Jewelry designer Roberto Coin, known for his ruby signature, to visit Hilton Head shop
Forsythe Jewelers owner Debbie Berling sells so many diamond palm tree necklaces at her jewelry store on Hilton Head Island that the pieces are becoming as pervasive as Salty Dog T-shirts, she said.
The necklace was made by Italian designer Roberto Coin, whose eponymous company is one of the best-known jewelry brands in the United States. Berling began featuring a few of Coin's pieces in her store in 2002, and now his jewelry makes up one third of her business profits.
"We're not a big market. And we're not a well-known store. We can't figure out why we sell so much of it," Berling said.
Perhaps it's the wearability and versatility of Coin's work. The Roberto Coin line introduces 400 to 600 new models every year including necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings in just about every price point.
He has bling for the uber-wealthy, such as a $23,000 white gold cat ring with diamonds and black sapphires, as well as pieces in the $300 to $500 range for the more practical woman.
"But all of it is good quality, good craftsmanship," Berling said. "He wants his jewelry to be accessible to every woman."
On Oct. 23, Coin will visit the Hilton Head shop to meet customers and talk about his latest collections.
It will be the third time Berling has met the famous designer in person. Coin has invited her to his home in Vincenza, Italy, on two separate occasions. He has also invited the store's co-owner Andrea Bragg for a visit.
"He is probably the most generous of all of our business partners," Berling said. "It's such a treat for us to be able to host him as he's hosted us."
Prior to Coin's visit, the Lowcountry Current was able to speak with the jeweler from Italy and ask him about his taste, his latest collections, and the ruby signature he puts in all of his pieces.
Question. What's one of the most important lessons you have learned about making and selling jewelry?
Answer. Out of all the lessons I have learned, the most important one is to be myself. I want every part of the brand to be authentic. I always make sure to involve myself as much as possible, from the first step of creating the design to the last step of selling it to the clients.
Q. How do you create a collection?
A. There are many aspects to consider before making a collection. I pay attention to the fashion world and the economic and cultural situations of different countries. That is where I get my inspiration. Most of all, a collection always has to tell a story. Without a story there is no soul and the jewelry won't deliver a message.
Q. What is your best seller right now?
A. Pois Moi has been awarded as the best Italian collection of the year. This is our absolute best seller.
Q. How would you describe your taste in jewelry?
A. I love pieces that are elegant and exude pure class.
Q. Your signature is to insert a ruby into all of your pieces. Why did you decide to do this?
A. Many years ago I read a book about an Egyptian legend that said pharaohs considered the ruby as the only positive stone. The ruby gave health and happiness to those who were in direct contact with it. That is why I started signing all my creations with a little ruby casted in the internal part of the jewelry, so it can be in direct contact with my clients' skin. This is my way of personally wishing my clients all the best.
Q. Can you name any celebrities who are your customers?
A. The list would be long. One celebrity that I am proud to say that has worn my jewelry is Oprah Winfrey. I had the pleasure of meeting her at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment breakfast in 2013. I actually designed a special award (made of sterling silver with a diamond detail on top) for Ms. Winfrey as the recipient of the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
Q. What's coming up next for you, both personally and in your career?
A. To be honest, I never think about the upcoming events and just look forward to continuing my life day by day. I look forward to enjoying my work with all my staff, sharing my free time with my family and friends and loving all the small details of life that create happiness.
Follow reporter Erin Shaw at twitter.com/IPBG_ErinShaw.
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This story was originally published October 22, 2014 at 7:52 PM with the headline "Jewelry designer Roberto Coin, known for his ruby signature, to visit Hilton Head shop."