My Redesigning Oscars Jewelry Set

A Bit of the Bubbly Necklace Copyright 2010 Margot Potter

After the Oscars this year, I posted about the dearth of fabulous necklaces and a German manufacturer of extraordinary clasps called Claspgarten.  They sent me a generous sampling of clasps and I finally had some free time to work on a design yesterday.  I found some vintage oversized faux pearl multi-strand necklaces at my local Goodwill a few months back and I took them apart to repurpose at a later date.  The pearls featured in this design are a smattering of what I scored.  I've added CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski elements beads as end caps to solve the problem of the large pearl holes and to add a little sparkle that speaks back to the clasp.  This clasp is so gorgeous it simply had to be the focal element.

I played with very traditional Bridal sort of concept and then I decided I wanted to give this a more Justin Giunta Subversive inspired edge.  So out came the pearls and the chains and away went the precious idea of knots and perfect strands.  I would have gone with a more asymmetrical vibe or added pearls around the entire bottom chain row, but that would have taken away too much focus from the clasp.  After some prototype versions, I ended up with what I'm calling a vintage modern design.  I'm quite pleased with this one.  The chains and findings are all base metal and created by Beadalon.

(Note: The new materials used in this design were donated to the blogger, the faux pearls were a thrift store purchase.)

Redesigning Oscars Jewelry 2010!

I was really disappointed with the Oscars this year.  Again, it was sea of empty necks with a smattering of oversized earrings and cuff bracelets.  In a year that's supposedly all about the 'statement necklace' not a statement was made.  Kate Winslet wore a lovely art deco inspired yellow diamond necklace...Helen Mirren sported a simple diamond choker...and then it was empty neck after empty neck all in strapless dresses.

With the current state of the economy stars didn't want to seem ostentatious.  So who says you have to wear diamonds to be fabulous?!  I wouldn't wear a diamond if you paid me.  I don't want to support an industry that is built on violence and sorrow.  You can tell me they're not blood diamonds, but I don't believe it.  Besides, diamonds are so...predictable.  Why not some lucite, semi-precious stone or lovely, sparkly CRYSTALLIZED-Swarovski Elements?!  Lanvin, Tom Binns, YSL...there are so many fantastic creations out there at the moment.  Where was the sparkle?  Where was the glamour?  It's the Oscars!  You can damn well believe that if I went I'd be sparkling, baby.

I was recently contacted by a German manufacturer of the most exquisite clasps I have ever seen called Claspgarten.  You simply HAVE TO visit their site and see their creations.  Findings don't have to hide under your collar, the right ones can be focal elements in your designs and can take a ho hum ensemble to entirely new levels of fabulosity.  These clasps are definitely the right ones!  I can see anyone of these creating the foundation for a truly glamorous old Hollywood style necklace.  I've been thinking about what I'd design to fill in the empty Oscar night necklines.  These clasps are the perfect starting point...so here are a few thoughts...and if you'd like to win a stunning Claspgarten fantasy clasp, leave a comment with your own design ideas here.  I'll announce two winners and share a finished design based on my concepts next Friday.

(Jason Merritt-Getty Images)

Cameron looks divine in this silver crystal encrusted gown by Oscar De La Renta...but I'm envisioning a simple 15mm crystal ab and 15mm pearl knotted choker using this clasp as the central focal element.  I'd have it hit right beneath her collar bones and fill in that empty space with some vintage glamour.

Here's Elizabeth Banks in a stunning chiffon strapless gown by Versace.  I'm picturing a multi-strand necklace of grey and peacock pearls separated by shadow crystals in a 17" length.  This clasp will allow for six or more strands!  I'd knot them and slide the clasp to the right side so it balanced the train on the gown.

 

(Frazier Harrison-Getty Images)

Nicole Richie looked gorgeous in this vintage 1960s Reem Acra beaded dress, but I keep seeing an opera length flapper style necklace here.  This bold clasp in shades of grey would look lovely with delicate gun metal and silver chains and a rosary style strand of crystals in jet, black diamond and crystal.  This clasp accomodates 9 or more strands!  Talk about gorgeous!  The clasp could be worn asymmetrically hitting mid-chest with a tangle of chains and crystals.  And since this gown had a plunging back...perhaps the necklace could be worn backwards...

What do you see?  Pick ANY Oscars 2010 star and tell me what necklace you'd make for them using ANY Claspgarten clasp to fill in that empty neckline with fabulosity!  Feel free to use the clasps I did!  I'll announce the two winners next Friday! FYI: I can't send you the clasp you use, I will send it from the array they sent me.

Cheers,
Madge