I’ll admit that I haven’t bought new jewelry in quite some time, largely due to the fact that I can always borrow from my mother and I prefer the look and feel of a vintage or antique piece. I’m particularly drawn to these pieces because each piece represents a time in history. During the Victorian Era’s Grand Period (1860-1885) when Prince Albert Died one may notice dark jewels such as onyx and vulcanite making a resurgence in necklaces and brooches. These jewels served as a symbol of mourning. Whereas, the political upheaval of the Georgian era (1714-1837) brought the rise of short necklaces due to economic turmoil and brightly colored stones.
Now in 2015, the Georgian Era is being revived by Emily Satloff of Larkspur & Hawk. As a wearer of antique jewelry, Emily became the envy of all her friends with her vibrant antique collection. Earrings or a necklace would catch the eye of an onlooker causing them to inquire more about the historical piece. Little did she know that her affinity towards the antiques would lead to the creation of the luxurious line Larkspur & Hawk. Emily saw that antique’s have their own unique flair not present in modern day jewelry. It presented a rough around the edges type of beauty that can be difficult to replicate today. Without machines to cut the stones precisely, it was the jeweler that had to have the steady hand when mounting and setting the pieces. Worn metals or imperfect stones assured the wearer that they have a rare antique find.
In order to illuminate the stone or make it appear brighter, jewelers had to employ creative techniques such as foiling. With foil backing, before the jewel is set in place it must first be backed by a foil followed with a metal backing. The foil would typically be metallic in nature or varying in colors and when pressed against the stone it intensifies the color. This method is quite arduous which is why you would be hard pressed to find a jeweler that is still employing the centuries old method today. This is where Larkspur & Hawk truly shines. Continuing the tradition of the bright colored stones of the Georgian Era, Emily utilizes the foils to give her jewels a unique vibrant color. First playing around with candy foils, Emily immediately saw the play on colors that the foils brought about. Amethyst with foil gives off a ruby red with a purple hue. And when gently turned, a green quartz may illuminate peeks of white.
From viewing the latest collection during a trunk show at Neiman Marcus, the stunning effects of the foils became quite apparent. The jewels were quite luminous even from afar. However, there was one piece that immediately stood out to me and is also a favorite of Emily and that was the Rivière; a quintessential form of the 18th Century. Rivière meaning river of precious stones is a continuous strand of stones that gently align around the neck. One can wear this piece in a myriad of ways including layering.
The Rivière has been made a favorite of fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker as she can be seen wearing the piece from day to night. It is not necessary to save any of the pieces for a special occasion, as the goal of Larkspur & Hawk is for the pieces to be worn at any time throughout the day. Either with jeans or an evening gown, it is always the right time to put on a classic Rivière.
As many of the pieces are not particularly trendy, it is quite evident that Larkspur & Hawk has the classic appeal that will stand the test of time. Emily notes of the brand that they are “Heirlooms of the future” From ages 18-80, any woman is the Larkspur & Hawk woman.
While still a new company, one can be assured that years from now some little girl will be perusing through her mother’s jewelry collection and she will raid her collection searching for the classic Larkspur & Hawk.
Larkspur & Hawk is exclusively available to select retailers including Neiman Marcus.
