I started this column about five different times, with very different openings, and failed to come up with anything that sufficiently and appropriately captured what I saw as a both important and beautiful display of solidarity from Hollywood for Time’s Up. I will leave it to other commentators to write about the cultural significance of this day – from my perspective a woman, it was pretty huge – but from a jeweler’s perspective, I have to admit that the all-black ensembles presented amazing opportunities for some serious jewelry stand-outs. Emeralds were definitely in high demand for their brilliance against a dark backdrop and there were some beautifully crafted diamond pieces that really took my breath away. I’ve highlighted my top eight below.
This was the first look I pulled and it’s definitely one I covet. The incredible emerald-green drop earrings were the perfect balance to the simple black column dress she wore and I loved that she kept it minimalist in the most refined way. Proof that with the right earrings, the outfit is made.
Ah, the elegance of the artfully draped diamond necklace. Paired with a more colorful look and this necklace might have been lost in the background. Paired with a curvy black velvet gown, this necklace becomes the star of the show.
Millie Bobby Brown’s jewelry selections were generally delicate and understated, but scroll down and you’ll see what really caught my eye: a diamond-encrusted anklet. Maybe you have to be a tween to pull that off, but she did it, and I am jealous.
This is a good example of how a vintage piece can really bring a contemporary look together. The diamond lariat softens an otherwise angular dress and adds just enough sparkle to bring the whole look home. Paired with her short hair and red lips, this look feels both timeless and modern all at once.
Ok, Issa Rae gets the award for the most fabulous deployment of the most fabulous, on-point jewelry of the night. She managed to pull off an incredible, show-stopping diamond and emerald lariat, an equally fabulous diamond and emerald cocktail ring, and a big, shiny, deep-v-high-slit dress with a cape(?) and bows. I would look ridiculous in this, she looks amazing.
I love this look because it shows how expertly one can pair a busy, eye-catching dress with busy, eye-catching earrings and somehow not look insane. The whole look reads luxurious-witch-y-do-what-I-want-cool and would probably be my second pick for that amazing black tie ceremony I’m attending in my mind.
Alexandria & Company is an Old Town-based workshop and design studio specializing in creating and restoring fine jewelry and silver hollowware. They are the in-the-know jewelers of Alexandria and have been serving clients out of their small workshop for decades. Tucked in their historic building on South Royal Street, the team at Alx&Co. brings a personalized, modern approach to their craft – this is not your average stodgy jeweler or antique shop. Visit them during their walk-in hours or online to view their collection of handmade fine jewelry or to drop off a repair project; or, if you’re feeling creative, make an appointment to talk about that custom design project you’ve been imagining.
inquiries@alxandcompany.com | alxandcompany.com
121-B South Royal Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.548.0659
Design Studio Walk-In Hours (all jewelry services): Wednesday – Saturday 12-6pm
Silver Workshop Walk-In Hours (all silver repair and restoration services): Wednesday or Friday 12-6pm, or by appointment
Appointments encouraged for custom design.