Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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On the Cuff MAKE THIS A STA TEMENT THIS SEASON WITH DRAMATIC BRACELETS AND EARRINGS. BY HANNAH REX Alexis Bittar Brooklyn-based designer Alexis Bittar is making his mark on Boston with his recently opened Newbury Street boutique. Have your pick of Lucite pieces, like the Santa Fe Deco Ruthenium jewel-motif zebra cuff, or try something gold, such as the Jardin de Papillon Ruthenium chain-link cuff from Bittar's Elements collection. 130 Newbury St., 617-236-0505; alexisbittar.com April Soderstrom Jewelry Jewelry-making was a natural evolution for Boston-based designer April Soderstrom, who has created restaurant interiors for local celebrity chefs Ken Oringer and Michael Schlow and is professionally trained in sculpture and pottery. She opened her jewelry business in 2011, and much of her work uses mixed materials (a sprinkle of Swarovski crystals doesn't hurt), like the striking Cicada cuff. aprilsoderstrom.com Barneys New York Nature becomes fodder for delicate jewelry designs with K/ller Collection's brass quill matchstick cuff. The cuffs at Barneys aren't only for the wrist: the three-ring Berbère cuff by Repossi hugs the upper lobe of the ear. 100 Huntington Ave., 617-385- 3300; barneys.com Cartier Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but there's so much more to the Paris Nouvelle Vague bracelet. Each end of this 18k rose gold cuff is studded with a cluster of hematite, amethyst, smoky quartz, pink opal, and yes, diamonds. 40 Newbury St., 617-262-3300; cartier.us Gucci The Italian brand mixes materials with an elegant bamboo cuff in wood, metal, and crystal, or a futuristic double-band bracelet with colored metal, accented with transparent plexiglass. The latter comes in a variety of colors including blue, pink, green, orange, black, and chocolate, and pairs perfectly with casual attire or one of Gucci's slinky evening dresses. 800 Boylston St., 617-247-3000; gucci.com Impulse by Adamas Fine Jewelry The Rebecca Overmann collection effortlessly combines simple designs with unique accents. The muted color of oxidized sterling silver or gold contrasts with dazzling jewels and dotted accents. Opt for smaller links that can easily be layered—or show that less is more with a singular wide cuff. 180 Linden St., Wellesley, 781-416- 1800; trustyourimpulse.com Saks Fifth Avenue The yellow gold and sterling silver cuffs from John Hardy's Palu Collection are inspired by the dappled surface of the moon. The disks have been hand-hammered to create a distinctive surface that sparkles when you move your wrist. 800 Boylston St., 617-262-8500; saks.com Sidney Thomas Playful and polished, Sidney Thomas offers elegant pieces with dynamic patterns. The 18k white gold cuff with more than 400 diamonds from the jeweler's collection has a delicate leaf like design, while circles come into play with the 18k yellow gold bracelet from the Bollicine collection from Roberto Coin. 800 Boylston St., 617-262-0935; sidneythomas.com Recess Travel inspires Canadian jewelry designer Melanie Auld, who has lived in Boston, Arizona, New York, and Austria with her husband, Alex, a retired pro hockey player. For her Spring 2014 collection, Auld wanted to create versatile jewelry, like her delicate square pavé cuffs in 18k gold, and the rose gold plate and lavender jade cuffs studded with diamonds. 38 Church St., Winchester, 781-369-1654; melanieauld.com Tiffany & Co. Artistry defines this storied jeweler, and nothing exemplifies it better than the collections by Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti. We can't get enough of the delicate detailing in Picasso's Olive Leaf cuff in 18k gold and the strong lines of Peretti's bone cuff in sterling silver. 100 Huntington Ave., 617-353- 0222; tiffany.com BC FROM TOP: Elsa Peretti bone cuff, Tiffany & Co. ($1,150); Brass quill matchstick cuff, Barneys New York ($360); Bamboo, wood, metal, and crystal cuff, Gucci ($1,300); Santa Fe Deco Ruthenium lucite cuff, Alexis Bittar ($195). Where do you find inspiration? In the materials I use. Even if I don't have an immediate use for the item, I keep a stockpile of materials that stole my heart at some point. How can cuffs complete a look? One of my favorite tricks is to pair two matching metallic cuffs with a long-sleeved silk blouse. The cuffs can be the perfect finishing touch and almost look like they're part of the shirt. How do you change your jewelry from season to season? I try to design pieces that transition well between seasons, but I'll adjust the scale and amount of jewelry I wear throughout the year. MIX MASTER Local jewelry designer April Soderstrom reveals the vision behind her designs. 124 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM GUIDE acquire 124_BC_TG_Acquire_Spring14.indd 124 2/6/14 4:36 PM