Sydney Evan Is the Jewelry Brand Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence Are Obsessed With

“Big girls need big diamonds,” Elizabeth Taylor once said. But when it comes to modern jewelry, bigger isn’t always better. And no one knows this more than Los Angeles-based designer Rosanne Karmes, who launched her Sydney Evan brand in 2001 with a dainty diamond-flecked wishbone charm necklace and the goal of creating delicate, wearable—and playful—pieces that would stand the test of time. Since then, the much expanded collection has amassed a devoted Hollywood following that includes everyone from Rihanna and Gwyneth Paltrow to Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lawrence, but over the years, has stayed true to its subtly whimsical yet timeless aesthetic.

“Many of my original styles have become bestsellers and are still core styles in the line today,” she tells Allure. “Although the collection has grown immensely, we’ve maintained our signature, which is meaningful pieces to be collected and layered.”

Jennifer Lawrence wearing the brand's earrings.

WireImage

Now, Karmes is celebrating a milestone 15 years with a glittering charm-studded capsule collection that includes butterflies, Hamsa hands, daisies, and of course, the wildly popular “love” script designed in Karmes’s own handwriting (fun fact: when Lauren Conrad wore the "love" ring while announcing her engagement on Instagram, the traffic it generated crashed the Sydney Evan website). Also in the mix are the more statement-making and stunning “Multi-Icon” necklaces and bracelets, which feature 16 different pavé diamond charms (Karmes’s favorites) created especially for the anniversary.

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Rosanne Karmes

Courtesy of brand

With sources of inspiration ranging from unique textiles to architecture to her children, Karmes constantly works with diamonds, but also loves the rich tones of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and turquoise. You’ll find these gems scattered throughout designs in gorgeously eye-catching details, like the eyes of a yellow gold panther ring or her stackable and top-selling beaded bracelets, which change up seasonally.

If you’re feeling inspired and wanting a truly personalized piece, you can customize your own pavé diamond script necklace or ring, right down to the metal type, font size, and choice of letters. “I love how our clients have embraced this,” says Karmes. “I’m seeing orders for traditional names, nicknames, initials of loved ones or pets, and even spiritual words that we don’t already have in our collection.”

And with a newly launched men’s collection (crafted out of understatedly sophisticated materials like coconut, lapis, and even lava), it’s clear Karmes and her brand have a lot to celebrate this year, not the least of which is maintaining her original intentions. “I prefer fine jewelry because it will never lose it’s value, it won’t tarnish, and most of all, it’s a keepsake to be passed on from one generation to the next,” she says.

Now watch the 100 years of holiday makeup: