AMIREH PARSTABAR

Once buried beneath the sands of Shiraz, Iran is the magnificent ancient city of Persepolis. A former center of art and culture, remnants of great columns and staircases still remain within this beautiful city. Iran is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Amireh Parstabar.


Even within the classic outlines of Parstabar’s jewelry there is an element of fun and exploration.

Designs of draping snake chains, open circle links, and chain links are highlighted by mixed metals of oxidized and rose gold or strands of gemstones.

The former fashion designer literally throws together eclectic components of semi-precious gemstones, wooden beads, vintage parts, and gold coin charms to create jewelry of classic elegance and easy sophistication.

When viewing online photo galleries of jewelry I rarely think of the pieces in relation to clothing. I know that sounds strange as jewelry is the natural accessory choice to clothing ensembles. I focus more on the idiosyncrasies of a piece.


While viewing Parstabar’s pieces, however, I immediately thought of Diane Keaton in the film Annie Hall. I got this image of Keaton in her preppy ensemble of wide-legged trousers, vest, and white Oxford shirt glammed up with one of Parstabar’s multi-strand necklaces instead of a man’s tie.

There is a subtle boldness in the arrangement of chain layers that is full of varied textures. "Anytime I design, whether clothes or jewelry, the first challenge I give myself is to mix textures, patterns, and colors not commonly seen together in a symbiotic way.”

Based in Los Angeles, California, Parstabar moved with her family to the United States in 1982; and though she had a passion for jewelry design she studied clothing design instead at Otis Parson’s Art Institute in California.

With six years in the fashion industry under her belt, Parstabar wanted to branch out into jewelry making and in 1999 she officially launched her designer brand Rapz Jewelry.

Alongside her stunning gold chain trinkets, the designer jewelry brand is also punctuated by beautifully delicate gemstone earrings, gemstone necklaces, and gemstone bracelets that feature laminated pearls, multi-colored cubic zirconia, rose quartz, and garnet.

Parstabar’s chic, timeless fashion jewelry is a favorite of Julia Stiles, Lisa Marie Presley, and Reese Witherspoon.

Her elegant bijouterie can be found at such retailers as Henri Bendel, Fred Segal, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Parstabar’s wares are also available for purchase at online jewelry store Stylism.com.
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Photo 1 (top right): 18-Karat Gold Chain Necklace with Peridot Drops
Photo 2 (center): Peridot Stretch Bracelet with 14-Karat Gold Plated Charm
Photo 3 (bottom left): Multi-Stone Drop Earrings with Tourmaline, Garnet, Rose Quartz and Freshwater Pearls