Brooklyn, N.Y.–based jewelry designer Freida Rothman of Belargo by Freida Rothman applies milgrain edges, blackened rhodium, and unexpected stone accents to classic styles.
Freida Rothman of Belargo by Freida Rothman
Headquarters: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Year firm launched: 2011
Signature style: “I am inspired by New York City and fashion! I love living here in the city. My signature style is evident in milgrain edges, two-tone styles—blackened, and rose and white for spring—and trios of little stones at the bottom of simple looks like pavé studs. I like to take basics and change them up with unexpected finishes, particularly blackened effects. This is one of my favorites because it gives a lot of pop to stones, and gives an edge and cool vibe to classic styles.”
Training, education, and design process: “My dad has been in the jewelry business for 35 years, selling private label to department stores, and I worked for him for three years after I finished my education. He made more generic jewelry, like basic hoops in silver, though he would ask me to sketch concepts and ideas for pieces, so my design background grew from there. Eventually, I went on to do private label on my own for 10 years before launching Belargo by Freida Rothman—named for my first three children, Bella, Aaron, and Goldie—a year and a half ago. We make all the jewelry in our own factory in Bangkok. We’re also looking into launching franchises—Belargo by Freida Rothman freestanding stores—in China and other parts of Asia. That is a work in progress for 2013.”
Materials of choice: “Sterling silver and 14k gold vermeil, black-rhodium and rose-gold plated finishes, with CZ and colored stones like quartz.”
Starting retail price: $70
Retailer buy-in: “Opening orders are $750, but there’s no minimum requirement on reorders. There’s also a $2,500 option to buy into the line with our custom-made Italian leather displays and our jewelry.”
Accounts: “More than 200, including Bloomingdale’s and Meierotto Jewelers in Kansas City.”
Jewelry trade show exhibits: “JCK Las Vegas, the summer and winter editions of the Jewelers of American show, and the ENK show in New York City.”
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