The New York Times published an article on August 28 about a fine jewelry collection with a vertical-transportation (VT) twist. Jenny Klatt and Stephanie Wynne Lalin, founders of the brand Jemma Wynne, explained that the idea for the collection came out of a desire to create something “chunky, heavy and textural.” Once the first bracelet was fabricated, they realized that Lalin’s zigzag design resembled “the beautifully constructed steps of an escalator.” Klatt, who covers the operations and sales side of the business, commented that they “really loved the metaphorical feeling of it, that it’s, you know, propelling you upward.”
The Jemma Wynne Escalator Collection debuted in June. With prices ranging from US$840 to US$29,980, pieces are made in 18-karat yellow, rose or white gold and most feature pavé diamonds or diamonds with unique cuts like bullet or shield.
Klatt and Lalin commented that their ideas are usually easier said than done. For the Escalator Collection, it took them a year to achieve the proper balance between fluidity and a defined geometric shape for the necklaces and bracelets. The earrings and the rings, which don’t bend, took about three months to develop.
The design process goes like this: Lalin sketches the designs, which then get entered into a digital program. After working out technical details, a model maker weighs in on the plans and prototypes are made. Finally, a specialist fabricates the pieces. Somewhat disappointingly, it appears that no VT industry experts were consulted for the collection.
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