Price Upon Request: Jewelry Edition.
Holiday gifting with a jewelry designer’s touch, 24-karat gold by Picasso’s granddaughter, and Zendaya & Anne Hathaway doing what they do in Bulgari.
Hi folks,
While it’s officially “sparkle season,” I believe sparkle is meant for every season. Intentional jewelry elevates any look, tells your story, and doubles as personal armor.
If you’re familiar with Price Upon Request, you know this is my space to spotlight things that feel special, pulling from my background in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, media strategy, and trendspotting. This week, I’m focused on jewelry.
For years, I avoided rings because I wasn’t in love with my hands. But an old boss who wore striking rings on every digit, sometimes stacked, making even budget meetings bearable) inspired me to rethink that.
These days, my fingers tell a story: a name ring from my teen years (hello, ’90s hip-hop style), my late grandmother’s heirloom, my wedding set, a piece from a local Black designer, a keepsake from a new destination, and more.
Each piece evolves with my mood, style, and occasion, offering both sentiment and self-expression. Jewelry, more than clothing, is often the ultimate expression of personal style—deeply intimate and endlessly meaningful.
My love for earrings runs deep, and meeting the designer behind Gems By Chè at a Brooklyn pop-up only fueled it. Her brand blends intention with style, offering jewelry and spiritual tools like crystals and sage. I couldn’t resist her ‘Reciprocity Hoops’—a twist on classic gold hoops, pierced like an earlobe. They're my go-to now because, like a white blouse, you can never have too many hoops.
I feel the same way about a gold chain. Perfect with all-black and always on point.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the artistry behind jewelry and the power of deliberate design. That journey took me to an event at Dover Street Market New York celebrating Menē, a jewelry brand founded by Diana Picasso (yes, Picasso’s granddaughter) and fashion veteran Sunjoo Moon.
Menē stands out for designing timeless 24-karat gold and pure platinum pieces, priced by weight to reflect their intrinsic value.
I discovered that unlike standard 14-18 karat alloys, Menē’s pure metals are tarnish-free, hypoallergenic, and indestructible, blending natural beauty with lasting quality—a win for authenticity.
My appreciation for craftsmanship also led me to McKenzie Liautaud, a New York-based designer whose striking gemstone creations feel both modern and soulful.
His made-to-order designs are adored by boldface names like Taylor Swift, who recently wore his Power Crystal Necklace ($1,095) during her Mr. Perfectly Fine era. After catching glimpses of his work at events and in collaborations like his Wicked capsule collection (seen on Cynthia Erivo), I visited his intimate Diamond District studio.
Amid the quiet luxury of his studio, McKenzie shared the magic behind his designs, the art of meaningful jewelry, and must-know tips for holiday shopping in the debut of my new Q&A feature, Styled & Crafted:
Tell us about your collaboration with Wicked. How did that come about, and what was the creative process behind it?
The collaboration with Wicked was kismet! A few weeks prior to getting the email from Muse I watched my first Erivo film, “Drift,” on the plane ride to London and was blown away. For the collaboration I drew inspiration from the green color of Elphaba’s skin and The World of Oz. Cynthia envisioned versatile pieces that would seamlessly transition from day-to-night and worked closely with myself and the other designers to offer a collection both accessible and extraordinary. Each creation is a sparkling tribute to the enchanting world of Wicked. One of my favorite pieces I created for the collaboration is an exquisite Emerald Encrusted Cage Pendant crafted in 14-karat gold, encased with a powerful double-terminated rock crystal.
The holidays are basically here. What advice do you have for people shopping for fine jewelry during this season? Any tips for choosing the perfect gift for a loved one?
Yes, the holidays are here and I'm so excited to drop my holiday campaign "In the Best of Circles" featuring my exclusive gift guide focused on statement rings on November 25th at midnight.
As a designer, I believe jewelry is not only a symbol of elegance but also a savvy investment in portable wealth. When you invest in fine jewelry for your loved ones, you are securing a tangible asset that can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms.
Now, when choosing the perfect gift think outside the gift box, but inside the jewelry box and upgrade your loved ones engagement ring, repurpose a family heirloom and you can never go wrong with a note-to-self piece like my signature 'I Love Me' Ring.
As someone who is always surrounded by fine jewelry, what are some pieces or types of jewelry that you think are truly special and worth seeking out?
That’s a really great question - an oversized cocktail ring is the epitome of luxury! Anyone that wears one exudes royalty and glamour.
A brooch is also a great option, whether in solid gold or decorated in diamonds . A pin is a spectacular piece of jewelry that can transform a suit, a coat or even a hat.Believe it or not, custom grills! I love wearing diamond grills — they are unexpected and jaw dropping (pun intended).
In your experience, what makes a piece of jewelry "special" beyond its material value?
Special is bespoke, it is an original, collectible creation that transcends time and trends. During my residency at Bergdorfs in 2023, I introduced my diamond encrusted rock crystal cage necklace. It's an extraordinary hybrid of spirituality, luxury and wellness. Crafted in 18 kt gold, they sparkle with almost three carats of natural white diamonds.
