At The Couture Show in Las Vegas, popular SoCal brands favored by Rihanna, Kristen Wiig and other stars debuted new pieces at accessible price points.
Stars can access some of the world’s most spectacular jewels for red-carpet and onstage appearances — Rihanna‘s plethora of diamonds at the 2023 Super Bowl and Lady Gaga wearing the Tiffany & Co. diamond to the Academy Awards are two moments that spring to mind. But what do high-wattage stars wear when the occasion calls for something a little less bling-tastic? That’s when Hollywood’s A-list women often turn to pieces by L.A.-based jewelry designers.
A cadre of today’s hottest jewelry designers craft their wares in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and other SoCal points beyond, often fusing sustainability and philanthropic initiatives into their pieces. And once a year post-Memorial Day, they join hundreds of fellow jewelry designers and brands in Las Vegas for a pair of trade shows that invite editors and buyers to view the latest in high-end sparkle: a massive affair known as JCK at the Venetian and the more intimate Couture Show at Wynn Las Vegas. The latter’s more manageable size and focus on independent brands make it particularly appealing to L.A. designers that include Suzanne Kalan, Anita Ko and Sydney Evan founder Rosanne Karmes.
For any fan wishing to emulate the style of, say, Dua Lipa, Gwyneth Paltrow or Billie Eilish, the latest designs by eight celeb-loved brands offer sparkling options that won’t break the bank. Here’s a look at eight just-released designs priced at $2,000 and under.
Azlee Petite Cosmic Coin Necklace
Azlee
For Angelenos who embrace spiritual or cosmic themes, Azlee’s Petite Cosmic Coin Necklace is crafted and hand-finished in L.A. and highlights a crescent moon and diamond-accented star set within the motif of a Roman coin on an 18-inch chain. Zoe Kravitz, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez are among the stars who’ve been spotted in the brand that puts a focus on sustainability, with a portion of each sale donated to ocean-related causes; $1,860, at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills, or neimanmarcus.com
Spinelli Kilcollin Gemini SG Pavé Ring
Spinelli Kilcollin
Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Lewis Hamilton are among the stars who have sported Spinelli Kilcollin’s multi-band rings, connected with links sometimes embellished with diamonds or gemstones. This Gemini SG Pavé Ring was crafted in Los Angeles and features a trio of sterling-silver bands held together with a pair of sterling connectors and accented with three bands dubbed annulets, crafted in 18-karat yellow and rose gold and sterling silver, each embellished with diamonds totaling .27 carats; $1,900, at Spinelli Kilcollin, Beverly Hills, or netaporter.com
Sydney Evan Stone Heart Charm with Chain
Sydney Evan
Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence and Brie Larson are among those who have embraced the now-iconic jewels featuring evil-eye motifs from Sydney Evan designer Rosanne Karmes. Among her latest is this pendant featuring a carved-stone heart embellished with an evil eye accented with diamonds and set in 14-karat yellow gold, a piece that can be purchased with or without a 16-inch yellow-gold chain that can be extended to 18 inches; $1,485 with chain, at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills, neimanmarcus.com, or sydneyevan.com
Anita Ko Small Diamond Tulip Studs
Anita Ko
Kristen Wiig, Charlize Theron and Michelle Yeoh are just a few of the stylish stars who wear Anita Ko, likely because they appreciate her subtle yet on-trend approach to design. That’s true of these just-released Tulip Studs, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold (also available in white or rose gold) and embellished with .15 carats of faceted diamonds; $1,975, at Broken English, Santa Monica, or anitako.com; more styles available at neimanmarcus.com
Hoorsenbuhs Open-Link Bracelet
Hoorsenbuhs
David Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mary-Kate Olson have been photographed wearing pieces by Hoorsebuhs, known for its signature open-link design, available in both 18-karat gold and sterling silver. The latter metal makes this Open-Link Bracelet, which features the brand’s tri-link toggle closure, an affordable option that’s also chic, versatile and tactile; $1,300, at Hoorsenbuhs, Santa Monica, or hoorsenbuhs.com; more styles available at saksfifthavenue.com
Lisa Nik Sparkle Ear Climber
Lisa Nik
Beverly Hills-based jewelry designer Lisa Nik creates modernist designs that have won over fans including Tyra Banks and Jenny McCarthy, and among her newest pieces is this pair of Sparkle earrings, an ear-climber style crafted in 18-karat yellow and white gold and embellished with diamonds; $1,050, similar styles available at neimanmarcus.com
Suzanne Kalan Halo Blue Mix Toi et Moi Ring
Suzanne Kalan
Increasingly popular on red carpets, Suzanne Kalan’s artful designs have been seen recently on Kerry Washington at the Tribeca Film Festival and Rachel McAdams at a Tony Awards pre-party. With toi et moi rings continuing to trend, Kalan recently debuted this Halo Blue Mix Toi et Moi style, crafted of a pair of blue topaz stones accented with diamonds and set in 14-karat yellow gold; $1,320, at suzannekalan.com; more styles available at bloomingdales.com
Single Stone Viola Charm
Single Stone
A heart charm is instantly sweet, romantic, classic or all of the above, among the reasons Corina Madilian, owner and founder of L.A.-based Single Stone, has added this piece to her collection — but jewelry fans will discover an additional layer, with 15 percent of the proceeds from each sale donated to VOW for Girls, which fights the problem of child marriages around the globe. This handcrafted heart-shaped charm is made of 18-karat yellow gold; $1,800, at Single Stone, San Marino, or singlestone.com