Couture Style Q&A: Talila Gafter Talks Nature

Winter's short days means lost of parties to warm the season up. To see what today's luxury shopper might be looking for in terms of festive jewelry wardrobing, Couture International Jeweler caught up with Talila Gafter of Ellagem, New York.

CIJ: What is the best jewelry to wear on a silk suit?

Gafter: "I personally think of rich but harmonious arrangements of nature motifs, worn on the shoulder of a properly fitting suit jacket. Take a well-balanced basket brooch as a centerpiece. It can be large, with South Sea pearls, precious stones and diamonds. When a piece of fine jewelry is well thought-out and well made, the size only adds to the beauty."

CIJ: Great suggestion. How can one take it a step further to make a stronger jewelry fashion statement?

Gafter: "Next to it you can wear a turtle or two coming in its direction, or above it you can wear a couple of fly pins hovering over the basket. Any winged animals can really be worn all the way at the shoulder seam of the jacket, and, if you feel safe enough in the company, even on the back, behind the shoulder."

CIJ: What do you like about these motifs?

Gafter: "Nature and animal jewelry, when properly crafted, elicit delight and pleasure from onlookers. Fellow party guests will admire not only the jewelry itself but also the sophistication with which you know how to arrange it and carry it off."