Zodiac signs as conversation starters? Absolutely. They have been Judi Powers’ great equalizer when making new friends and are now the star of a new jewelry collection from the Brooklyn, N.Y.–based designer.

“Growing up as an only child, I looked for siblings in different ways,” Powers tells JCK. “And when I would make new friends, that’s one intimate thing you can ask someone without being too personal, as in ‘are we competition?’ ”

And for Powers, knowing someone’s sun sign—especially that of a potential retail partner—gives her more insight into what the course of their relationship might look like as well as the know-how to ask better questions. For example, Leos (born between July 23 and August 22) are “great leaders” maintains Powers, so when meeting one she might leverage that savvy into a complimentary observation or springboard to cementing a stronger bond at the first meeting.

“If I know that somebody is an Aries—a fire sign, which is ambitious—I know that that person will be all business and will want to know how pieces are going to sell and how you will help them market a collection,” she adds. Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—will be “a little more fluid,” she says. (Others call them deep-feelers and “emotionally reserved,” according to AstrologyZone.com.) Meanwhile, earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—are down-to-earth, and air signs (Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini) are deeply intellectual.

All are represented in Powers’ Zodiac pendant necklaces in sterling silver and 18k gold on 18-inch chains. Silver pieces start at $96 retail and gold at $556, and buy-in is 24 pieces—two of each zodiac—in either metal.

Aries sun sign in silver, $96

Taurus pendant necklace in 18k gold, $556

The Style 360 blog is your editorial source for the newest jewelry, trends, market analysis trade show insights, designer profiles, and more.

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine