Jewelry Lovers Rejoice

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: May 2023

Upcoming trunk shows at Acorns, Old Edwards’ home décor and gift store, will spotlight two of the industry’s most talented designers.

Just in time for a summer fashion renewal, the shop will show off their newly acquired trove of beautifully crafted jewels from top designers Elizabeth Locke and Ali & Bird. What is so special about these shows is that each designer brings something different to the table – from Elizabeth Locke’s antique themed jewels to Ali & Bird’s singular pieces that bring a modern flair to classic looks.

Elizabeth Locke: June 23-25 (there’ll be a representative present)

It must have been in her genes.  From an early age, Elizabeth Locke spent family vacations touring ancient ruins with her classics-loving father. Chasing lizards across the steps of the Roman forum, on her first visit to Rome at age 11, she fell in love with antiquities.  Her fascination held fast; she vowed to learn Italian and speak Italian; both of which she did. After years living in Italy, she returned to the U.S. to work for Town & Country Magazine and eventually sought and received a degree in gemology.

Relying on her experiences abroad, and her visual sensibility, she launched Elizabeth Locke Jewels in 1988, setting her sights on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that incorporate extraordinary antiques into pieces imbued with modern sensibility.

The vintage intaglios, ancient Greek, and Roman coins, and antique Japanese porcelain buttons that she refashions into 19-karat gold earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces are universally admired. Veranda Magazine compared the wrapped in hammered gold pieces to “artifacts returning to life and connecting us, along with Locke, to a world’s long past.”

Ali & Bird: June 30- July 10

Ali & Bird’s bold and stunning collections are the work of Atlanta resident Ali Howell, her daughter Lindsey, affectionately named “Bird”, and her late mother Betty, an aspiring artist from whom Ali inherited her appreciation for all things beautiful and Southern. The inter-generation collaboration features the sterling silver kissing birds that symbolize their art and are reflective of the creativity in every product across their brand.

In Ali and Bird’s hands semi-precious stones, pearls, crystals, and chains are transformed into wearable art to create, “singular, off-center looks that convey a fashion-forward statement to a favorite pair of jeans or your best little black dress.” The team’s lifestyle luxuries are sought by people all over the U.S. and the  Caribbean and are sold in more than 200 stores.