LEETAL KALMANSON | LK DESIGNS

Gold and Black Sondra Cuff Bracelet

The Israeli city of Netanya is largely populated by English-speaking immigrants collectively from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. 

However, the places to explore here are expressly Israeli.  The Beit Aharon Reservation highlights Byzantine era burial caves, and the Museum of Jewish Legions.

Israel is also home to featured jewelry designer Leetal Kalmanson.

What one considers great style in fashion is very subjective. Not everyone agrees on just what makes something timeless.  In the fashion world it is hard to say just what will take off and become a longstanding fixture. 

A fan of century-plus jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels Kalmanson’s gorgeous fashion jewelry brand, LK Designs, composed of Swarovski Crystals, leather, acrylic and colored gold brings back what I deem jewelry from the Victorian era. 

The baroque, ornamental patterns; lacy details; and fleur de lis accents are resolutely feminine yet total statement pieces as they evoke the life and times of Queen Victoria.  Who knew nearly 200 years ago that jewelers today would keep this style going strong?

As I referenced several days ago in my post for Lulu Frost’s Lisa Salzer in my opinion vintage jewelry reflects the flow of time.  And like the jewelry of Queen Victoria romantic pendant necklaces, strong cuff bracelets, and dazzling crystal encrusted rings of LK Designs can reflect stages of a woman's life, her feelings and moods.

Each collection presents this timeless style with subtle yet arresting overlays that combines old school panache with modern flair. 

An overlay of black crystals and gunmetal boost the bad girl vibe of her Rock n’ Roll Collection.  Vivid neon and clear crystals bring playful zest to the Neon Rain Collection.

Yellow gold and Tortoise Shell Earrings with Swarovski Crystals

Elegant pearlescent crystals and delicate openwork are the signature details to her feminine Precious Touch Collection; and beautiful ombre color patterns of gold, indigo and green highlight the ethereal beauty of the Blue Lagoon Collection.

A one-time web designer, Kalmanson burst on the accessory scene when she created a simple, crystal stretch bracelet. 

“This was my first design and most treasured piece of jewelry because the brand developed from this piece.  My husband was not impressed with it but I sold hundreds of bracelets just like it within several weeks.  I decided to take it further and started hand crafting more designs from my home.

My style icon is Coco Chanel so I have always been inspired by fashion and design.  I studied graphic design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.  

I wanted to combine fashion with my graphic design background and I felt jewelry was better suited with my skills.  I attribute the brand’s success to the fabulous color combinations and the striking designs.”

Yellow Gold and Montana
Blue Hamsa Necklace

2013 Jewelry Trend Alert:  Kalmanson’s jewelry is unquestionably statement jewelry, and big is in this year!  

Of course vintage-inspired designs are also a hot style trend as well as vivid neon colors and bold cuff bracelets.

Items from Kalmanson's gorgeous collections are available for purchase at Fragments.com.