From creating a million-dollar diamond bikini that swept evening news shows the world over, to collaborating with nonprofits developing bracelets for charities, to designing breathtaking pieces for the world's most intriguing women both in and out of the spotlight, Susan Rosen has shown her ability to create jewelry pieces that matter. I had the chance to sit down with the notorious jewelry designer and catch a glimpse of how the wheels in her head turned. Allow me to share snippets of my conversation with one of the most colorful minds in jewelry today.
"Oscar Night" earrings
Tell us about the Susan Rosen woman. Who wears your jewelry?
A woman who is confident and self-assured, she usually works in a creative field.
What inspires you to create jewelry?
Fortunately and unfortunately, everything: from fashion, to people, to nature. I think about jewelry all day long, it just runs through my head like a movie.
What are you excited about right now?
I am collaborating with Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR) and the South Jersey Thoroughbred Rescue (SJTBR). MLAR is a cause really close to my heart; my two dogs that I love very much were rescued by MLAR. It’s always great to work with something that gives back. I’m designing a bracelet for Haiti as well.
Susan Rosen's MLAR charity dog bone bracelets
Any personal quirks as a jewelry designer?
I don't really like hard edges; I try to create things that have soft curves like a woman's body: I like the curve of the belly, the curve of the back, the way the waist comes in.
the ultimate adornment for a woman's curves: the Susan Rosen diamond bikini
Are there female style icons that inspire you?
Ellen Barkin. All her pieces are breathtaking, she’s got great style and taste—very chic and classic and clean.
Ellen Barkin (photo via Norman Jean Roy)
I also like Faye Dunaway, and I think Madonna’s amazing.
If Imelda Marcos were to ask you to design a jewelry piece for her, what would it be?
A chic and simple strand of South Sea pearls. I want something clean, something different from the elaborate bib necklaces she wears. And then I would take a vintage ring, perhaps a marquise-shaped one, and make a box catch clasp for the necklace.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done?
I made diamond pasties for Dita von Teese. I've also made a pearl necklace for an Italian Greyhound!
Dita von Teese in diamond pasties by Susan Rosen
Everything tastes better with _______.
Champagne.
What is the next big thing in jewelry?
A more delicate look in terms of fine jewelry. Women want to look affluent in a light casual way. I see more antique rose-cuts: they’re subtly sparkly, they have the heft of diamonds but they’re a little more modest.
Why do you do what you do?
I love what I do. I don’t know if I can do anything else (laughs)! I love anything that sparkles.
the sweetheart ring
See more of Susan Rosen's creations on her website.
Main Line Animal Rescue (www.mlar.org)
South Jersey Thoroughbred Rescue (www.sjtbadoption.org)
