Beyond its intrinsic beauty, jewelry holds memories, transporting people back to important moments in their lives. Alexa talked to three gem-fluencers about their treasured first keepsakes, their favorite red carpet marvels and their style advice.
The New York-based influencer regales her millions of followers with glamorous fits and collabs with Tom Ford, Bulgari and Fendi.
Signature style: I gravitate toward jewelry that feels sharp, feminine and a little cinematic.
Iconic red carpet moment: One recent moment I loved was Anne Hathaway promoting “The Devil Wears Prada 2” in Bulgari’s High Jewelry Serpenti necklace. It felt glamorous, modern and instantly memorable.
First piece of jewelry: My first meaningful piece of jewelry was a Cartier Tank watch. I’ve always loved how timeless and understated it feels. Looking back, it probably shaped the way I think about jewelry now. I’m always drawn to pieces that feel elegant, lasting and deeply personal.
Dream jewel: An exceptional vintage high jewelry necklace or a historic one-of-a-kind piece with old-world glamour behind it. Something from Buccellati with that kind of artistry would be hard to beat.
Style tip: Think about balance. If the earrings are dramatic, I usually keep the neckline cleaner. For storage, I’m obsessive about keeping pieces separated so they don’t scratch or tangle, especially chains. And for travel, I always bring fewer pieces than I think I need, but make sure each one can work across multiple looks.
The founder of NYC Jewelry Week is also a curator, writer and lecturer specializing in contemporary jewelry.
Signature style: Bold. I’m not afraid to experiment with pieces that stand out — whether through bright colors or unusual materials. I love jewelry that starts a conversation.
Iconic red carpet moment: I adore Tracee Ellis Ross’ red carpet style — the Buccellati Art Deco-inspired cocktail ring she wore to the Vanity Fair Oscar party was major.
First piece of jewelry: If I think back to my childhood, it would be a pair of earrings my parents gifted me in Odesa, where I was born. They’re very delicate — rose gold wire with a tiny ruby — and I still have them.
Dream jewel: When it comes to diamonds, I dream of Messika. I organize bespoke jewelry tours, and last May we visited their headquarters in Paris — there wasn’t a single piece I wouldn’t have loved to take home. This May, my group is heading to Rome to visit Bulgari, and I’d also love to find a vintage Monete coin bracelet.
Style tip: When I travel, I pack my jewelry in Tupperware containers. The hard plastic shell protects everything, and I can store multi-ple pieces together. I wrap each item in tissue paper or Bubble Wrap bags — it’s not pretty, but it’s incredibly practical.
The head of Sotheby’s High Jewelry in New York recently oversaw the auction of a Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire ring for a record-setting $1.6 million.
Signature style: It’s rooted in antique jewelry, particularly Victorian pieces, which I’m drawn to for their character, craftsmanship and, often, their symbolism.
Iconic red carpet moment: Elle Fanning wore a divine Belle Époque Cartier diamond necklace to the 2026 Oscars. She made an antique necklace from the Cartier archives feel fresh and youthful.
First piece of jewelry: I had been playing with costume rings for years, but I asked for a “real ring” for my 7th birthday. I received a heart-shaped pink cubic zirconia set in silver, and I thought it was the most beautiful thing ever, even though it was far too big for me!
First jewelry splurge: A gorgeous old mine-cut diamond, which was set in a hideous men’s ring. I rescued it and reset it into an Edwardian mounting — my first time transforming a piece into something I loved.
Dream jewel: The Art Deco diamond “Tie” necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels — an exceptional and rare design. The central tassels can be worn like a cravat, draped over one shoulder or even front-to-back, and it is a perfect blend of Art Deco style, technical mastery and high-wattage vintage glamour.
Style tip: Pieces are meant to be enjoyed, so wear them!
