CHARLES KRYPELL

Charles Krypell takes a more conceptual approach to his work. Whereas most designers focus on pushing jewelry into new frontiers, Krypell takes a step back, and re-designs the box.

First off, he not only focuses on the outside of his work, but on the inside as well. He believes that his work should be enjoyed from every single angle. Most jewelry have ugly undersides meant to be hidden when worn. Krypell's work is a pleasure to behold from any view point, and equally comfortable to wear.

Secondly, he focuses on collections. He's not interested in people picking up single pieces, but rather, a group of them that work in unison. He caters more to collectors, rather than jewelry wearers. He likes to take a theme, and evolve it as it goes from one piece of his collection to another. He weaves a story by a progression from the start of an ensemble to the end. If one purchases only one piece of this group, then they are missing out on the rest of the story. It is like starting a book from the middle. It makes no sense.

Thirdly, he plays with the kind of materials and things can serve as a centerpiece for his jewelry. Classically, the centerpiece would be a big gem. However, Krypell started playing around with compound jewels, and metals as the centerpiece. He will create something that thematically resembles an insect eye - tons of smaller jewels coming to gather to act like a whole. Or, he will use something matte, to counter the glossiness of the rest of the materials in his piece. Like a tinted metal, for example.

His jewelry is balanced, complicated, and wise. A phenomenal additional to any serious collection.