Every once in a while a collection comes along that is just so beyond cool that it makes you feel like another person completely when wearing it. At least, that’s how I imagine it would feel to wear the new Gravity collection by California brand IO Collective.
Scrolling through the Gravity lookbook, I get this feeling of such excitement, such admiration for what’s before my eyes. It’s the kind of jewelry that is the statement. Like, if you’re planning an outfit for an event or even just for work, you wouldn’t concern yourself with the clothing, you’d just be like, “I’m wearing my IO necklace.” It’s the kind of stuff you plan your outfit around.
This rings true for a number of pieces from the collection, including the choker necklace above (that I’m not trying to figure out how to go on without in my life) and the incredible gemstones pictured in the pieces throughout.
If it’s less statement and more stackable/layerable/groupable your customers are looking for, Gravity offers that, too. But just be warned—these options may still steal the spotlight. Rings in geometric shapes with 1920’s-made-modern vibes take up generous real estate on the finger, while stackable pieces as well as signet-style rings provide notable accents while appearing wonderfully dainty on their own.
IO Collective is Los Angeles brand by founder-designer Jenifer Thai, the daughter of a jewelry vendor who’s finding her way back to the industry after a career in finance. IO’s creations are made by hand in LA, using ethically sourced gemstones and refined metals. This is my first encounter with IO, and I am absolutely the smitten kitten. Thai’s balance of “statement” and “everyday pieces” (call them what you will) is seamless, giving consumers the ability to craft collections that could take them anywhere, for any occasion or any lifestyle.
“For Gravity, my inspiration draws from my love of geometric and unique shapes that I see in various architecture around the world,” says Thai. “In this particular collection, I wanted to take previous designs of more organic shapes and merge them with structural shapes to show that both styles are able to exist together in a cohesive way.”
As for favorite pieces in the collection, the designer names the Esmeralda earrings, pictured above. “They’re made with over 10 carats of Brazilian emeralds and Australian parti sapphires that I acquired from a vendor’s safe (it had been sitting there for over 30 years). The colors remind me of nature, and they’re lightweight enough for everyday wear—pair them with denim and a T-shirt, or they can also be dressed up with a cocktail dress. I love the versatility in my jewelry—it’s made to be worn, not sit inside a jewelry box.”
Top: Bridgette earrings in 18k yellow gold with paraiba tourmaline and sapphire slices, $4,070
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