Aperitivo, No.1

Aperitivo is a selection of small bites: thoughts & finds served in the spirit of the Italian ritual, meant to spark the appetite. This is the first:

Vintage rec

Earlier this month, the JAOS, NYC Spring Jewelry Antique & Object Show, took over the city, offering a stellar range of styles and prices. A couple of names stood out: an old favorite,@ericaweiner, and a newer love, @lisakramervintage.

The real highlight, though, was getting to chat with them in person. This is exactly why in-person shows matter: it’s mesmerizing to talk to people whose passion for their craft is so palpable. It’s like catching someone mid-dream, the best way to fall in love with a piece of jewelry.

I ended up bringing home two pieces from Lisa:

• a pair of two-tone unsigned earrings (with a silhouette similar to Dior’s Tribales),

• and a smoky quartz ring by Kupittaan Kulta, one of Finland’s key modernist makers.

I also shared this same recommendation in a recent contribution to Irene Kim (김애린)’s newsletter where I had the honor of joining voices I deeply admire: Amy Azzarito (author and historian currently writing her PhD on 18th-century English women’s jewelry economics), Valery Demure (brand consultant and founder of Objet d’Emotion), Megan Mensink (curator of preloved jewelry at Folklor), and Veronica Szalas Valentine (of Vejeweled).

The next JAOS is set for November 21–23, 2025. If it follows the same rhythm, I suggest visiting on the second day—much calmer, with space to browse and connect.

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On clarity

I attended Lyst Fashion Intelligence where Emilia Petrarca was one of the speakers. I may be fangirling, but it’s rare to find someone who can articulate their strong opinions as clearly in speech as they do in writing. Emilia does both, and she’s also a masterclass in visual communication.

She looked like a John Singer Sargent painting that day. I was mesmerized.

I didn’t get the chance to ask, but I’m pretty sure she was wearing a Charlotte Chesnais ring. This brings us to another example of clarity: Charlotte Chesnais’ Instagram Reels about tarnish, wear, and the brand’s re-coating services, named CC Spa.

I first learned about this strategy during a visit to the Charlotte Chesnais’s store in Paris. Most of their pieces are made with vermeil, and when I asked how long they’d last, the attendant asked how I planned to wear them. She explained that, for example, earrings tend to hold up well, and re-coating services are available.

In short, the brand crafts substantial pieces from precious metals like silver, then brings gold to the surface using a technique that allows for ongoing repair. Maintenance plays a crucial role in sustainability, and I’d love to see more brands do the same.

Speaking of sustainability

One brand that has truly stood out to me this year is Lizzie Fortunato. Their Organic Hoops became my go-to for earrings, and I wear them almost daily.

While the beauty of the pieces is the obvious draw, it’s everything that surrounds them that makes the brand exceptional. The team, led by two sisters, runs an impeccable operation and is full of heart. Their jewelry hits that sweet spot: exquisitely crafted and fairly priced.

The materials, too, are a big part of why I’m wearing their earrings almost every day. As someone with sensitive skin, it’s rare to find jewelry that’s not only beautiful but actually comfortable. Their designs manage to do both, and that’s not something I take for granted. Plus, the playful, irreverent spirit of the brand feels like the perfect emotional cue for the summer.

These photos are from my visit to the brand’s office and showroom in Manhattan, where they kindly gave me a tour (it was amazing!!!).

And then there’s the sustainability aspect. Vintage elements like beads are thoughtfully reworked into the collections, giving them a genuine sense of uniqueness. Most pieces are handmade in their NYC HQ, a space that serves as office, atelier, and showroom. They also have a resale program, called Re-Jeweled, which I think is such a smart way to close the loop on fashion consumption.

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I’ve got you covered

Whether you’re a wedding guest or just looking for something that feels more like the season, this one’s for you.

I know how the endless scroll of brands can quickly turn into a maze, so think of this as your starting point. I’ve curated a selection of jewelry that’s beautifully crafted, easy to wear, and kind to the wallet.

Think of these brands as the opening notes:

• Paola Sighinolfi

• Joanna Laura Constantine

• Uncommon Matters

• APOA

• Julietta

• and, of course, Lizzie Fortunato

More edits coming soon with full, detailed lists—stay tuned! (And if there’s something specific you're after, just let me know!)

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Bag of goodies

• On current trends: this article by Randi Molofsky, owner of For Future Reference and JCK Jewelry Director, is a must-read;

• Edit from DAER DISCOVERS on T-bar necklaces is a gem (with sterling silver options as well);

• Melissa Morris, founder of Métier, at the Collectors Gene Radio podcast: I love her perspectives on process and design;

• Rajiv Surendra’s video on his gold bracelets (he’s my muse!);

• This beautiful editorial by Another Magazine for Cartier;

• How cute! Nette’s Perfume Necklace, handcrafted in collaboration with British jeweler Estelle Dévé using sterling silver.

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Love,

Isis