GUEST POST: 5 Luxury Pieces That Define 21st Century Jewelry

Today’s guest poster, founder and owner of Luxury Bazaar, is much better qualified to talk about luxury jewelry than I am. So instead of offering my usual antidote for guest posts that I do, I’m going to let Roman Sharf, the owner of one of the web’s largest luxury goods stores, introduce you to five pieces that define 21st Century jewelry…

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The jewelry styles of the early 21st century could best be described as homages to timeless artistry with fresh, modern twists on the side. Bold shapes, intricate designs, and modern-day inspirations are all well represented in these five contemporary jewelry pieces, designed by some of the most well-respected names in the fashion world, including Ivanka Trump, Harry Winston, David Yurman, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co. These new jewelry designs represent a look that is both powerful and feminine, with an eye towards the future.

Mother-of-Pearl, Rock Crystal and Diamond Bubble Bib Necklace – Ivanka Trump Rock Tradition (above)

Ivanka Trump is the glamorous daughter of famous business tycoon and television star Donald Trump. Rather than riding the tail of her father’s fame, she has made a name for herself in the fashion world all on her own. This is thanks to her stunning jewelry designs that are perfect for the modern, fashion-forward woman. From the Ivanka Trump Rock Tradition Collection comes this modern take on a chandelier necklace. The piece comes to life with bubble-inspired shapes made of crystals, which almost look like glassy droplets of water, dangling in between dazzling diamonds. The neutral, muted color palate makes it a wearable necklace with any colored outfit, and it can also be accompanied perfectly by gorgeous bubble-inspired bracelets, rings, and earrings from the same collection. The Bubble Bib necklace is made with 18 karat white gold, mother-of-pearl, rock crystal, and diamonds (with a 4.71 total carat weight). The cost of this delectable piece? A cool $34,000.

Harry Winston Guggenheim Diamond Ring (above)

What could be more modern than a ring inspired by modernism itself? The Guggenheim Diamond Ring, created by celebrity jewelry designer Harry Winston, is named after one of New York City’s most famous art museums. The museum itself is known not only for its impressive collections of everything from impressionistic to contemporary and modern art, but also for its unique architecture: a curved, tiered white building that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Harry Winston captures the essence of the same rounded, layered design in his dazzling 3.96 carat Guggenheim diamond ring, made with 161 sparkling diamonds set in gorgeous platinum. The ring comes from his New York collection, an array of pieces inspired by the city that never sleeps, including a Central Park inspired bracelet, a skyscraper inspired ring, and even several pieces that are inspired by traffic. For $31,000, this ring could be yours.

David Yurman Pave Diamond X Bracelet (above)

David Yurman, who originally began his design career as a sculptor in the mid 1960s, has built a powerful brand that captures his free thinking artistic spirit in every piece of jewelry he designs. Influenced by textured styles like links, chains, and woven shapes, his Pave Diamond X cuff bracelet is a good example of his straightforward, yet striking, creations. Two beautiful materials – stunning 18 karat yellow gold and brilliant pave diamonds – come together to form this elegant, yet edgy bracelet. The braceletís thick, twisted gold band crosses over the top of a diamond-crusted band, creating a wide ‘X’ shape. This bracelet is part of David Yurman’s X Collection, which features other modernistic, ìX-shapedî cuff bracelets made of materials like sterling silver and yellow gold, with diamond and gold accents to accentuate the ‘X’ designs. The suggested retail price of this intricate bracelet is $19,500.

Bulgari Mediterranean Eden Pendant Earrings (above)

Bulgari, popularly written as BVLGARI, is at the forefront of today’s most influential jewelry designers. The company originated in Italy in the 1970s, and has now grown into an empire with nearly 300 stores in various locations worldwide. The appeal of modern European design is evident in these simple, yet elegant Bulgari earrings, which channel the look and feel of a classy Mediterranean style. They feature round, 18 karat pink gold circle pendants decorated with chunky silver-white symbols and pave diamonds. The serene design, named ‘Mediterranean Eden,’ almost seems inspired by works of ancient Mediterranean and Egyptian artisans, but the look has been stylishly updated for a very 21st century effect. The neutral peachy-gold and silver colors would make these earrings a perfect complement to almost any outfit. And at $8,900, they are undoubtedly luxurious.

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Heart Clip (above)

Tiffany & Co. is a name that needs no introduction in the world of jewelry design. The company has been bringing beauty into the lives of women since 1853, and was immortalized forever on film in the classic 1961 romantic comedy, ìBreakfast at Tiffanyís,î starring Audrey Hepburn. French designer Jean Schlumbergerís beautiful brooch for Tiffany & Co. features all the lovely romanticism of a heart-shaped clip, mixed with a modern, edgy feel. Unlike the often-overdone, clichÈ use of classic heart shapes, this brooch forms a heart out of twisted 18 karat gold wires and turquoise gems held by pointy golden spikes. Jean Schlumberger was supposedly very influenced by fairytale sea creatures, and this pretty-meets-punk look is almost reminiscent of a mermaid trident, with its pointed shapes and perfectly paired gold and blue-green colors. For $7,000, you could be wearing this fantastic luxury clip.

About the Author

Roman Sharf is the founder and owner of Luxury Bazaar, a leading online dealer of luxury goods including jewelry and art. Having been a luxury watch collector his entire life, Roman decided to turn his passion for high-end style into a business over ten years ago, and in the ensuing years he has grown his nascent company into an online retailing powerhouse with millions in annual sales. By hunting down hard-to-find luxury watches and exquisite designer jewelry, Luxury Bazaar has made a name for itself as the go-to source for prized goods.