JCK Asks…David Joseph



On his bohemian rhapsody in jewels

Some brands describe themselves as bohemian-chic or boho-chic. Bochic, however, has made the style part of its very identity. And for vintage-esque, ­Indian-influenced, hippie-ish, understated-glam ­jewelry—made with the most luxe materials—you can’t do better than the handcrafted works of Bochic. ­Creative director David Joseph, who founded the brand with his jewelry designer wife Miriam Salat, works with any and every kind of gem, making meticulously fashioned statement pieces such as jade lantern ­earrings, amethyst blossom rings, mother-of-pearl cameo drops, and diamond sword cuffs. Bochic, now celebrating its 10th year, has officially gone beyond boho-chic.

Diamond, sapphire, tsavorite Mask Ring

Age: 48

Number of years in the biz: 10

Number of employees you oversee: 15

Family and pets: Wife and two daughters. Wife being Miriam Salat, cofounder of Bochic and creative ­director of Miriam Salat.

Describe your personal style: Down—Bohemian sporty-chic, jeans, t-shirt with linen shirt or a leather jacket. Up—old Hollywood, dark solid suits or jackets, white or black button shirts, no tie.

Miriam and David

First piece you ever designed: A $150,000 18k ­yellow gold Colombian emerald cabochon necklace—a bespoke piece for a client.

The single piece of jewelry you’re most proud of: The old-cut diamond ring made for my wife: 5.5 ct. cushion-cut champagne diamond in 18k white gold.

Favorite gemstone(s): Purple spinel.

Trickiest part about carving gemstones: The details of the patterns we sketch.

The $150,000 emerald cabochon necklace

Best piece of advice you ever received: “Trust your gut instinct.”

Worst piece of advice: “Trust your gut instinct.” Sometimes it just doesn’t work.

First job ever: Worked for a video store that specialized in old Hollywood films.

How did you get started designing jewelry? I was looking for something that did not exist on the market and I could not find it, so I made it myself.

The Joseph family

If you weren’t designing jewelry, what would you be doing? Producing and directing films.

Five items on your desk right now: MacBook, iPhone, page of sketches, weekly planner, passport.

Five songs on your playlist: “Together,” Patrick Wolf; “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye; “So Far Away,” Carole King; “Cucurrucucú paloma” from Talk to Her, Tomás Méndez; “Lullaby,” The Cure.

Purple spinel

Jewelry you’re wearing right now: I don’t!!!

Exercise regimen: Three to four runs a week—3 to 4 miles midweek when time is limited, 6 miles on the weekend; yoga twice a week; core exercise twice a week before or after yoga or running.

What did you have for breakfast? Egg white omelet with chives, toast, fruit, black coffee, orange juice.

Robert Smith of The Cure

Guilty pleasure: Buying a 10-pack of Parliament Lights special edition in JFK terminal 1 before I fly (the only time I smoke is when I travel). Corned beef hash and fried eggs and baked beans after a night of overindulgence.

Drink (daytime/evening): Day—mixed berry juice. Evening—dry Belvedere martini with an orange peel garnish.

First website you check every day (not your own!): CNN.com.

Carved labradorite and diamond earrings

Scent: Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling.

How do you unwind? I escape midday to a dark theater to see a film by myself.

Superstitious? Negative streak might start with one or two things going wrong.

Book you’re reading: The Devil in the White City  (Erik Larson).

Book you’ve been meaning to get to: War and Peace—does anyone?!?

Preferred news source: BBC.

Main means of transportation: Planes.

Favorite movie: The English Patient.

Who would play you in your life story? Cary Grant.

Personal motto: “Stay positive.”

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