There’s a reason why je ne sais quoi is a phrase well-known even to those who do not speak French—because it’s often used to describe something amazing, and that something is often, well, French.
The term has been part of the English vocabulary for ages as a way to express the things that make us feel some special way. It’s why American women often admire French women, not only for exterior beauty but for the way they carry themselves, the lifestyle, the attitude, something you can’t quite put a finger on—je ne sais quoi.
The offerings from Parisian jewelry brand Rainbow K have that very same vibe—covetable style that feels imperative to make one’s own, yet almost indescribable in its seemingly effortless cool.
Of course, nothing that appears breezy ever truly is. The work of Rainbow K founders and friends—Kelly Souied, a graduate gemologist, and Kelia Toledano, passionate about antique jewelry and with an eye for fascinating pieces and a background in finance—is thoughtful, purposeful, and darn good.
An array of vintage–meets–modern designs comprises the line of Rainbow K, made in Paris for “women at all stages of their lives; empowering them to feel the myriad of emotions that give women their unique beauty,” says the brand’s bio. “Rainbow K is about being able to feel your most forceful self, whilst appreciating your most sensitive and sensual side.”
The line is designed for women, but has a genderless appeal; you can easily see many, or perhaps even all of the jewels, on those shoppers comfortable with pushing the boundaries of men’s jewelry—and even those not channeling their inner Harry Styles might opt for a piece or two (or three).
Looking to the holiday season and beyond, the founding duo advises us that earrings are the best bet for gifting—with no sizing required, they’re consistently best sellers. “The accumulation of jewelry is clearly the trend of the year—our Piercing collection finds all its meaning there,” offer Souied and Toledano. “Customers are layering earrings with their multiple piercings, mixing and matching our styles with different golds, however predominantly we see demand for yellow gold.”
The Piercing collection really is something unexpected. While the name implies what we’ve become accustomed to seeing in jewelry used for body modification (there are earrings in the collection), it’s actually the jewels themselves that are pierced here, like the bracelet, pictured above: a rounded, stackable bangle, “pierced” with a pavé diamond hoop. It’s genius.
If you’re searching for an interesting sale this holiday season, the brand suggests taking a look at its Handcuff collection, “very fashionable, modern, fun while being chic and precious. The style is fresh, unique, and something one has never seen before.”
Top: Cleopatra necklace in 14k yellow gold with onyx, tourmaline, and aquamarine, $13,240
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