ine craftsmanship is the most essential ingredient to a piece of jewelry that will last for generations. Press suggests asking several questions about the workmanship of a piece:
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1) Is it made by hand, partially handcrafted or caste and mass produced?
2) Where is the piece made, and what are the skills and experience of the artisans creating it?
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3) Does the designer have his or her own workshop? Is the designer a trained jewelry craftsman and is he or she directly involved in the process of making the piece? 4) If platinum is chosen, are the designer and manufacturer masters at working in platinum, which requires additional talents and different tools than goldsmithing? 5) What is the reputation of the designer/manufacturer for quality, consistency and originality?
ress urges consumers to understand the level of craftsman- ship in a piece and assess value based on the quality of the materials and workmanship, not just a designer brand name.
inally, the design chosen as an heirloom should not only be a reflection of one’s individuality and personal tastes, but should be classic as well. A piece shouldn’t look dated in just 10 years. For the ultimate in personalization and luxury, consider working with a jewelry designer to custom-make a one-of-a-kind piece. Press warns that functionality is a criti-
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BY PHILIP PRESS
Celebrity Jewelry Designer & Master Platinumsmith
www.philippress.com
cal part of the design process, not just beauty. While Press’ designs are frequently seen on the Red carpet, he once had to rescue a celebrity stylist and his A-list client whose platinum and diamond necklace from another designer broke just hours before the star was to attend a Hollywood premiere. “We were able to repair the necklace, but it was a valuable lesson for the stylist to pay attention to functionality and craftsman- ship when choosing Red carpet jewels,” Press commented.
s a closing note, caring for your fine jewelry properly will help to prolong its life. Press counsels his clients to soak their platinum and gemstone baubles in ammonia overnight and scrub them with a toothbrush in the morning. If an organ- ic cleaner is preferred, several brands are available online. Every few months, Press recommends a professional ultra- sonic and steam cleaning. Black pearls, which Press likes to mix with platinum and diamonds, should not be soaked in a cleaner, but wiped with a soft, damp cloth. Storing pieces in separate jewelry pouches or felt-lined compartments is also crucial. “Diamonds and other gemstones will scratch each other so keep each piece apart from others,” Press concludes.
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www.eatlovesavor.com • 21
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photo: Philip Press Platinumsmith
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