ISAAC MANEVITZ

The Temple of Hatshepsut, located in the city of Luxor in Egypt, Africa, is a conservative complex of “mortuary temples” with a 100-foot causeway and terraced courtyards. Africa is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Isaac Manevitz.

You could say that New York-based Manevitz is a bit of an overachiever as his eclectic costume jewelry covers an array of styles from modern jewelry designs like his abstract Multi-Colored Sculpture Necklace to chunky statement pieces like his Brass Flower Bib Necklace.

His fashion jewelry of 14- and 24-karat gold plated brass, pewter or sterling silver reflect style influences from the vintage eras, punk rock edge, and military iconography that evoke both the red carpet and runway.

Manevitz had first-hand knowledge of jewelry making having apprenticed with his father—a jeweler to King Farouk’s court—while a young man. A little over fifty years ago, Manevitz left Cairo to study sculpture and design at New York’s Brooklyn College earning a degree in fine art.

In the following years, the jewelry artisan would establish his company Ben-Amun. “I bring my love of art to my collections by working with unusual materials such as Lucite, glass and crystal beads, and pewter (lead-free) to create unique, innovative and inspirational designs,” he says.

His arrangement of an array of semi-precious gemstones, and Swarovski Crystals make for great visuals. There is a simple chain link necklace in one instance to the ancient overtones of gold coin necklaces in another. I also like the unexpected aspect of his Breguet Watch Gear jewelry pieces, which provide a nice sense of fun.

In many ways Manevitz takes a decidedly contemporary approach to designer fashion jewelry that is elegant, brash, and sophisticated while also affordable. At present, prices start as low as $15 for a woven wood cuff bracelet and up to $745 for a multi-strand pearl necklace with crystal brooch pins.


During his more than three decade career, the prolific designer has collaborated with fashion designers Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tory Burch and Michael Kors.
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Photo 1 (top right): Wood and Hammered 24-Karat Gold Plated Chip Necklace
Photo 2 (center): Silver Plated Brass and Resin Jet Filigree Earrings
Photo 3 (bottom left): Regal Large Gold Resin Cuff Bracelet