Local Design


From Southwest Florida, With Love

Local designers channel the coast with lightweight designs, rare stones and eco-conscious materials.

BY May 1, 2022
Contemporary Aquamarine Collar, Mark Loren Designs
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Fort Myers jewelry designer Mark Loren arranged large fancy cut aquamarine and morganite around diamond-trimmed sections for this white gold necklace. Contemporary Aquamarine Collar, Mark Loren Designs.

 

Geode Earrings
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Loren earned an Editor’s Choice honor at the American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards for this pair of earrings, crafted with green Brazilian tourmalines, pink topaz, amethysts and diamonds and framed by rare polyhedral agate geode slices. Geode Earrings, Mark Loren Designs.

 

T&T Laser-Cut Envelope Clutch
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Fort Myers designers Rasit and Ilkay Turk—best known for their line of silks printed with handpainted patterns and motifs—created this timeless clutch with vegan leather. T&T Laser-Cut Envelope Clutch, Turk & Turk.

 

Bella Terra Necklace
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Naples designer Laurie Hilburg created this talisman with stones that are said to have healing powers: moonstone for emotional balance and feminine strength, gray jasper for creativity and druzy for harmony. Bella Terra Necklace, Laurie Hilburg Jewelry.

 

Simone Citrine and Pearl Ring
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Another handmade design from Hilburg, the ring juxtaposes an imperfect baroque pearl with a round-cut citrine. Simone Citrine and Pearl Ring, Laurie Hilburg Jewelry.

 

Nicole Diamond Cuff and Diamond Hoop and Emerald Chain Drop Earrings
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Mix and match metals with these dainty accessories from Naples native and third-generation jeweler Vivian Grimes, who launched her brand to create timeless pieces that are perfect for layering. Nicole Diamond Cuff and Diamond Hoop and Emerald Chain Drop Earrings, Henri Noël.

 

Gardell by Graciana Choker and Necklace
(Photo by Bridges Aderhold)

Pittsburgh transplant Graciana Rodriguez uses faceted black spinel mixed with an oxidized silver pendant, diamonds and a baroque pearl to create a sophisticated take on a beaded necklace. Gardell by Graciana Choker and Necklace, Shannon Green Collection.

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