[ jewelry | designer profiles ] franco and maria luisa pianegonda Franco Pianegonda and his sister, Maria Luisa, create jewelry that expresses a forceful character and contemporary lifestyle and is the basis for a whole new concept of luxury: “Twenty-First Century Luxury, by Pianegonda.” Franco Pianegonda developed his artistic skills as a designer by seeking new opportunities and challenges. Maria Luisa Pianegonda, who has worked alongside her brother since the company was founded in 1994, inspires the quest for true femininity and for a whole new way to wear jewelry: as part of everyday style. Pianegonda jewelry uses four distinctive forms: the lovesick heart, symbolizing the two opposite sides of life and love; the key, symbolizing the power to safeguard the intimate secrets of the human soul and the key that unlocks the door to emotions; the cross, representing the divine values of peace and brotherhood; and the circle, symbolizing the circle of life. Pianegonda’s Donna 2007 Collection for women features silver rings, chains and necklaces with the characteristic “lovesick” charms shaped like hearts, as well as coins with the Pianegonda logo engraved in bas-relief. Gold Woman creations in gold appear softer, lit up by pavé diamonds, as in the Golden Navy line, or by natural stones including topaz, amethyst and quartz fumé with unique and styled shapes. Pianegonda’s 2007 Character of the New Man Collection is meant for men of character. The collection combines silver in the brilliance of gold, white and black diamonds, quartz fumé and onyx.
“The Pianegonda woman knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She is curious, intelligent and dynamic. Rather than following fashion, she prefers to interpret it in her own way.” —Maria Luisa Pianegonda
in their own words What Inspires You? “My Italian roots are present in all the jewelry I create, formed by emotion and by passion to do things differently,” Franco Pianegonda says. Who Do You Imagine Wearing Your Collections? “The Pianegonda woman prefers an elegant and refined style that expresses a contemporary way of life and a complete independence in taste and mind,” Maria Luisa Pianegonda says. If You Weren’t Creating Jewelry, What Might You Be Doing Instead? “Our mission has always been to transmit happiness and emotions through original design, the purity and beauty of our creations, quality of materials and excellence of service,” says Franco Pianegonda.
judith ripka For Judith Ripka, it all started 30 years ago when friends admired the jewelry she was making for herself and asked her to design for them. When a friend asked her to modernize an old pearl necklace, the result became Ripka’s PN 1 style: a strand of pearls with a detachable 18k gold loop-and-toggle closure.
in her own words What Inspires You? The women who wear my jewelry. I still get a thrill when I see a woman wearing a piece I designed. Usually, I immediately start designing a piece to complement the one she is wearing. Who Do You Imagine Wearing Your Collections? Women — young to old, politician to Hollywood A-lister, professional to soccer mom — gravitate to my jewelry because they tell me, when they put it on, they feel good. If You Weren’t Creating Jewelry, What Might You Be Doing Instead? Designing jewelry is part of my DNA. Some of my friends played with dolls, others played sports, I accessorized. If not jewelry, I think I’d make large-scale sculptures.
112
“This one pivotal piece laid the foundation for my collection, which is based on fluidity and a system of interchangeable components, versatile for wear from day into evening,” Ripka says. The Fontaine Ring in Ripka’s Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Collection is one of her signature pieces. The center gemstone is set in diamond heart prongs; Ripka often incorporates hearts into her designs as a subtle reminder of romance and love. “I approach jewelry design like many fashion designers approach clothing design,” Ripka says. “It is about building a collection and understanding that fashion is about style and creating a total look. Jewelry is integral to a woman’s wardrobing.” Ripka believes the many roles she plays in her life — wife, mother, grandmother, busy professional — help her to fulfill her clients’ needs and desires for versatile, classic jewelry with a modern twist. Her philosophy has always been to design jewelry that’s wearable with blue jeans, black tie and everything in between. Each piece of her jewelry is designed to complement the entire collection and to remain timeless.
“Women tell me my concept of interchangeable components was a stepping stone for them to embrace having fun with their jewelry.” —Judith Ripka