Double Shield Earrings with Crystals by Anne Koplik Designs
Anne DiFranco has always loved antique jewelry. Inspired by her mother Sally Koplik who was a successful hat designer in the 1920’s, Anne started designing and manufacturing costume jewelry in 1981 using her mother’s knowledge of the imitation glass jewel and the brass finding industries. She combined this with her innate sense of style and design, and created original works of art treasured for their heirloom quality.
A few years into it, daughter Jill joined the label, followed by other daughter Kara. Today, Anne continues to work side by side with her daughters. Jill is the CEO and lead designer who produces and creates the 200-piece collection introduced by the label each season. Kara is the CFO in charge of all business and financial operations. Together, they have combined their talents to develop one of the most successful fashion jewelry companies in the world.
With Jill’s and Kara’s daughters now working for the label as well, it appears that this family tradition will remain strong for years to come as the new generations of Kopliks come to the forefront.
Anne Koplik Designs is sold in over 2,500 boutiques, department stores and galleries worldwide. Their jewelry has been featured in fashion magazines such as InStyle, Brides, and many more. They have also been seen on soap operas, and on primetime television and awards shows including the American Music Awards and the Daytime Emmy Awards.
We received the Double Shield Earrings with Crystals from their Heraldry Collection. The shields are made of solid brass and white metal casting, antique finished with brass. The earwires are made from gold plated brass, without using nickel. This pair of earrings is handcrafted in the USA and it retails for $28.
I was so fascinated by this earring because the design reminded me so much of knights and royalty. As it turns out, the inspiration for this design is heraldry which is the art of blazoning, assigning, and marshalling a coat of arms.
The origins of heraldry lie in the need to distinguish participants in combat when their faces were hidden by iron and steel helmets. There are nine colors used in heraldry – gold, white, red, blue, green, black, purple, orange, and burgundy – each symbolizing different meanings such as generosity, loyalty, joy, hope, victory.
Normally, I’m reviewing pieces that are inspired by nature – mountain, ocean, sky. I have never worn anything inspired by of all things, a coat of arms! As oxymoron as it sounds – jewelry and coat of arms – reality is that, it’s the coolest thing I’ve worn in a long time!
I absolutely adore these earrings. Not only are they super chic, they are surprisingly affordable. By the way, I just love the touches of crystal on the shields. If there’s a way to make a shield feminine, it’s to add some bling to it (ancient warriors must be turning over in their graves).
The only thing that could possibly be even more fabulous than the earrings, is its matching bracelet. You can read the full review of the bracelet here.
I love to wear the earrings with a pair of blue jeans. It’s such a nice complement to it and dresses it up quite nicely. Another great way to wear it is with plaid. Pair it up with a double-breasted jacket with bell sleeves or a demure belted plaid dress.
As much as I love the Heraldry collection, it is but one of many. Check out Anne Koplik Designs and request a catalog as not all pieces are showcased on their site. Their unique enameling process which took two years to develop and their use of antique glass stones result in pieces that are not only distinctive, but are collectible works of art.
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