Spring Chinoiserie Jewelry by Ward Kelvin

When you hear the words bamboo, lattice, Chinese lantern, monkey, and peacock, a stunning modern jewelry collection is unlikely to leap to mind. Yet that is what the uber talented jewelry designer Ward Kelvin has included in his collection called American Chinoise. Formerly with my style icons Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, Ralph Lauren, Steuben, and Estee Lauder, his elegant pieces, available at Bergdorf Goodman in New York, reflect his love of Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie.

American Chinoise Jewelry

Chinoiserie can be found in art, architecture, interiors, furniture, textiles, pottery, decorative objects, wallpaper, and gardens. Recently, many fashion designers have been influenced by Chinoiserie in their collections. In January, I posted about Ward Kelvin whose new jewelry collection "American Chinoise" is taking the luxury jewelry world by storm. His pieces can be found at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan and Neiman Marcus in San Francisco. He previously worked with Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman, my two favorites. He has also designed for Estee Lauder, Ralph Lauren, and Steuben. Raised in a home he describes as High Style 70s Chinoise Chic, he was further influenced by 1930s Hollywood Regency. With its bamboo, lattice, and even a swinging monkey, his work is the epitome of Chinoiserie-whimsical, sophisticated, playful, and elegant. Here are some lovely pieces from his collection-the Chinoise Frame earring in Gold Tourmaline, the Garden Path earring in Rubellite Tourmaline, and the Waterfall earring in Green Tourmaline.

The French Canopy Chair

One of the prettiest restaurants anywhere is the BG restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC designed by Kelly Wearstler when she was still designing great spaces. It's one of my favorite spots for lunch. The two best features of the room are the de Gournay wallpaper and the custom French canopy chairs. I was delighted when I received the Jayson Home and Garden spring issue to find their very well priced version of the canopy chair in burlap, hand-rubbed black mahogany, and antique brass nailheads for $1,895 and free shipping. (The ones used by KW start at about $7,000) Wouldn't a pair of these and Chinoiserie wallpaper create the most beautiful dining room? The Jayson version is pictured just below. The other photos are at Bergdorf's.

Chinoiserie Jewelry

Ward Kelvin, an emerging jewelry designer in luxury jewelry, has launched his first collection entitled American Chinoise. The forty piece collection is his modern interpretation of 1930s Hollywood Regency with its bamboo and lattice filled interiors. The pieces are light and airy. He wishes the woman wearing it to feel "it was created by the chicest chinoiserie bird, as if it were creating a nest." He uses gold, platinum, diamonds, peridots, and Mali garnets. Mr. Kelvin previously designed for Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren. His jewelry can be found at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan now and Neiman Marcus in San Francisco this spring. Pictured here are the Bamboo cuff ($20,450), Chinoise Bracelet, and Peacock Earrings. Valentine's Day is just around the corner.