JCKstyle - August 24, 2007

We've been wondering when Target would wake up to its jewelry possibilities. The stylish superstore long ago embraced the concept of high design for the masses. Isaac Mizrahi set the stage with his "masstige" line that has been going strong and bringing design to the common folk for several years. More recently, designers like Libertine and Tara Jarmon have created limited-run collections at affordable prices.

This week, jewelry finally entered the high-design-for-low-prices mix with the launch of Dominique Cohen's line for Target. Cohen, the Los Angeles–based jeweler known for her luscious gems set in 18k gold, has created a 44-piece line for the mass retailer. Unlike the collection we're used to seeing from her, this is costume. But, like her precious jewelry, it is innovative and beautifully rendered—a perfect introduction to the product for millions of Target customers who may not understand jewelry. In reviewing the line, JCKstyle finds it an exciting first step toward large-scale recognition of our industry's design talent, and a beautiful marriage of jewelry and fashion.

Prices range from $14.99 to $59.99. The romantic collection is peppered with bows, faux pearls on ribbons, and pieces inscribed with "Beau Coeur" (Beautiful Heart). It also includes lace-covered faux pearls, hand-cut and painted cameos, and multistrands of chains fastened with hand-torn silk ribbon.

The collection launched Aug. 19 and will be available both in stores and online through Feb. 3, 2008. We hope this is only the beginning of an effort that will boost the reputation of jewelry designers—and the industry as a whole.

Weekly Gem
Those watches in the film No Reservations look familiar? The timepieces adorning the wrist of actress Catherine Zeta-Jones are from Baume & Mercier. The casual stainless steel Riviera has prominent placement in both the film and the posters promoting it, while the company's Diamant watch, featured on a black strap, is seen in the movie.