Diamond Ruby Fashion Wedding Bridal History Jewelry 61

Diamond Ruby Fashion Wedding Bridal History Jewelry.

By Samina Aamir. 

But while manufacturers in countries including India and China currently dominate the manufacturing of fine jewelry in the world on a volume basis, the U.S. market has seen the rise of boutique firms that use old-­fashioned fabrication techniques to create collections in their own workshops. Makers such as McTeigue & McClelland, Nicholas Varney, James de Givenchy, and Daniel Brush are creating jewelry that supersedes trends, using ­time-honored techniques to advance their own distinctive visions.

From sketch to (nearly) finished product: Oscar Heyman’s gold, platinum, diamond, and enamel orchid brooch

And, of course, Hollywood has fallen in love with craftsmanship all over again, as evidenced by the avalanche of press each celebrity’s custom-made engagement ring inspires. Angelina Jolie’s eye-popping ring, designed by husband Brad Pitt, made its maker, Beverly Hills, Calif.–based ­custom ­jeweler Robert Procop, a household name—at least for a few days.

“I think it’s a very exciting time for ­jewelry right now,” says Jonas. “Hollywood started the big jewelry trend again in the 2000s, and there are some brilliant ­jewelry designers in the U.S.” Of course, some of the industry’s most lauded names are some of its oldest. Oscar Heyman, for one, still hand-fabricates jewelry in its New York City headquarters. “We’re American-owned, American-made and we’re still adhering to all the old principles,” says Tom Heyman. “If there’s a choice of making it a little better or a little cheaper, we go a little better. We’ve also always believed in hard work and rolling up our sleeves. And by dint of luck, we’ve survived.”