HOT STONES

Susan Foster makes fine jewellery super cool while her sliced diamond pendants and earrings are the hottest thing to covet this side of LA

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Los Angeles-based fine jewellery designer, Susan Foster

Susan Foster grew up in East Hampton, New York, in a family full of creative artisans with links to the world of American Celebrity and Hollywood  -  many working behind the scenes on such films as The Godfather, Sex and The City & Gossip Girl while her stepfather designed and built John Steinbeck’s work studio.

So it is of little surprise that her life ended up being both creative and glamorous with her becoming one of the most sought after jewellery designers in Tinseltown, and beyond, producing gorgeously crafted pieces for the rich and famous of the USA and the glitterati worldwide.

Foster’s trademark couture-worthy pieces are often crafted from diamond slices that display natural inclusions and individual character of the stone itself, each faceted to catch the light to dazzling effect. Perfect for the red carpet but just as wonderful for a luxurious day or night anywhere, anytime.

We spoke to the Los Angeles based designer about her inspirations and her work >>>

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SUSAN FOSTER Grey opaque faceted diamond slice earrings

·      Where do you find initial inspiration for your gorgeous fine jewellery pieces?

There are so many things that I find inspirational and it changes from season to season, year to year. My mind is triggered by everything from pop art to Swan Lake – It all just depends on what I am “experiencing” at the moment. Right now, the Golden Era of Hollywood is on my mind; Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor… These woman were clever, smart, and had many important things to say and had a great deal of life experience, from dealing with fame to handling Hollywood to being a royal.  I’ve created 18k gold diamond “Quote” bangle bracelets each with their own beautifully scripted hand-engraved quote from each iconic actress, echoing their sentiments, and I think they knew a thing or two!  I know the women that wear these bracelets will find depth and meaning for themselves in whichever quote they choose. They’ll be available for purchase in the Fall.

·      Who is the ideal woman to wear your creations and who influences you?

I design for that woman who is “Very definitely a woman and enjoys it” as Marilyn Monroe would say!   That “woman” is who influences me.

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SUSAN FOSTER Yellow & white diamond slice necklace

·      Which celebrity clients are your biggest fans?

I have no idea! (laughing)  There are quite a few … from Maria Shiver to Renee Zellweger to Randy Newman to Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters.  I know Stevie Nicks has said many lovely things. She was quoted as saying “She can’t leave home without my jewelry and takes my jewels on the road with her on tour.” That was very sweet.

Where/when is the ideal place to wear your beautiful jewellery pieces?

Wear them whenever and wherever you want to feel beautiful.

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SUSAN FOSTER Diamond slice & pavé diamond necklace

·      Are diamonds forever?

(Smiling) Yes, they are as a matter of fact! Diamonds are my favorite stones, which might be a predictable answer since I work with them all the time, but there is nothing else quite like them; Diamonds are the strongest material on earth, and insanely beautiful- nothing else sparkles like them. They’re the perfect combination of strength and beauty, what can be better than that?

·      What gemstones (besides diamonds) do you love to work with?

I absolutely love opals and the assortment of colors. Each opal looks different. The fire in each one runs through it differently and diffracts light beautifully and no two will ever look the same. Quite a bit of the makeup of opals is water and they range from opaque to semi transparent.

·      You are famed for your diamond slice jewellery – what exactly are diamond slices?

Diamond slices are so beautiful. They are slices of an actual diamond and are then beautifully faceted.  The natural inclusions are to be embraced and are part of the character of the diamond slice.

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SUSAN FOSTER Diamond slice & pavé diamonds earrings

·      Where are your wonderful pieces made – are there any unusual or unique techniques employed or interesting artisans?

My jewels are made in Paris and Los Angeles. I feel I have the best jewelers in both France and in the US making my jewelry. I create more of my couture jewels in Paris.  There are many unusual, unique, and fascinating techniques but I typically keep them top secret.

·      Do you follow fashion trends in jewellery?

Not really. I’m very aware of them as trends are usually shared with me occasionally in discussion with others, but no, I don’t follow them.

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SUSAN FOSTER Diamond & lemon topaz north-star necklace

·      What would be your dream jewel project?

A dream jewel project would be to collaborate with any of my favorite jewel houses and fashion designers.   The jewel houses I love are  Asprey, Garrard, and Graff. I would be thrilled to help develop contemporary designs for them by adding freshness to their more traditional designs. As for fashion designers it would be, Jason Wu, Stella McCartney, or Ralph Lauren, creating something fabulous for them, jewelry-wise, to pair up with their collections. I also love seeing what British fashion designers are doing. Their work is so inspiring right now, Christopher Kane, Jonathan Saunders, and Erdem—maybe at some point doing something dreamy and amazing with them.

·      If you were not a jeweller what would you be?

I grew up in the arts in East Hampton, New York, so I would most likely be an actor or painter, however, from a humanitarian standpoint I would do something to help animals.

SHOP SUSAN FOSTER FINE JEWELLERY here >>>