The Best Fine Jewelry Collections for Fall 2017

When it comes to fashion, specifically apparel, consumers would be hard-pressed to pay astronomical sums for something ephemeral. The industry has succumbed to churning out trends and new ideas at such a hasty rate (usually four or more collections a year for a single brand) that it almost dilutes the specialness of an item. Why spend upwards to $2,000 on, say, a dress, when an updated version comes out a few months later? Financially, it makes little sense to invest in great designs that only stay great for a short period.

That said, not all things in the sartorial sphere are so short-lived. The world of fine jewelry, to a large degree, is much more discerning with its distribution. Some firms debut new lines seasonally, while others take a couple of years—sometimes five or more. Perhaps it has to do with the materials, which are rarer and much harder to come by (to the say least) then silks and leathers. Essentially, the cost and, consequently, the risk are much higher with 18k gold and diamonds. Also, fine jewelry isn’t as vital to everyday existence as shirts and shoes. They’re adornments that are meant to sparkle and impart innate qualities about the wearer, which means that greater attention is placed on their artistic qualities. Thus, when a brand comes out with a new collection, they’re intended to last longer than the fashion cycle permits.

For Fall 2017, both established and burgeoning brands have presented new lines that are as timeless as they are timely, making them well worth the investment.

Check out the best fine jewelry collections of the season.

Bulgari

When it comes to celebrating fine jewelry and encapsulating the ethos of la dolce vita, no one does it better then Bulgari. The storied firm, primarily known for its serpentine motifs, has introduced its Festa collection for Fall 2017, which utilizes cakes, balloons and all things associated with a party—but with a glamorous bent, of course.

Brent Neale

Brent Neale is a new line designed by Brent Neale Winston, a former design director at Kara Ross. Her inaugural collection, titled After the Rain, is made up of whimsical pieces that take after joyous motifs found in nature. From bees atop honeycombs to sinuous flowers and willowy grass to rainclouds and rainbows, the designs are as vibrant and playful as they are chic and luxurious.

Verdura

Throughout his lifetime, Duke Falco di Verdura lived an extraordinary and lavish lifestyle that informed his designs. From the Byzantine and Colonial Expositions held in Paris in the ’20s and ’30s that he attended to the glamorous women that he surrounded himself with (he was once the jewelry designer for Coco Chanel and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland was a loyal fan), Verdura molded an eclectic yet elegant aesthetic that is still relevant today. For Fall 2017, the brand has updated many of his classic pieces for its Byzantine collection.

Fernando Jorge

Diamonds on gold is certainly not a new concept, but leave it to jewelry wunderkind Fernando Jorge to make it fresh again. For his new Brilliant collection, he took brilliant-cut diamonds and placed them onto gold openwork settings that impart a sinuous quality. From the rings to bracelets, all the pieces look sculpted and fluid at the same time—a rare juxtaposition. And jewelry fans appear to agree. The earrings from the collection recently won the “Best in Diamonds over 20k” at the Couture Design Awards in Las Vegas.

Larkspur & Hawk

Designer Emily Satloff has always brought a modern perspective to old-world designs and motifs. This season, she looked to Wiener Werkstätte and the Austrian Secession movement to form her Cora collection. Indeed, it nods to the art period with is matte colors and geometric shapes, but is unwaveringly modern and playful—traits that are intrinsic to the brand.

Yael Sonia

Movement takes center stage in Yael Sonia’s new collection. Aptly titled Perpetual Motion, the new line frees gems from their attached settings, instead encasing them in sleek, geometric barriers that allows for, well, perpetual motion.

Mish New York

Besides being one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson is also venerated for being an architect, inspiring subsequent generations with his design—especially Monticello, his estate in Virginia. Designer Mish Tworkowski is not the first to design a line inspired by Jeffersonian sensibilities. But unlike others, he zoned in on the landscape and green life instead of the edifices. His Monticello collection is made from the area’s historic tulip poplar trees and 18K gold. In addition, a percentage of the sales will toward preserving the landmark and education programs.

Yossi Harari

Yossi Harari has always had an antique-y vibe with his designs, often using rich gold and earth-tone materials. This season, he piled on the color for his Reyna collection. Meaning queen in Spanish, the assortment of pieces takes inspiration from some of the most iconic monarchs in history—especially Byzantine Empress Theodora.

With Love Darling

Jewelry with a personal touch is dominating the market. Consumers nowadays are looking for pieces that resonate with their lives, and impart some sort of good fortune and inspiration—something that With Love Darling offers in spades. From stars and hearts to four leaf clovers doves, the charms offered are meant to bring a sense of joy to the wearer.

Follow Barry Samaha on Twitter (@barry_samaha) and Instagram (@barrysamaha).