T H E I N CO M PA R A B L E C R E AT I O N S O F
IRENE NEUWIRTH The free-spirited jeweler is enjoying a well-lived life at the intersection of creativity and equestrian sport.
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COURTESY OF IRENE NEUWIRTH
old on, someone is digging a hole in my hair,” Irene laughs as one of her Labradoodles makes his presence known during the interview. The momentary interruption of affection set the tone for a lively conversation with California jeweler Irene Neuwirth.
BY STEPHANIE PETERS
50 | EQ UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2024
Her imaginative designs, recognized and adored worldwide, would suffice for some. However, in the equestrian community, she is known as an accomplished rider, competing and winning nationally at adult amateur-owner hunter division events. Curiously, her two worlds don’t always overlap. “It’s funny,” says Irene. “I was at a horse show, and a woman came up to me and said, ‘You know, there’s a jewelry designer with a name like yours.’ I said, ‘Oh, no, that’s me’. I’ll often be at a show polishing my boots and riding my horses at 5 a.m., so I think people don’t think I have a real job.” Irene’s modern and sometimes whimsical pieces eschew the norms of fine jewelry and directly reflect her individuality. Her unconventional mix of gem cuts paired with a panoply of vibrant colors has garnered global appeal, countless design awards, and the attention of upper-echelon celebrities who select her jewelry for red-carpet runway events. Recently, singer-songwriter Nicki Minaj graced the cover of Vogue wearing a pair of Irene’s earrings. Irene’s brand ethos is proving to be highly successful. She intentionally shuns the formality often associated with shopping for fine jewelry and purposely spins whimsy and a welcoming allure throughout her retail spaces. Clever descriptions of her one-of-a-kind pieces, such as gumballs, gum drops, and gemmy gems, conjure images of edible confections, all of which resonate with her clients, who tend to be those embracing individuality. “I think the world has changed, where people like to wear more understated elegance, and so that’s sort of our client,” Irene reflects.