ML - Aspen Peak

2013 - Issue 2 - Winter

Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak

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SHOP THE CITY 18k gold ring with red fancy-cut diamond and white brilliant-cut diamonds, Todd Reed ($23,100). Jagged Little Thrill Raw gemstones add natural glamour to Aspen's casual-chic lifestyle.  by lauren finney T he organic beauty of uncut stones in their natural shapes and colors makes jewelry unique: Each stone's jagged edges reflect the breathtaking Colorado mountain peaks and mirror the pinks and blue hues of a setting sun. Says Cynthia Harris, co-owner of the newly opened W Jewelers (520 E. Hyman Ave., 970-920-3500; wjewels aspen.com), "One of the things both [my co-owner] Steve and I can say about raw [gemstones] and how people wear them is the bigger, the better, and the more rare, the better. Their popularity is more related to their uniqueness and rarity." Unearthing the hidden beauty of raw gemstones is a specialty of local jewelry designer Todd Reed, who works out of his Boulder studio and whose pieces are carried at Caribou Jewelers (431 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-925-1930; cariboujewels.com). "I started using raw diamonds in 1992," Reed says. "The natural shapes of each crystal make them the most unique material in the world." His skilled craftsmanship showcases the imperfections in the stone, and his eclectic collection includes pieces that fuse classically cut brilliant white diamonds with natural elements, making for one-of-a-kind statement pieces. Jewelry comes in a range of colors in both gold and sterling silver settings. Additionally, each year Reed personally designs 12 special-edition brooches that are collected by global admirers. He acquires many of the gemstones from alternative sources and prides himself on using ethically conscious stones: "I collect diamonds from private collections, museums, diamond collectors, and estate sales. They are recycled or alternative diamonds [from] ethically responsible sources in Brazil, Canada, Africa, and Russia." Citing the natural beauty of Colorado, Reed takes pride in his home state and feels lucky to live in a setting that feeds his artistic craft. "My customers in Aspen appreciate that I'm a local jewelry designer. We're surrounded by beauty. My jewelry is raw, underW Jewelers is one of the new local stores that sells a range stated elegance. It's mountain of natural, uncut stones. luxury."  AP " is Lydia Courteille ring Th is great with jeans or your favorite gala dress— it's sure to be a conversation piece." —ALLISON BONE, philanthropist from above right: Agate and diamond ring, Lydia Courteille ($70,699). Diamond "mystery-set" ruby flower earrings, Van Cleef & Arpels (price on request). " an Cleef & V Arpels is known for its invisible gem settings. The earrings are so striking in person." —Mona Look-Mazza, philanthropist 140  aspenpeak-magazine.com 140_AP_SS_ShopCity_WIN13_SPR_14.indd 140 10/29/13 4:06 PM

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