Nova Bronstein Monday, October 31, 2011 at 12:41PM 
Participating in the "Open See", an open call to designers for Henri Bendel, can feel a bit like being adrift on an expanse of ocean, but the rush of anticipation combined with the chance to be seen by Bendel buyers can easily make it worth it!
Nova Bronstein Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 2:00PM 
Remember that fearless approach to exploration that you had when you were little and attempting something new? You didn’t think about it. You just proudly marched forward. You know what I’m talking about. That fearless exploration where you just started something without making judgements. That initial questioning about whether or not you were finding success with your explorations did not enter into the equation. Now, think about your approach to something new today. No, really! One of the most difficult things to do as an adult is to allow yourself to try new things with the freedom to make mistakes.
Channeling that beautifully naïve approach to tackling something new can be the key that unlocks the door to discovery! Yeah, sure, you are running the risk of failure. You are also broaching a path of discovery that could uncover what may become your best work! You won’t know if you don’t just dive in and try.
Nova Bronstein Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:00AM It is said that it is always hard to be the first--- not so, if you ask Debbie Bruce, the first graduate of Sheffield's Jewelry Design Course!!! If Mrs. Bruce is setting a precedent then it seems that Sheffield's Jewelry Design Program is off to a good start!
Debbie chose the plains of the Serengeti in Africa with its abundant wild life and palette of lush greens, golds and baked earth for the story to ground her graduating collection. Her color scheme also perfectly launches us into fall!! So timely, her collection takes the landscape and translated it into visual motifs-- swirls of forged brass-- and a lush mix of baubles in Golden Jade, Green Aventurine, Phoenix Jasper, Smokey Quartz, mocha and cream colored fresh water pearls and a mix of Swarovski crystals. Taking these materials and elements Debbie mixed and wove them into myriad of stunning and wearable jewelry silhouettes.
Nova Bronstein Monday, August 8, 2011 at 12:07PM 
Photo: Alexis BittarI've chosen to focus on jewelry designer Alexis Bittar because he is a perfect example of a jewelry designer who truly understands what goes into a strong collection. He consistently includes silhouettes from modest to statement-making, classic to avant garde while maintaining his own design aesthetic. By doing this he accomplishes a near universal appeal. No matter what your jewelry style -- so long as you like his aesthetic-- you will find something that could work for you.
And this is precisely what we are working to accomplish with our own jewelry collections, right?
Alexis Bittar, Collections, Components, Editing, earrings, jewelry design in Jewelry Nova Bronstein Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 11:56AM Most jewelry designers have no difficulty with recognizing what a "collection" of jewelry is, but making one --- a strong one at that--- is something else entirely. Figuring out what precisely goes into making a strong collection can be one of the most difficult things for a jewelry designer to do. At least until they have some ground rules!!
Alexis Bittar's "Elements" Collection Photo: Alexis Bittar
The jewelry of Alexis Bittar, by way of example, makes discussion of this subject a breeze as he --yes, a guy, and a striking one at that!-- is a master of the diverse, compelling and cohesive collection. The jewelry featured here is from his "Elements" Collection, which focuses on just that, using elements or components in multiple pieces as a means of creating a wide range of silhouettes or looks-- one of the keys element to a successful collection.
