Plus new homes for Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co.
Words by CAROLINE CAGNEY, ELIZABETH VARNELL, and DAVID NASH
You’ve Got a Frond
Throughout history and across cultures, people have associated the tenacious palm tree with victory, abundance, and joyous occasions. It is no wonder fronds are the focal point of Los Angeles–based jewelry designer EDDIE BORGO’s debut fine jewelry collection, The Palms by Edward Borgo.
Each of the 10 one-of-a-kind iterations, which include glittery drop earrings, collars, and statement rings, captures the organic fluidity of the leaf using 18-karat recycled gold, as well as vintage and antique white diamonds from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s — a conscious effort to foster a more sustainable approach.
“California allowed me the time to study and memorialize the alluring palm, giving its structure new life,” explains the Ohio-born Borgo of his delicate designs, a departure from the geometric forms and punky sensibility that put him on the map in 2008. After living bicoastally for years, the designer finally established his home on the West Coast in 2019.
“I appreciate Los Angeles because it gives me a feeling of life and freedom,” Borgo says of the stream of creative energy he has tapped into. “I enjoy having time to be more considered and deliberate in my processes,” he adds. It’s a move that has clearly paid off. eddieborgo.com. C.C.
New Facets
A radiant sunburst made of chiseled glass and gold leaf surrounded by limestone from a French quarry lines part of the exterior of GRAFF’s first standalone salon in South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court. Upon closer inspection, the sun’s center holds a jewel case filled — on any given day — with one of the yellow-diamond-set rarities unique to the London-based jewelry house founded by Laurence Graff in 1960. Inside the boutique are bridal and engagement rings, singular collections including whimsical Butterfly designs, looping Tilda’s bow pieces, and blooming Wild Flower suites alongside round diamonds from the Laurence Graff Signature Collection. 3333 Bristol St., South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-398-8178; graff.com. E.V.
Journey On
The continuing quest for beauty, for finding precious natural stones amid rigorous ethical, environmental, and social guidelines inspired Jacqueline Karachi, CARTIER’s director of high jewelry creation, as she and her team of artisans crafted the French house’s newest high jewelry offering, Le Voyage Recommencé. With new angles and new chromatic hues ever mindful of archival tropes, Karachi likens the collection to a journey repeated. Standouts include the Dohara white gold necklace set with three brilliant cut diamonds and complete with colors and motifs in homage to Mughal jewelry from India. Also not to be missed is the Bailong white gold brooch evoking Asian myths with a dragon perched atop an octagonal tourmaline. cartier.com. E.V.
Outside the Box
As a next step in its design evolution, TIFFANY & CO. has revamped its Palo Alto outpost with an equally transformative façade dreamed up by award-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and a complete interior renovation of the 6,300-sq.-ft. retail space. For the exterior, Ban conceptualized an “ever-changing visual spectacle” through the strategic use of materials like regionally native American Oak and vertical glass slats that can be adjusted to change color to complement the season or a particular theme. The boutique’s interior now undulates with new rounded selenite cases that showcase the jeweler’s many collections, like its collaborations with Schlumberger and Elsa Peretti — and the new Tiffany Forge collection. 149 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-328-2552; tiffany.com. D.N.
Roseark Remodels
To mark the fine jewelry brand ROSEARK’s 20th anniversary, husband-and-wife team Rick and Kayla Rose set out to remodel their West Hollywood atelier with one goal in mind: elevate the experience but stay true to their roots, which have helped attract a loyal following for its unique custom creations and international niche designers. Although the retail space and art gallery still embody a Cali-cool sophistication, upgrades include ironwork detailing throughout, seating areas outfitted in sapphire and smoky blue velvet, and a freshly devised garden oasis. Clients will also find more home décor offerings, including one-of-a-kind bowls and trays, handcrafted objets d’art, cashmere blankets, and patchwork pillows. 1111 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-395-6706; roseark.com. C.C.
Scaling Up
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ new 4,200-sq.-ft. space in Costa Mesa opens with an Art Deco–inspired façade leading through large display rooms and five salons complete with curated libraries touching on themes of love, culture, dance, nature, and fairy tales, plus a bridal salon and the private Poetic salon. Inside the boutique is filled with Alhambra, Perlée, and Zodiaque collection offerings, timepieces, bridal designs, and high jewelry Brume de Saphir ensembles echoing the captivating and ever-changing blue hues of waves. Subtly surrounding the sparkling baubles is a series of exacting paper sculptures comprising the Winter Garden installation produced in collaboration with French artist Marianne Guély. The handmade painted flowers and plants influenced by the California location and the French house’s extensive history of botanical design make for a lush indoor landscape. 3333 Bristol St., South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 714-545-9500; vancleefarpels.com. E.V.
This story originally appeared in the Winter 2023/2024 issue of C Magazine.
Discover more STYLE news.
See the story in our digital edition
