Look Book

42 | The Jewelr y Book Many of her collections trace back to Africa. "Amani," which means peace in Swahili, was her first true collection; inspired by the beadwork and basket weaving of African women, its graduated circles of gemstones have "Peace" inscribed on the back in seven languages. (Keep an eye out for the one-of-a-kind Amani pendant centered on a blue chalcedony scarab. Egyptology and translucent stones? I'm so here for it!) Another collection, "Bahati," was inspired by the majestic elephants she encountered on a Gem Legacy trip to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. "ey're a matriarchal society," says Maxwell. "To see these mamas raising their babies and all the aunties that come around … it's just really remarkable." For retailers, the case for Leigh Maxwell is as much about crasmanship as design. As Joel Cheatwood (Co-Founder, e Gems Project), who has represented the line for years, recounts, "In all the years that I've been selling Leigh Maxwell, I cannot remember one single repair. Sure, you might need a modification, like having a ring sized; but you're never sending that piece of jewelry back to me because there's a problem with it." Maxwell's own standard is simple: "If I put on a ring and it has a sharp edge, it's going back to the bench, because I want it to become part of a woman's DNA." Her clients, by her description, are well-traveled, well-educated self-purchasers who appreciate the quality as much as the subtlety and ease of wearing. Cheatwood describes a woman who already has her great blue sapphire in the safe, and wants something she'll wear every day. As he puts it, "Jennifer is her own customer." Leigh Maxwell jewelry is beautifully made, easy to wear, and never feels like it's trying too hard. Says Maxwell, "I don't have it in me to try that hard." It's jewelry that makes you stand up a little straighter and makes you feel good about yourself; which, as far as I'm concerned, is exactly what Wearable Prozac is all about. In the case of Leigh Maxwell, I'm just glad that while I may have arrived late, I didn't miss the party. LeighMaxwell.com Medium Grey Diamond Bead Necklace featuring Grey Diamond beads in an array of sizes, shapes, and hues (approx. 41.8ctw | untreated), finished with a locking clasp of satin-finished 18K Gold. OOAK Linear Cluster Earrings featuring 2 round cabochon-cut and 14 oval-cut Aquamarines in an array of hues (approx. 19.55ctw), set in satin- finished 18K Gold. [Clockwise from left] OOAK Mocha Zircon 'Bauble' Ring with Diamond Pavé featuring an oval-cut Mocha Zircon (8.74ct | heated) surrounded by a pavé of brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.55ctw | G/H, VS); OOAK Tanzanite 'Bauble' Ring with Diamond Pavé featuring an oval-cut Tanzanite (5.15ct | heated) surrounded by a pavé of brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.23ctw | G/H, VS); OOAK Green Tourmaline 'Bauble' Ring with Diamond Pavé featuring an oval-cut Green Tourmaline (3.83ct) surrounded by a pavé of brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.19ctw | G/H, VS); and OOAK Malaya Garnet 'Bauble' Ring with Diamond Pavé featuring an oval-cut Malaya Garnet (6.96ct) surrounded by a pavé of brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.49ctw | G/H, VS); all from the "Bauble" collection, and set in satin-finished 18K Gold. Cushion Watch Link Bracelet featuring round brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.40ctw | G/H, VS) channel-set in alternating links of 18K Gold, with a box clasp. Medium Heart Pendant featuring a pavé of round brilliant-cut Tourmalines, Spinels and color-change Garnets (approx. 4.09ctw), with an opening bail and "LOVE" on the reverse, set in satin-finished 18K Gold with Black Rhodium.

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