Note: A portion of proceeds from the Wicked capsule collab supports Dreams of Hope, empowering LGBTQIA+ youth through arts and leadership.
My Jewelry Gift Guide
Dreamy
Mikimoto x Comme des Garçons Necklace: A simple piece that fuses high-end craftsmanship with avant-garde design. Wear it to up-level a simple outfit, or make it the focal point of your evening wear. — Price Upon Request
Gold Bamboo Link Bracelet: Pair it with a streamlined fit to let the bracelet shine or layer it with other delicate bracelets for a stacked effect.
Cymbal Earrings by Jade Ruzzo: Sculptural and totally unique, these are best styled with a sleek bun or slicked back hair and a minimalistic outfit.
Weekend Getaway Flip Ring: Two rings in one: flip between turquoise & lapis or black onyx & mother of pearl. A chic, grown-up take on a fidget toy.
Burberry Onyx Shield Pendant Necklace: This is another function meets flair piece with an adjustable chain and a gold-plated shield that moonlights as a drop pendant.
Treat yo self
Crystal Chandelier Earrings: All drama. All drip. Ethereal and versatile—pair these with a flowy dress or a chunky sweater half-tucked into a slip skirt. A low bun keeps the spotlight on the earrings.
Grateful Band by Jessica Biales: Gratitude, every day—not just Thanksgiving. This Jessica Biales ring is a minimalist staple, perfect solo or layered for subtlety.
Orb Kinetic Slide Earrings: Crafted by a Pratt Institute grad (Brooklyn, stand up!), these kinetic orb earrings fuse metal and glass with sculptural finesse. Inspired by optics and light play, they’re wearable art that punctuates.
Her Freedom 4-Finger Ring: Jewelry meets empowerment. This four-finger will complement a power suit or a sleek dress—bonus points for adding moto boots. (P.S. There are other Mount Rushmore-inspired versions too!)
High style without the high price
Swarovski Lucent Stud Earrings: these fiery studs bring Swarovski's signature sparkle with a twist. Too much for the holidays? Nah—rock them daily for undeniable main character energy.
Free People Brooch: This is for all of us who skipped buying cowboy boots, not fully ready to embrace the Western trend. Silver studs and delicate dangles make it more downtown than dude ranch. Pin it to anything or style with a scarf, either way it’s a smart stocking stuff.
Little Cascada Earrings: These brass beauties bring the drama without the weight: Like a Solange track, the Cascada earrings are architectural and impossibly light. At 3 inches of pleated, undulating metal, they're ready to make your everyday outfits sing, although I don’t know why they’re called little…
Miansai Taylor Cuff: A mens jewelry company helmed by native New York, Michael Saiger, who operates out of Miami, has spent almost a decade creating approachable and sleek pieces made for everyone. The belt-closure detail transitions seamlessly from quarterly reports to champagne toasts.
Axel Ear Cuff: Twisted metal that says, "Don’t mess with me—but also let’s talk." A metaphor for life and a guaranteed conversation starter. Wear with other dainty earrings for maximum effect.
Floating Sphere Signet Ring by Maison Miru: Both my mom and daughter are allergic to to nickel, so they usually can’t wear anything but fine jewelry, making gift shopping a challenge. Stack-worthy and sensitive-skin approved, it belongs on your dominant hand, joining your everyday lineup of unblushing pieces.
What I’m loving rn
Did you know you can recycle your jewelry? Platforms like Redyoos (pronounced “reduce”), founded by Cleo Escarez, repurpose unworn pieces responsibly, keeping them out of landfills. After chatting with Cleo Escarez, Redyoos’ founder, I learned how much jewelry—yes, jewelry—ends up in landfills. From broken heirlooms to outdated trends, there are countless reasons pieces are discarded. Redyoos is changing that, turning "unwanted" into something valuable through innovative recycling practices. It’s not just about conscious consuming—it’s about redefining what recycling can look like, which she dubs “urban mining'“. I’m here for this smarter, more sustainable approach to style.
Zendaya and Anne Hathaway in Bulgari: A perfect mix of old Hollywood glam and modern edge. Their monochromatic styling prove the right jewelry can do all the talking this holiday season.
I loved NYMag's nostalgic essay on how holiday shopping has evolved from department stores to social shopping and package deliveries. It even included a quote from Henri Bendel, sparking memories. My bestie worked there during our 20s, and it felt like the peak of the modern costume jewelry era. Each visit was like exploring an interactive museum of accessories. This was also the Barney's era, when independent department stores ruled before concept stores like Dover Street Market and The Webster. It was a great time, aligning with my years working in NYC and discovering my personal style.
I hope you found a piece of jewelry you’d love to gift from my edit. Now, I leave you with the words of the late Vivienne Westwood, “Why not look like a goddess?”
I just fell into this one. So. Good.
Loving all of this! I need an ‘I love Simone’ ring. 😍