E O M I The Omi Gems family dates back fi ve generations to Burma in the early 1900's. Decades of wars and close escapes from political unrest followed. With a handful of gems, a brilliant outlook, and a clear mindset, Omi Nag pal and his loving wife, Preeti, came to the United States. There, they founded and built a loose gemstone house that over time became synonymous with the world's most valuable jewels. Now, the Los Angeles-based company is lead by Omi's son, Niveet. As head designer, Niveet has continued the family's reputation and high integrity through the Omi Privé fi ne jewelry collection. Niveet carries his family's deep apprecia- tion for the inherent beauty of each gem. Through testing high methods of jewelry fabrication, Niveet has achieved the fi nest craftsmanship in the United States. Though only 5 years old, this collection stems from decades of tradition in loose colored stones. He settles for nothing less than to produce works of jewelry equivalent to the values of the gems they showcase. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE STONE THAT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY DRAWN TO AT THE MOMENT? I would say Alexandrite is one of my favorite stones. It's a true 'perfect storm' created by nature. A variety of chrysoberyl with the trace element chromium this gemstone naturally changes color without any additional treatments. The fi nest quality Alexandrite will have a green to blu- ish-green color in daylight, and will completely change to a red to pur- plish-red color in incandescent light. Spinel is another favorite, it's still gaining in popularity amongst consumers but has been appreciated by gemstone lovers for years. It comes in so many beautiful colors, and displays incredible brilliance because it is a singly refractive stone. They are rare, but since they are still not as well known they can be purchased for relatively good value. T ELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEWEST DESIGNS/COLLECTION? This capsule collection is a part of our larger Monaco collection, which focuses on bursts of eye-catching color. Using satin-fi nished 18k rose or yellow gold, the soft texture of the metal emphasizes the brilliance of each gemstone. Each has a 'secret' element of color on either side of the ring, these accent gemstones are often interesting or contrasting to the center stone to add a little some- thing special for the wearer, in the past we have used exotic stones such as tanzanite and alexandrite in a vari- ety of cuts. The collection is warmer and more casual than our others, but with the use of larger gemstones the pieces can also be worn as an updated and more modern cocktail ring. We want the woman who wears Omi Privé to collect pieces that work with her lifestyle, and are an expres- sion of herself. H OW IS WORKING WITH COLOR DIFFERENT TODAY FROM WHEN YOUR FIRST STARTED OUT? Sourcing fi ne quality gemstones is always a challenge. Even with our extensive network of suppliers, we spend a large amount of time sourcing gemstones. There is an increasing demand worldwide for fi ne colored gemstones and there is only a fi nite amount available from nature. Trends are changing, color in bridal is becoming more com- mon, and consumers are interested in the 'experience'. They are search- ing for something unique, that expresses their personality, but something that will hold its value and remain 'classic.' 3.50ct Emerald-Cut Purple Spinel, Alexandrite and Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Duet Collection. 5.17ct Round Red Spinel, Fancy Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Monaco Collection.

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