The designer boasts a collector’s eye, a commitment to charitable causes, and a love of natural colored stones
Just how exceptional are Robert Procop’s exceptional jewels? He’s actually taken them on tour. The Beverly Hills, Calif.–based designer recently exhibited his impressive emerald collection at a select few lucky U.S. retailers. You also might remember some eye-popping emeralds in his Style of Jolie line, created with the Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, with all the proceeds benefiting children’s education. But his palette goes far beyond green pieces. Asked to name his favorite colored stone, he replies simply: “One with a rare natural color.”
Age: Somewhere between Drake and Santa Claus.
Number of years in the biz: 40
Family and pets: Very close family full of love and laughter.
Describe your personal style: Enjoy a black-tie dinner and love jeans and a T-shirt for sushi by the beach.
First piece you ever designed: Ruby-eye skull ring, quite ugly.
The single piece of jewelry you’re most proud of: They are like children—I’m proud of them all. This week, an alexandrite cat’s-eye bracelet.
Robert Procop’s 12.71 ct. cushion-cut blue sapphire with diamonds in platinum
Tell us about the piece you’re working on right now: A very intricate bracelet that will take a year to finish.
Best piece of advice you ever received: “Only buy the best natural gem you can afford.”
Worst piece of advice: “Stop buying.”
First job ever: In my father’s engineering plant at 12 years old.
How did you get started designing jewelry? I worked in a pawnshop when I was 16. The following year I bought an old cluster ring and made several contemporary rings from the diamonds.
If you weren’t designing jewelry, what would you be doing? Architect.
Jewelry you’re wearing right now: Only cufflinks.
One of Procop’s exceptional emeralds
Items on your desk right now: Emerald specimen, an auction catalog of space memorabilia, laser flashlight, Apple laptop, and this No. 2 pencil I am writing with.
Songs on your playlist: “Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran; “Fantasy,” Alina Baraz & Galimatias; “Crystal Ball,” Styx; “The Hills,” the Weeknd.
Exercise regimen: CrossFit, ski, and surf.
What did you have for breakfast? Oatmeal, smoothie, and an omelet.
Guilty pleasure: Extra añejo tequila.
Drink (daytime/evening): Fresh juice/fine wine.
First website you check every day (not your own!): Ski reports—MammothMountain.com.
Scent: Gardenia in the morning, lavender at night.
How do you unwind? Glass of wine and great food, finished by a hot fudge sundae.
Book you’re reading: The Artisan Soul, by Erwin Raphael McManus.
Book you’ve been meaning to get to: Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow.
One must-visit spot for someone traveling to Los Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum.
Favorite movie: Too many; La La Land this year.
Who would play you in your life story? Leonardo DiCaprio.
(Gardenia: Kaidevils/Getty; drink: Karandaev/Getty)
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