The Alvin Wilson Co. Gallery highlights our featured designers. Scroll through
each showcase or select the designer from the menu below. For links to additional
jewelry lines and other notable craftsman visit our Designers section.
John Hardy :
In 1975, during a round-the-world voyage, Canadian designer John Hardy arrived on the idyllic
island of Bali and was soon captivated by a culture in which art and craft seamlessly linked the
past with the present. Inspired by the exotic splendor of his adopted home and the customs and
traditions of day-to-day life, Hardy began working with local artisans to translate his design
vision into beautiful handmade jewelry and homewares intricately wrought in silver, gold,
semi-precious and precious gems and native black palmwood. Wanderlust also propelled John's wife,
Cynthia, to Bali and they began working together in 1989.
"I wanted to use totally traditional Balinese crafts and re-invent them in a way that's useful,
timeless and, paradoxically, modern at the same time", says Hardy. In the past, Balinese kings
maintained villages of metalsmiths to make everything from ceremonial offering bowls and dance
ornaments to jewelry. Most of the artisans Hardy works with are descendants of those royal metalsmiths
whose genetic memory of ancient traditions, extraordinary skill and craftsmanship are lavished upon
each item, imparting a strength, texture and integrity that machines simply cannot emulate.
"People can't believe my designs are not made by machines because they are so perfectly rendered.
But because there are always certain tiny imperfections in handwork, each piece is infused with a
human energy, warmth that you can really feel, that you can't get from a machine-produced product.
It's like the difference between a beautiful hand-woven garment and a machine-woven cloth – each
piece has a 'hand'." Totally immersed in the culture, Hardy will stop his entire operation for
native celebrations and rituals.
From cuff links to necklaces, corkscrews to letter openers, Hardy create 'contemporary heirlooms'
imbued with enduring beauty, functionality and comfort. Impulse purchases or seasonal 'fashion
statements' don't interest him; Hardy believes the things we wear or use every day should look
and feel beautiful, that they are an integral part of the family, the way we live, and should not
be reserved for special occasions. Treasures that become yet more beautiful with use, the John
Hardy Collection lets you travel to another place and time, without having to leave the present.
And that's the best kind of ticket to ride.
Visit the John Hardy website
Designs by Vatché :
From childhood on Vatché has shown a great talent in his ability to design and to create. At the age of twelve, a
well-known designer and model maker took personal interest in Vatché. He trained him in every aspect of jewelry
making from the cutting of rough diamonds to handling all different metals with their unique character and texture.
At the age of eighteen, Vatché was hired by one of the worlds most prestigious high-end jewelry manufacturing company.
For two years he dedicated his time in perfecting his designing skills.
In 1988 he opened his first manufacturing and model making company. It was then that Vatché introduced quality
hand-made platinum pieces for internationally renowned jewelry showcases. It was then that he branded some of his
new designs as D. Vatché. He carefully analyses the market and designs his jewelry with accuracy and perfection.
All his designs reflect his philosophy that jewelry is meant to be adored from generation to generation as a timeless
piece of art. This is why Vatché guarantees every piece of jewelry for life.
Vatché website.
Simon G.
When Prince Charming went shopping for the perfect ring for Cinderella, his only stop was Simon G. Fairy tale designs,
exquisitely finished in 14K, 18K and platinum. From classic to contemporary all Simon G. designs are completed with
the finest gems and highest quality of workmanship. Many feature stunning fancy yellow diamonds. Designs may be custom
created in your choice of metals so if you fall in love with a platinum design but want it in 14 or 18K, let us know.
For those who love the pure artistry of design, Simon G. has no equals.
Simon G's strong industry reputation rests on two strengths: They design some of the most innovative and intriguing
jewelry in the nation, and are noted for their total commitment to their customers' satisfaction - retailer and consumer alike.
They offer a broad selection of classic and contemporary designer jewelry for consumers who seek the highest quality at
affordable prices. Each piece we make reflects their belief that jewelry is not only a statement of fashion but is also
an extension of the person who wears it.
Fashion is the focus at Simon G. Jewelry, where fine-quality, contemporary, diamond-set jewelry is a specialty.
At Simon G., all 14k, 18k and platinum pieces are finished with pride. Interior surfaces are as polished and
embellished as exterior surfaces. Simon G.'s classic styling moves with the busy modern woman from the casualness
of comfortable sweats to the understated elegance of a strapless black dress. Their high-quality band-engraved
platinum and 18k gold jewelry has the timeless heirloom quality your customers will cherish for years.
Simon G. is also leading the way in pavé-set jewelry, whether it is earrings, wedding bands
or neckpieces. Founded in 1981 by Simon Ghanimian, Simon G. Jewelry pride themselves on treating you with the care,
consideration and service.