HASSAN BOUNKIT

Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Ruby
Necklace

The breathtaking cliffs of Todra Gorge are among a number of remarkable locations to see in Morocco,

Africa.

Restaurants and a hotel occupy a 2,000 foot long corridor that leads to a clearing complete with red mountains and a river.  

Morocco is also home to featured jewelry designer Hassan Bounkit.

Although I believe statement jewelry is a lot of fun, not everyone can carry it.  This style of jewelry can be rather intimidating with its broad range of textures, shapes and colors.

Based in New York Bounkit’s relentlessly stylish costume gemstone jewelry evokes Old Hollywood Glamour.  

Framed in glowing 24-karat gold plated sterling silver multi-strand necklaces, dangle earrings, cuff and bangle bracelets highlight both opaque and transparent gemstones in baguette, round cabochon and pear facets.

His deftness at combining a bevy of gorgeous semi-precious gemstones within balanced arrangements make for adornments any woman would feel comfortable wearing.  While a lot of statement jewelry can be overpowering and a bit anarchistic, Bounkit looks for complementary aspects when mingling various gemstones.

Having worked for fashion houses Marella Ferrara, Nicole Miller and Ferragamo, Bounkit knows how to create the right level of bewitching style.  The harmonizing shades of black onyx and white druzy are paired in dangle earrings; and green onyx, clear quartz and lapis produce a stunning cuff bracelet (his most popular design).  The overall visual is one of strong impact with polished elegance.

Faceted Lapis and Peridot Earrings

“I have loved gemstones since childhood.  I particularly like stones with inclusions because they are imperfect.  My creative process begins with designing the shape of the stones.  I align the stones to create a silhouette.

Once the silhouette is finalized I sketch it and start making a silver metal setting according to the shape of the stone.  I solder the metal pieces together, polish it, plate it with 24-karat gold and then set the stones.  It is almost a spiritual experience working with gemstones.”

Since the official launch of Bounkit’s high-end fashion jewelry brand, in 2006, he has attracted a strong celebrity following.  The who’s who of his client list include Iman, Liv Tyler, Lily Collins Salma Hayek and Oprah Winfrey.

“Things really took off when Oprah’s assistant found the jewels and really loved them!  Now Oprah purchases a lot of pieces from me.  

I feel that the women who wear my jewelry are not afraid to make a statement.  My designs are the perfect blend of modern architectural jewelry with a splash of Art Deco boldness.”

Faceted Ruby and Clear Quartz
Cuff Bracelet

2013 Jewelry Trend Alert:  While elegant in style Bounkit’s lavish designs are true statement pieces.  The on trend  robust outlines are chock full of colorful gemstones particularly the green hues of green onyx, chrysoprase and  green amethyst. 

A selection of items from Bounkit's stunning gemstone jewelry collections is available for purchase at Charm&Chain.com.