Irene Neuwirth.

I have a thing for old jewelry, if you couldn’t tell. I think it often has more character than contemporary jewelry. I also love the idea of loving a piece that some other woman has loved before me. Elizabeth Taylor once said “The important thing to know about jewelry is that you never really own it; you’re simply a custodian of beautiful things.” I think it’s amazing to look at at ring on my finger and know it had a part in someone else’s life too.

That said, there’s a lot of beautiful contemporary jewelry and I don’t want to neglect it.

Irene Neuwirth is one of my favorite contemporary jewelry designers. It doesn’t hurt that Irene founded the company herself with partner Tracy Stoll (I love female-owned businesses – holler) but really what is remarkable is how exceptional the jewelry is. Celebrities love her pieces but, more importantly, so do I.

Irene’s pieces often have an organic, slightly bohemian feel. Her bio sites the ocean as her primary inspiration, and I can definitely see it in her work. She’s fond of large, gorgeous pieces of stone and striking colors. Enough talk. Let’s see some pretties.

Boulder Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Earrings (sold at Barney’s). Similar here.

Black Opal & Diamond Ring (sold at Barney’s). Similar here.

Multicolor Sapphire, Pink Opal & Diamond Drop Earrings (sold at Barney’s). Similar here.

Crystal Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings (sold at Barney’s). Similar here.

Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Ring (sold at Barney’s). Similar here.

Kunzite, Lavender Jade, Diamond & Tanzanite Drop Earrings (sold at Barney’s). Similar here.

I know that was a lot of pictures…I had a hard time narrowing it down so I sort of didn’t try. All images and info are thanks to Barney’s and Irene Neuwirth. For more by this designer to ogle (or buy! live the dream!), try Marissa Collections, FarFetch, Irene Neuwirth, or Ylang23.

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