Women's
Cynthia Bach: Crown Lady and Then Some
Cynthia Bach’s intricately detailed jewelry is a favorite among Hollywood royalty. Cate Blanchett donned Bach’s India-inspired body jewelry at the Oscars and Salma Hayek wore a diamond and platinum “Tiara” bracelet, as a hair ornament, to the White House Correspondent’s Association dinner during the Clinton Administration. The bracelet now resides permanently in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. ”Royalty” seems like a natural fit, considering Bach’s signature is a crown. She received the nickname “Crown Lady” in the Eighties.
Cynthia Bach at NM NorthPark, Dallas
NM: Tell us about your latest collection?
CB: My new collection focuses on stackable bangles, rings and hoop earrings. I used candy color semiprecious stones – turquoise, citrine, moonstone and pink opal. The collection itself is stylish, versatile and the price point appeal to the spontaneous shopper. I love to pile the candy colored bangles one after another up the arm, and wear it with a simple hoop earring. This look is great with a ball gown or denim.
All of my jewelry is handmade at my workshop in Los Angeles. I started making intricate crowns in the Eighties and quickly became known as the “crown lady”. Since then I’ve researched 18th century regal heraldry and produced orbs and sceptors. I’ve also started to focus on charms, especially royal charms like the Cinderella carriage and treasure chest.
When I was a little girl my dad bought me a treasure chest, so I decided to create a miniature, one-of-a-kind treasure chest charm this season. Every piece of jewelry tells a specific story and features my detailed filigree texture, which is also hand worked. It is carved out of wax and has a beautiful, lacey feeling.
NM: How long does it take to create one piece of jewelry?
CB: It can take anywhere from a week to several months, depending on what I’m making. For example, this turquoise cross took six months. The back features small diamonds and it’s just as beautiful as the front. It’s twelve separate pieces and truly a collector’s item.
NM: Growing up, you spent a lot of time in Europe. What is your favorite European city?
CB: I love the fashion in Paris and Milan. But, I spent a lot of time in Berlin and Frankfurt, Germany. My mother used to take me to the couture houses and I would help her pick out her wardrobe. That’s when I first fell in love with Fashion and jewelry. I still to this day, try to complement what the fashion designers are creating each season.
NM: What is one of your favorite pieces of jewelry?
CB: My snake bracelet, I love snakes. In the Victorian era, Queen Victoria had a jeweler that made snake jewelry for her, and it was supposed to bring her good luck. I’ve never worn my snake bracelet and had bad luck. Also, to the Chinese, the year of the snake represents money. Whenever I have a trunk show, I wear my snake bracelet for luck and a good show.
Shop Cynthia Bach at select Neiman Marcus stores.
