Isabel Dunay’s creative process begins with one question: “What would I like to wear?”
The Greenwich-based gemologist and founder of Dunay Joallier, a fine jewelry collection, explains that her eclectic pieces reflect her own taste and style.
“It’s really every mood I’ve ever had,” she says of her work.
And if Dunay likes it, somebody else has to — right?
It’s a philosophy that’s proven successful for Dunay, who’s built a career as a jeweler. After graduating college, she attended the Gemological Institute of America, where she worked in the laboratory, going on to Tiffany & Co., where she served as head gemologist. In 1991, she started her own line.
“All I do is think about jewelry and dream about it,” she says.
She uses color palettes reminiscent of the earth, delicately contrasting precious metals and gemstones with other natural elements, like wood and leather. The results are one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, from bohemian earrings and pendants adorned with a galaxy of complementary gemstones to natural opal necklaces, stingray and ostrich leather cuffs and druzy, or crystalline, stone bracelets surrounded by diamonds. For the more traditional client, Dunay offers simple studs, delicate rings and charm necklaces.
It’s a collection that has options for every style.
“Basically, I make what I want to wear,” Dunay says with a laugh. “I love accessorizing, because it really changes the way you feel and how you carry yourself throughout the day.”
Her collection includes an interchangeable earring set, which allows the wearer to change the look of her jewelry to suit the day’s fashion. For this, clients may purchase a single set of posts and, separately, sets of earring “charms” to substitute as the face of the jewelry.
But regardless of the wide selection, we couldn’t help but notice a single motif — the use of gemstones in rich shades of green, blue, aquamarine and turquoise.
Perhaps a stylish reminder of a tropical getaway to carry us through the winter, we thought.
For more, visit isabeldunay.com.