LET’S
PLAY

By Jill Newman

Diamonds don’t have to be serious. In fact, some of the best new designs are playful, unexpected conversation pieces that will give you a reason to grin.

Let’s Play defines the new whimsical diamond jewelry movement. These are pieces that can be layered with your classic diamond jewelry for a sense of individuality or worn as singular statement to show the world you have a great sense of humor.

“After a tough 18 months for everybody, these playful jewels put the joy back in life,” says Rachel Garrahan, British Vogue’s jewelry and watch director. “They are for anyone who needs a smile brought to their face.” Who doesn’t want a reason to smile?

Do we need jeweled diamond mushrooms? Yes!

New York-based Brent Neale’s mushroom pendants epitomizes the humorous jewelry spirit by showing precious materials and diamonds in fresh, whimsical and unexpected ways.

“The mushrooms are rooted in the belief that true luxury is unique, surprising and fun,” says Brent Neale Winston, who is making the Magic Mushroom pendants in a range of carved colorful stones, sizes and with sparkling natural diamonds.

“Our Magic Mushroom pendants resonate with our clients because of what they represent, which is the childlike belief that anything is possible and as adults we lose that a bit,” she explains. “The mushrooms were originally launched in our “Down the Rabbit Hole” collection, inspired by Alice in Wonderland and the playful magic of make-believe worlds.”

Diamond Jewelry as a Mood Booster

Imaginative jewelry designers recognize the power of lighthearted designs to make people happy. From Ofira’s diamond ruby lips rings and Lorraine Schwartz’s 2B Happy pave diamond smiley face bracelets to Anita Ko’s diamond whistle, designers are delivering plenty of reasons to smile this season.

“People want to find joy in their jewels now more than ever and these exuberant styles deliver,” says jewelry journalist and historian, Marion Fasel. She says it’s a theme for both women and men who want jewelry that is unique and want diamonds with “wit and whimsy.”

Style Tips from the Pros

Celebrity stylist Law Roach is a big fan of humorous jewelry for himself and his high-profile clients, and says it reveals a person’s true spirit. “Playful pieces like these are all about self-expression,” says Roach. His advice: “Find a piece that represents you and have fun with it. For a piece like Brent Neale’s Magic Mushroom pendant, wear it with a monochromatic look and let the jewelry tell the story.”

Jewelry editor and stylist Will Kahn says amusing diamond jewelry will become your instant style signifier: “These pieces are a great expression of both your personal style and your sense of humor! Wearing one signifies fun, levity and individuality.”

Holiday Gifts to Make Everyone Smile

What to get the man or women who has everything? Surprise them with a diamond smiley face or mushroom. Now that’s unexpected. It’s for every age—from younger women who want to stand out in the crowd, to more sophisticated people who want to express a luxurious sense of wit.

They are guaranteed to never go out of style because everyone wants a reason to smile.