In 1988, the world of jewelry witnessed the launch of a beautiful line: it was Suzanne Kalan. Her passion turned into a reality after her daughter Patile was born, and 25 years later, she has joined her in this journey.
What sets her apart is her modern twist on basic designs and the creative mixing between the hip and the traditional. With a motto consisting of making her creations timeless, this jewelry designer is a force to be reckoned with. AzyaaMode had the opportunity to interview her, and find out everything there is to know about Suzanne Kalan. So let’s discover what inspires her and what makes her stand out.
What led you to launch your own jewelry line “Suzanne Kalan”?
My family has a long history in the jewelry industry. My father owned a jewelry store, and I grew up working closely with him. He taught me a lot about jewelry and design, but mostly he taught me how to run a business. Early on, I only designed jewelry for close friends and family.
One day, I was standing in a building waiting for the elevator. While I was waiting, I was looking into the window display of a store in the lobby. The owner of the store came out and asked me where I had gotten the jewelry I was wearing, and it just happened that I was wearing my own designs. He placed an order right then and there. That moment changed my life forever.
How do Suzanne Kalan’s jewelry pieces stand out?
Since I worked with my father at the jewelry store for many years, I am well-versed on traditional jewelry designs.
However, I have always had an appreciation for things that are perfectly imperfect. I implement long-established techniques, while introducing unusual concepts that challenge the rules of jewelry design.
My designs reflect my passion and personality. My Fireworks collection really highlights the idea of ‘controlled chaos’ and most of my designs are infused with a seesawing duality between symmetry and asymmetry, beautifully manifested in every piece.
We realize that baguette-cut stones are frequently used in your jewelry pieces. Can you tell us what inspires you to use this cut?
I absolutely love baguette diamonds! The cut is most commonly used in traditional jewelry pieces.
My designs are about adding a modern twist to classic jewelry styles. My use of baguette diamonds and seemingly scattered settings have become signature to my Fireworks and Vitrine Fireworks collection, with some of the most glamorous and creative pieces showing off an explosion of scattered baguette diamonds behind large topazes and amethysts.
Tell us a bit about your “Fireworks” collection. What was the inspiration behind it and how did you interpret it in your own way?
When I am getting ready to design a new collection, I first start by touching, feeling and playing with the stone I’d like to use. I had a couple of baguette diamonds at my desk, and I started to think of all the traditional ways baguette diamonds have been used in jewelry. I then started to map the baguette diamonds out on my desk, and found that scattered settings would make the diamonds more interesting and that’s how I started the Fireworks collection!
The line has really taken off, and I am continuously expanding the collection. I am currently working on new beautiful, one of a kind statement pieces featuring pink sapphires and my signature use of baguette diamonds.
What are the values that lie at the heart of every jewelry collection you create?
There are a few values I keep in mind whenever I design a new collection.
I will never design a piece I wouldn’t wear myself. Often times, my daughter Patile, and I will first wear the new pieces in the office to see how they feel on, and then we’ll wear it out to dinners in the city or events. I want to make sure that every piece I design is beautiful, but also wearable and comfortable.
Integrity is another value I always keep in mind when designing new pieces. Suzanne Kalan is a family business, and there is a lot of love and care that goes into handcrafting each of these pieces.
I launched my company 28 years ago, and I have spent a long time developing my unique vision and signature style for my brand. All my designs are unique and many of the pieces in my collection are one of a kind. I travel the world looking for the best diamonds and gemstones to use for my line.
Every customer that wears Suzanne Kalan jewelry is guaranteed the highest quality in craftsmanship, as all our pieces are made in-house at our studio in Los Angeles.
Your daughter Patile has joined you in this journey and created Kalan by Suzanne Kalan collection. Can you tell us about her passion for jewelry design and the inspiration that led her to the creation of this collection?
It has been so wonderful to work with my daughter, Patile. She has helped grow the line and has taken a load of the responsibilities off my shoulders!
Patile designs the 14-Karat line, KALAN By Suzanne Kalan. The collection captures a natural elegance, as it features an array of handpicked semi-precious colorful gemstones that are accented with diamonds.
Her latest collection, Soleil, is inspired by my ‘Vitrine’ concept, meaning to “showcase” in French. The gemstones are custom-cut to reveal beautiful gold prong designs behind each center stone.
How would you describe the Suzanne Kalan woman?
It’s almost impossible to describe the women who buy and wear my creations. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of my customers around the world, and they are all so special in their own way. One thing they all have in common is their appreciation for something unique.
Mirella Haddad
