A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH FRED LEIGHTON NYC
When I think of Fred Leighton on Madison Avenue, it brings me back to my days in NYC when I was studying gemmology at GIA. I was drawn like a magnet to the Fred Leighton windows. I would return again and again and get lost in the magnificent collections of some of the greatest jewellery design periods of all time.
On this particular visit, on my way from London, I knew I had to finally go inside and discover the world of Fred Leighton for myself. As I was selecting my favourite pieces to try on, I thought of all the famous Hollywood stars who have graced the red carpet adorned in the sophistication of Fred Leighton – people like Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Natalie Portman. And I tried to imagine what they would choose if they were here with me today.
The first Fred Leighton boutique to open up in New York was in Greenwich Village in the mid 70s. Back then, he focused on unique crafts and ethnic jewels from all over the world. His designs were always eclectic and remarkable. In 1984, Fred Leighton made an impression with his flagship boutique on Madison Avenue and a stunning collection of rare antique and vintage jewels.
My selection showcases a few signed period pieces, as well as the Fred Leighton Carved Stone collection that I absolutely love.
One of the things I love the most about Fred Leighton is his range of design. Looking at his masterful creations and collections is like taking a trip through history. Everything from Georgian and Victorian to Edwardian and Art Deco to today’s most modern jewellery design, Fred Leighton houses some of the greatest creations in jewellery history.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A PLATINUM, CABOCHON RUBY AND BAGUETTE CUT DIAMOND BRACELET BY SUZANNE BELPERRON, C. 1940’S
Suzanne Belperron is a name most people recognize as a pioneer in the jewellery industry. And I just so happened to be in luck, because Fred Leighton offers some of her most exquisite pieces. I couldn’t wait to try them on. There’s so much history in this place and in each piece, you can almost taste it!
Belperron was ferociously artistic and carefree. Her designs were greatly influenced by Oriental and African cultures, and capture an organic sense of style and freedom. She rarely signed her designs, claiming, “my style is my signature.” And she was right. Her jewellery is still in rhythm with today’s style.
If you want to know more about Suzanne Belperron and discover the exciting world of wearable art, read the book Jewelry by Suzanne Belperron: ‘My Style is My Signature’ by Patricia Corbett.
“MY STYLE IS MY SIGNATURE” SUZANNE BELPERRON
Have you ever seen anything quite so beautiful? Such delicate beauty, such exquisite craftsmanship, it is both wearable and collectible.
Great design lasts for an eternity and great style lasts a lifetime! That’s the Fred Leighton collection.
Rare, beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewels.
MAGNIFICENT INVISIBLY SET SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND PENDANT EARRINGS BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, C. 1960, PART OF A SET WITH AN INVISIBLY SET SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND LEAF BROOCH
It’s like holding a piece of history in my hands. The design is extraordinary, and the workmanship is unsurpassed. Invisibly set sapphires and diamonds, how do they do it?
A 1960’S 18 KARAT GOLD, TURQUOISE AND DIAMOND FRINGE NECKLACE; PICTURED WITH TURQUOISE AND 18 KT GOLD EARRINGS BY STERLE, PARIS, C. 1960.
I just fell in love with these hardstone pendants. So fresh and modern and easy to wear.
Everybody needs a good luck charm.
One-of- a-kind gold and hardstone pendant necklaces created with antique elements, by FredLeighton . Prices range from $4950 – $11500
How yummy! Like a horseshoe marshmallow!
HARDSTONE AND DIAMOND BANGLES BY FRED LEIGHTON, PICTURED IN AGATE, CHALCEDONY AND BLACK JADE. PRICES RANGE FROM $8500-$9800
It’s looks a bit like the love child of a tennis bracelet and a cuff! Very modern and even a little bit rock n roll! Who knew Fred Leighton could be so daring!
I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery.
You can sign up for GEMOLOGUE newsletter below and I also share jewellery on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube if you’d like to connect, or feel free to say hello info@gemologue.com
GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.
Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
*Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.
Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.