Royal Tudor Charm Bracelet with Crystals by Anne Koplik Designs
Inspired by her mother Sally Koplik who was a successful hat designer in the 1920’s, Anne DiFranco who has always loved antique jewelry, 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 later, 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, this powerful threesome 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 Royal Tudor Charm Bracelet with Crystals from their Heraldry Collection. The charms are made of solid brass and white metal casting, antique finished with brass. The chain is made of solid brass that is antique finished as well. The bracelet is handcrafted in the USA and it retails for $64.
I received the bracelet along with its matching earrings. You can read the full review of the earrings here. As I mentioned in my earrings review, I was so fascinated by this set because the design reminded me so much of medieval times. Of course, the inspiration for this collection is heraldry as its name implies. Heraldry is the art of blazoning, assigning, and marshalling a coat of arms.
I thought it was somewhat odd to have a coat of arms inspire a jewelry collection but when I laid eyes on the bracelet, oddness went out the door and in came full blown adulation! As with the earrings, I totally adore this bracelet. When I wear it, I feel like I’m wearing a piece of history, but look stylishly modern doing it.
Some background on the inspiration – the origins of heraldry lie in the need to distinguish participants in combat when their faces were hidden by iron and steel helmets. The colors of heraldry symbolize different meanings such as peace, sincerity, strength, sovereignty. The charges (any object or figure placed on a heraldic shield) have meaning as well. For example, the fleur de lis symbolizes purity and the lion rampant is a symbol of courage, bravery and strength.
As masculine as the charms are, with shields and all, it didn’t feel that way when I wrapped the bracelet around my wrist. Could it have something to do with the crystals adorning the shields? Oh, how I would love to see an ancient warrior lay eyes upon shields that are bejeweled! Whatever is that somethin’ somethin’, the whole design just works for me. It’s chic to the max and one of my favorite pieces out of the many I have reviewed.
If you’re looking for something different to punch up your jewelry collection, this bracelet and earring set would make for a fabulous addition. The colors of heraldry, and thereby the charms are very regal. Combined with symbols and shapes reminiscent of kings, queens, and all things royalty, it exudes an old world elegance that manages to look up-to-the-minute at the same time. It’s a wonderful fusion of vintage and modern working together to create a very unique piece of jewelry.
As much as I love wearing my set with a pair of blue jeans, the folks at Anne Koplik Designs came up with the heraldry collection as a complement to the plaid fabrics that are all the rage for the fall season. They are right on the money because the heraldry colors – gold, white, red, blue, green, black, purple, orange, and burgundy – work really well with plaid. Try this double-breasted jacket with bell sleeves or this demure belted plaid dress, can you say gorgeous?
The Heraldry collection is but one of many available at Anne Koplik Designs. Check them out 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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- Double Shield Earrings with Crystals by Anne Koplik Designs
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- Rose Quartz-Drops Earrings and Cable Bracelet with Floral Shaped Charm from Zavida Gemstones
- Pam’s Pods Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace by Pam Branch Designs
- Vermeil Mix Triple Charm Necklace by GK Designs