Cynthia Rose
Cynthia Rose loves vintage!
Her exquisite line of fine jewelry created with repurposed vintage pieces, precious gems, and stones is for the woman who seeks the unique.
This woman makes everything old, new again!
– as told to The Silver Women
“Elegance with an edge is my motto.”
Tell us about your work over the years?
I have always been involved in the art world from a very early age. I remember sitting on the floor of the Brooklyn Museum at 8 or 9 yrs old just overwhelmed by every type of medium that surrounded me. I dabbled in painting, drawing, sculpture but was always fascinated by some sort of collage, where texture and layering took over. My mix of vintage and modern was definitely born from those days (I actually made rings from bell wire and sold them to friends and family)
After graduating high school, I worked briefly for GUCCI on Fifth Avenue. The look was very classic and sophisticated (different to the trendsetting company it is today) and I met such incredible people from all over the world. It was an education that I could have never received anywhere else.
I was also privileged to know and briefly work for a wonderful woman who sold antique jewelry and taught me all the little idiosyncrasies of what makes it so divine. It seemed like the natural progression after ten years of making one of a kind clothing to do a jewelry collection that had the same aesthetic.
“By repurposing the old with the new, something totally original is created and of course, is helping the environment.”
What made you want to produce jewelry?
I have always been passionate about jewelry especially antique pieces that have had a previous life. I always wonder who was the woman who owned it and cherished it? The quality of the craftsmanship is beyond belief and I love the fact that each piece is so unique, that only one person could own it!
The Cynthia Rose Collection of jewelry is for the collector, someone who wants a piece that is bespoke, one of a kind. She is a woman of means who is comfortable in her own skin. As a collector myself, I search out pieces, whether it be a pair of earrings, a brooch or just a fabulous stone that excites me and add it to my treasure trove waiting to find just the right mate.
What was the first piece of jewelry that you owned?
A small gold pinky ring with a diamond, circa 1890.
What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?
A 1940’s 18kt gold and diamond baguette ring that I found at a boutique I visited in Carmel, CA. I had been looking for one for 10 years and it was my size 4.75. I never take it off!
What do you prefer Silver or Gold?
GOLD!
What is your favorite stone/gem?
Diamonds and demantoid garnets (gorgeous green)
“What do I consider the ultimate jewelry purchase?
A piece that you fall madly in love with, that speaks to you.
If you can’t stop thinking about it, you must own it!”
Women who inspired you as a young girl?
I always loved Audrey Hepburn as she was the epitome of chic. I was also obsessed with Lauren Hutton. She optimized her beauty with a super eclectic look mixing sophisticated with bohemian and always looked utterly flawless! (I still have a MAY 1973 layout from VOGUE that she featured in)
Women, who inspire you now?
Iris Apfel. She is 95 yrs old and has more fashion sense in her pinky than anyone I know of today. She exudes uniqueness in everything she wears. And has a collection of clothing and accessories to die for.
Thoughts on Aging!
Downside: Wrinkles & under eye bags.Upside: Maturity makes you wiser and giving back to the younger generation is very fulfilling.
I also feel I am in better shape now than I was 20 years ago!
FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Book/Novel: Memoirs of a Geisha
Flower: All of them but especially love Orchids
Scent: Aqua Universalis by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.I have been wearing it for over 10 years since it was launched. Fresh, clean and utterly sexy.
City/place: Rome
Food/Meal/Cuisine: Mediterranean, I am vegan so I like fabulous veggies simply prepared.
Song: Anything by Adele or my new fav is Morgan Saint.
Artists: Gustav Klimt
Style Icon: Audrey Hepburn
Lipstick color or Makeup product you can’t live without:
Charlotte Tilbury /Dreamy Glow Illuminating powder but of course its discontinued☹
Cynthia Rose photographed in New York City.
Images of jewelry courtesy Cynthia Rose. The Cynthia Rose Collection available on her website.
Discover & Follow Cynthia Rose:
Website: www.cynthiarose.com
Instagram: @cynthiaroseny