Est 1981

 

When Gabrielle Sanchez “discovered” Biwa pearls, she found the perfect signature for her métier. These irregular “little miracles”, as she calls them, not only fascinate her, they inspire her. “My jewelry designs have always evolved directly from the essence of the materials”, explains Gabrielle. “Pearls come to us whole and pure, unlike gemstones which have to be cut and coaxed into various man-made shapes for setting. “Only nature’s whim dictates a pearl’s eventual shape and color. Biwa pearls, from a lake by the same name in Japan, have such a strong inherent sculptural quality that they need no further adornment. As well as Biwa pearls, Gabrielle uses many other fresh water and South Sea pearls with accents of precious and semi-precious stones such as tourmalines and labradorites.

“The gold that I use is just connective tissue”, relates Gabrielle, “used to join the pearls—never to embellish them.” “My aim is to let the individual beauty of each pearl glow rather than be overshadowed by a fussy setting.” Each piece then derives its own special character from the size, color and luster of the pearls chosen, and often becomes a signature of the owner. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces designed by Gabrielle Sanchez work singly, in pairs, or strikingly grouped together. They are neither too casual nor too dressy—they are essential, warm and personal—enhancing the inner beauty and grace of the wearer.

Gabrielle Sanchez was born into an artistic family—her father being a commercial artist and her mother, a painter. She knew from an early age that someday she would be a designer. Upon graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1977, she went to work as a freelance jewelry designer. Within three years, Gabrielle was designing on her own full time.

Her work has been sold at most Barneys New York stores; several Neiman Marcus stores; Takashimaya in New York; Fred Segal Hoops in Santa Monica; Quadrum Gallery in Boston and Chestnut Hill, MA; Twist in Portland, OR; Gayle Willson Gallery in Southampton, Sculpture to Wear in Los Angeles and many other fine boutiques and galleries across the country.

Her jewelry has been featured in top fashion magazines in the United States, Europe and Japan, including the covers of Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan and Modern Bride, and is worn by some of the most beautiful women in the world, including Candice Bergen, Brooke Shields, Kim Basinger, Elizabeth Taylor, Susan Sarandon and Kathleen Turner.

Barney's New York, "Pearls in the Air," 1992