Monica Rich Kosann’s new ceramic jewelry collection in 18k gold, MRK2100, speaks to the designer’s affinity for Art Deco styling as well as ceramic influences evident during the period.

“There is a heavy Art Deco undertone, as Monica loved some of the great period jewelry pieces that often incorporated carved black onyx, white agate, and rock crystal, and she wanted to reinterpret those influences with a new material for a new century,” explains Rod Kosann, her husband and financial point person. (MRK is located in Fairfield County, Conn.) “At the same time, there was a strong Art Deco movement in white crackled porcelain and ceramic sculptures of birds and animals that incorporated the clean and fluid lines that were characteristic of that movement. These were a strong inspiration for the charm part of the collection.”

Jewelers saw the 12-SKU collection comprising six lockets, four pendant necklaces, and two bracelets for the first time at Couture this year. Some pieces feature diamond accents, and items are starting to ship to stores now. Suggested retail prices start at $850 for charm necklaces and $4,750 for lockets.

“We are not aware of anything close to this having ever been done within the locket category, and we think it is one more major step in Monica’s ongoing brand effort to redefine the locket for a new century and generation,” adds Kosann. “We have only seen ceramic used with this level of technical complexity within the watch category. MRK has filed a variety of patents related to the collection, as we feel that our usage of materials has broken new ground on the design and jewelry fronts.”

Buy-in is dependent on city and demographic size. “We don’t have a hard and fast number,” says Kosann. “We want a significant presentation of the brand in the physical store so that when clients come in they can see a strong representation that will hopefully reinforce the dynamic advertising and marketing commitment we have made to support all of our retailers.”

Locket necklace in 18k gold with ceramic and 0.08 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,950

Bracelet in 18k gold with ceramic and 2.26 cts. t.w. diamonds, $22,500

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JCK