If I had to explain the overall feel of the magazine, I’d have to compare it to the jewelry section found in InStyle magazine. In fact, it is sort of an expanded version of this section and even has a department called Jewelry Box. Some of the information in the summer issue includes articles about famous jewelry designers such as Richard Palermo, Stephen Webster, and Van Cleef and Arpel. However, this magazine doesn’t just focus on those who make jewelry; it includes those who love jewelry as well. For example, there’s a piece on Diahann Carroll which talks about her jewelry collection, and there’s a travel article about the jewelry made by designers from the coast of Maine. Along with the jewelry box department, the magazines includes an informational section on gems, a column on jewelry designers, a jewelry store area, and a “Trend Portfolio,” which as the title states showcases popular jewelry designs.
I really enjoyed thumbing through the pages of this magazine, and I may even get a subscription for a year. As I said before, I think other jewelry makers like myself would enjoy it, but I do have some reservations and suggest you pick up a copy at your bookstore before buying a subscription. My beef? Other than the magazine could be a little bigger, my main criticism is that it has a definite elitist tone, and of course, the publisher could have done this on purpose. Even then, since I am a jewelry-junkie and love jewelry whether I make it, buy it, or receive it as a gift, I like the idea that this whole magazine celebrates the joys of jewelry.
