DIAMONDS, PEARLS, & TURQUOISE, OH MY
Designer’s Pieces Have Vintage Roots
HALLAM TURNS TO FAMILY FOR INSPIRATION For Rebecca Hallam, designing jewelry is a family affair. That’s because she started designing 12 years ago, when she was influenced by family heirlooms. “I was spending the summer in San Miguel with my daughter and I took some pieces that were my grandmothers’ to a small factory that was there,” Hallam said. “I had them remake some of those for my cousins, because there were more cousins than there was jewelry.”
PHOTOS : CHRIS MCGATHEY
Jewelry designer Emily DuQuesnay draws inspiration from costume pieces she finds in her hometown of New Orleans and in nature.
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By Claire Kelley mily DuQuesnay turned her passion for vintage accessories into an accidentally successful jewelry business, combining her father’s family name, LeMercier, with an eye for unique pieces. DuQuesnay dabbled in the fashion industry since her graduation from the University of Mississippi in 2009, first as a rep for a designer, then as manager of a clothing store. She began searching for her next step, and found it when she started importing and designing baubles for her own collection inspired by her grandmother’s jewelry. “I was looking for jewelry for me, not to
sell,” said DuQuesnay. “I wasn’t seeing what I wanted.” DuQuesnay first wore her jewelry, then gifted it to friends, and finally decided to sell it. She browses vintage boutiques and markets, and gets inspired by costume pieces when she goes shopping in her hometown of New Orleans. “For me, that makes it more unique, and for other people because hopefully they’re not seeing it everywhere else,” she said. DuQuesnay isn’t limiting herself to vintage pieces, though. Her most recent line is largely inspired by nature. She’s been pleasantly surprised by the number of clients who are responding positively to her more distinctive jewels. “I’ve been doing a lot of wood and diamonds, and I have a great pair of leaf ear-
rings,” said DuQuesnay. “I really didn’t think anyone else would be interested in them… but if I can mesh [classic and funky jewelry] and people like it, then it’s even better.” DuQuesnay usually lets inspiration come to her naturally, and a favorite childhood pastime might be the muse for her next batch of baubles. “When I was younger I would sneak my camera into museums when you weren’t allowed to take photos of the jewelry,” she said. “So I was thinking that I should do that again because there are so many great pieces in those displays.” LeMercier can be found at Mine boutique on Lovers Lane, online at lemercierjewelry.com, or at boutiques in Mobile, Ala., Atlanta, and New Orleans.
Today, she has two lines: Rebecca Hallam for Elaine Turner — that’s sold in Texas, Tennessee, and New York — and her new line, Harper Hallam, which puts her maiden and married names together. “It’s a newer line that’s more for an open market,” she said. Many of her pieces are influenced by her family’s Mexican heritage, so the designs are full of bright turquoise and chunky stones. Hallam does not have a storefront, but did launch retail sales on her website in September. — Sarah Bennett
T H E J E W E L S : 1. & 2. Matching pearl and mixed metal chain bracelet and necklace, Harper Hallam ($249; $399). 3. Pave diamond and moonstone pendant, Le Mercier ($330). 4. Emerald, diamond, and black rhodium gold studs, Le Mercier ($950). 5. Baroque pearl and pave diamond earrings, Le Mercier ($1,050). 6. Diamond and opal 18-karat rose gold earrings, Eiseman ($19.8K). 7. Green tsavorite and pave diamond earrings ($1.8K). 8. Turquoise jasper necklace with bone and diamond charm, Harper Hallam ($1.7K). 9. Diamond rings set in rose and white gold, Eiseman ($5K - $25K). 10. Persian turquoise bezel set in gold tone ring, Harper Hallam ($249). 11. Diamond and yellow gold necklace, Eiseman ($11.5K). RIGHT: Assorted turquoise & faceted labradorite cuffs, Harper Hallam ($249). PHOTOS : CLAIRE CASNER
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