The COUTURE Podcast

Heather Moore, the artist behind Heather B. Moore jewelry, creates bespoke pieces for her clients by stamping meaningful words or phrases into gold or silver, literally altering the molecules of the metal. Beyond the function of this process, her approach is a reflection of her belief that all of one’s lived experiences—the good, the bad and everything in between—are a part of our individuality. Tune in to our latest episode of the COUTURE podcast to learn about Heather’s passion for and knowledge of a variety of subjects, her love of her hometown of Cleveland, and her striking ability to turn her hardships and heartbreak into a superpower.  

Within the hallowed halls of their Naples and Palm Beach, Florida locations, Marissa Collections has built a veritable jewelry empire. Offering the work of 100’s of jewelry designers and brands complements their selection of high end clothing and accessories, allowing their loyal clientele to rely upon the store to outfit them from head to toe. CEO and Owner of Marissa Collections, Jay Hartington, along with Buyer and Lead Fine Jewelry Curator, Jennifer (JJ) McCurry, share with us their circuitous (and often hilarious!) journey towards establishing themselves in the designer fine jewelry space, their unique approach to retailing and their predictions for the next big jewelry trends. 

From a childhood rooted in creativity as an extracurricular pursuit to studying political science at Berkley to a successful, decade long career in the movie business, designer Suzy Landa’s path to jewelry design was anything but straightforward. In this episode of The COUTURE Podcast, Suzy shares the unabridged version of her journey, including some great anecdotes about her time working in Story Development for Hollywood films, the fateful moments and auspicious encounters that helped her along the way, and the “gateway” drug that turned her into a self-proclaimed “gem junkie.”  

Founder and creative director of Cadar, Michal Kadar, says that every piece she creates begins with a story. Yet when we sat down to record the COUTURE Podcast, I realized that “story” seemed almost too small of a word to convey the universe she is building through her designs. From understanding the essence of oneself, to the skin that serves as a vessel for one’s humanity to the lives and experiences that make up a whole being, she has created a multi-dimensional means of self-expression. 

Have you ever wondered why the jewelry industry flocks to Tucson, Arizona each February? Are you curious about how designers shop for gemstones? What about the gemstones that those "in the know" consider the most underrated or overrated? For this Special Edition Podcast, we stopped a handful of designers and industry tastemakers in the aisles of "the tents," in the back lot of the Tucson Convention Center, in the lobby of Pueblo and, in one case, underneath a highway overpass, to get some insights into their Tucson experience, find out about their favorite stones and to discover the myriad ways people "get in trouble" in Tucson. While the sound-quality on some of these rapid-fire interviews admittedly isn't studio-quality, we're delighted to share the joy, excitement, laughter and passion that was conveyed during these "man on the street" encounters.

Have you ever wondered how Tahitian pearls get their unique color? Or why South Sea pearls are so valuable? Or how those who cultivate pearls work towards maintaining the eco-chain of oysters’ natural habitat? In our most recent episode of the COUTURE Podcast, Senior Vice President of Assael, Peggy Grosz, answers these questions and more, while also sharing the vital role she plays in maintaining the venerable company’s 75 year legacy. 

Syna means together, and the concept of togetherness and collaboration is a core tenet of the Syna brand of jewelry. Started by husband and wife team, DK and Namrata Kothari, 20 years ago, the collection has evolved throughout the decades while maintaining its core “effortless sophistication” aesthetic. Tune into our latest podcast with DK and Namrata to learn more about their unique journey, their many sources of inspiration and how their spirituality extends to all aspects of their life, including their creative approach. 

A quest for joy is at the heart of everything Corina Limon Madilian does. Along with her husband, Ari, Corina owns and operates the brand Single Stone, a multi-brand jewelry store of the same name, as well as a lifestyle boutique. In our conversation for the COUTURE podcast, Corina shares more about her background, the creative process she and Ari apply to jewelry design, and some very useful tips for successfully working with one's spouse. 

It was fascinating to sit down with NOMIS designer, Alyona Kiperman, to learn how her unique worldview impacts her creativity. A native of Ukraine, Alyona opened her eponymous boutique in Kiev in February of 2022, and her lived experiences have added to the bold defiance that has long been associated with her brand’s distinctive aesthetic. 

For artist Stephen Wilson of Stephen Wilson Studio, the medium is the message. After getting his start in New York City's garment district, hustling gigs making concert t-shirts and offering his embroidery services, Stephen eventually added interior design projects to his repertoire of fashion experience. The mixed medium art that is now his signature came out of a desire to fill his own home with art, and while his work is now carried at several galleries, jewelry and specialty stores, he still embodies the same strong work ethic and penchant for creative discovery that earned him success in those early days.