Gold: Bee-Inspired Jewels and Silicone-Supported Bangles



Honey Honey

Lately there’s been so much buzz about the declining bee population that Patricia Gumuchian decided to do something about it—in 18k gold, of course. The design force behind Gumuchian in New York City crafted a bee- and honeycomb-theme jewelry collection called B, which debuted at JCK Las Vegas; 2 percent of every order will be donated to HoneyLove, a nonprofit that supports urban beekeeping and home gardens.

“Our family gatherings and holidays largely center on all types of foods. What would happen if these things just went away?” she asked. (Bees directly or indirectly pollinate one in three bites of food in the United States, reports the Department of Agriculture.)

“Many of our collections are inspired by nature,” says vice president of sales Myriam Gumuchian. “But this inspired us to be part of something bigger. The B collection represents our appreciation of these remarkable creatures, and our goal is to bring awareness to this growing problem.”

Silicone Savvy

Bracelet in 18k rose gold filled with silicone; $28,600; Mattia Cielo at Rock House, NYC; 917-553-5360; mattiacielo.com

Mattia Cielo is known for his industrially innovative styles (e.g., the ­titanium cores that allow his spiraling Rugiada pieces to coil). Now he’s adding silicone—yes, the rubberlike compound used in breast implants—as the unseen support in his new Vulcano collection of bracelets, rings, ­earrings, and pendants. He debuted several big lightweight styles at this year’s Baselworld in 18k rose gold. “We are always in search of technologies that allow us to create contemporary and striking designs while keeping high standards in terms of wearability,” he says. Silicone allows him to “create large-sized objects without sacrificing comfort.”

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