Like Mother, Like Daughter

The Sentimental Treasures I Never Take Off

When I announced the launch of this newsletter, months ago, I was optimistic - energized by what I imagined it could become, and how it would be another avenue for me to connect with fellow jewelry lovers around the world. 

But when I sat down to actually write, I really didn’t know where to start or what to say. Jewelry is so personal, and for me, means so much more than just an accessory. It’s one of the avenues for me to feel connected to my late mother, for whom The Stax is named, she was a DJ in Hawaii in the 70s, her nickname was Stax like Stax of Wax Records… The name, Stax, also relates to how she and I both wore jewelry, we layered it on thoughtfully, over time, with lots of color and feelings. My Mom was my everything, cancer took her far too soon, so consider this a heartfelt homage to her technicolor dreamworld, an ever-evolving tribute to her unbridled creativity, style and beauty.

My Mother, my idol, the original Stax.

Now here I am, jumping right in. You have to start somewhere, right? But because I wasn’t sure exactly where to start, I decided to share my recent Q&A by my Turkish Twin Flame, Jewelry Slang. However! Fear not! It won’t all be about me - this Q&A framework will come back when I speak to other people whose work, taste, and style I admire. You can expect things like that here, as well as my edit of pieces I love, profiles on designers, and just little shimmering bits from the world of jewelry. 

Thank you so much for signing up, I’m elated you’re here!

Welcome to my world! Where iced coffee in wicker glasses is a must!

HOW MANY PIECES OF JEWELRY DO YOU OWN?

A lady never tells!

WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU EVER BOUGHT FOR YOURSELF?

It was an enamel Hermés bangle with a sun and stars (shop a somewhat similar one here that I love). I’ve always been fascinated by the cosmos, and the design felt and still feels optimistic. For me, the design is symbolic of protection, faith, one day at a time. I was also raised in a superstitious household, where red is a protective color, a good luck charm, so I also love that I always have luck on my side when I wear it. And for those reasons, I haven’t taken it off since I bought it as a teenager.

How I love thee, Hermes!

WHAT WAS THE LAST PIECE YOU’VE BOUGHT FOR YOURSELF?

I just bought the most magnificent vintage Elizabeth Gage diamond ring. I’ve been obsessed with this design, one of Gage’s classics, for as long as I can remember. The mix of white and yellow gold, the Templar shape, and the old euro diamond makes for the most exquisite and unique ring. Elizabeth Gage was one of my late Mother’s favorite jewelers, and now mine, so to have a piece like this means the world.

My homage to the divine world of Elizabeth Gage.

WHAT’S ONE PIECE YOU REGRET NOT BUYING OR REGRET LETTING GO OF?

A set of three gold rope-twist bangle bracelets by Tiffany & Co via Sotheby’s (one of them pictured below).

ARE YOU A WATCH GAL?

Yes! I have a little collection going, starring my vintage Stella Green Datejust Rolex from the 70s, I wear on the daily… however don’t ask me for any of the facts or my eyes will glaze over. I have experts to lean on for that.

Vintage Stella Green Rolex Datejust, My daily stack, Elsa Peretti wearing my Vintage Tiffany Ropetwist Bangle (shop similar here)

IF YOU HAD TO DEFINE YOUR JEWELRY STYLE USING JUST EMOJIS, WHAT WOULD WE GET?

WHAT’S YOUR LUCKY CHARM?

I have so many! My Tiffany rose gold bangle, (here’s the same bangle in white gold), it was my friendship bracelet with my Mother. I have an Emerald Sentiment Pendant with my mother’s ashes inside by Natalia Pas, and I wear it close to my heart. I also always wear two custom Jenna Katz pendants: one family signet crest pendant with two diamonds and an emerald symbolizing my parents and me, another Canvas Coin Pendant that my dear friend Laurel Pantin had made for me with Jenna many Christmases ago, with my son’s hand-engraved handwriting and a diamond… My James Colarusso “Forget Me Not” solid gold pendant, a Tara Turner acid-green St Christopher enamel pendant and and last but not least my CAM Studio custom Tsavorite (a good gem for grief) and brown rock pendant.

Behold, my heavy but hearty lucky charm necklace!

WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON?

My kids!

My pride and joy.

IF YOU COULD CHAT WITH A JEWELRY DESIGNER, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU TALK ABOUT?

So many… Probably Suzanne Belperron, because she was a female pioneer in jewelry and her designs and perspective have continued to influence the industry today and probably forever. Also, her virgin 22kt gold is like no other! Don’t even get me started on her carved gemstone and rock crystal treasures.

Some Belperron fan art I made!

WHAT DOES YOUR HANDWRITING SAY ABOUT YOU?

I'm left handed, creative, addicted to jewelry and have a big heart.

My handwriting, a bedazzled Dolly Parton flask that reads “Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World”, Jackie O with a cigarette holder, and my beloved dog Zelda in her Squishmallow bed… And Sloane Crosley’s new book on grief.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A PERFECT “STAX”

A lot of personality! A mix of high and low and a heavy dash of sentimentality. Tune into my next SubStax for more on this topic, plus some of my favorite shoppable pieces.

From left to right, some snaps of my personal “Stax”!

That’s it for now, friends! That was a lot, thank you for being here and subscribing, lots more to come soon. I hope I’m like a 22kt gold signet ring, that only gets more buttery and richer with time… and that my content grows on you, like a fine wine, so stay tuned!

ILYSM

-Victoria