Fashion News Live’s first introduction to Susan Foster’s exquisite fine jewelry was opening the April issue of GenLux Magazine where Alexandra Daddario dazzled in Foster’s handmade 18K white gold 16ct. diamond slice necklace with micro pave — a glistening glimpse into a jewelry designer’s world. Fast-forward two months and we have the pleasure of delving deeper into Foster’s creative mind: one filled with endless knowledge of gemology and impeccable style.
Originally a communications major and theatre minor, Foster found herself surrounded by an entertainment family: her stepfather designed and built John Steinbeck’s work studio in the Hamptons, her cousin is the set decorator for shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City, and other family members have worked behind the scenes in films like the Godfather. With such an extensive entertainment background, you would think she would immediately dip her toes into the television or cinema pool, but the pull towards the world of style was too strong.
Following her college graduation, Foster packed up for Los Angeles, living in a Beverly Hills guesthouse — a move that would drastically change her career path. After settling into her new home, Foster was given a necklace by a neighbor; a cherished piece that sadly broke, only to take her right back to the neighbor’s home for immediate mending. As Foster watched her neighbor’s dedication, patience, and talent in fixing the necklace, she quickly grew fascinated with the art of jewelry making — thus began a star powered jewelry design career, filled with microscopes, calibrators, millimeter gages, and sketchbooks (essential tools for any jeweler of course).
Foster is a designer who finds inspiration from within, designing based on her feelings, and who believes that “you should not be afraid to indulge in fine jewelry for yourself: it is the best possible gift that’ll last a lifetime.” This belief in the longevity of jewelry is exemplified in her dedication to the craft and her collections, which are filled with “handmade, one-of-a-kind jewels that evoke mysterious glamour.”
Drawn to this mysterious glamour are celebrities like Maria Shriver, Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, Jessica Simpson, Sandra Bullock, and Renee Zellweger and magazines such as InStyle, Elle, Glamour, and People (to name a few). Most recently Faye Dunaway wore her pieces to Cannes and Mila Kunis and Emma Stone just wore her creations this past week. While many designers approach celebrities, dying for exposure, Foster has never approached an actress (not that she needs to). Humbled by the extensive exposure and media attention her pieces evoke, Foster’s fine jewelry seems to mysteriously seduce her female clientele.
You too will find yourself tempted by the glisten of her perfectly crafted romantic yet whimsical treasures, that’ll outlast any and all fashion trends.
Foster’s Five Fun Facts:
Susan plays polo on the weekends with a bunch of Brits.
She’s a natural redhead.
She dated a rockstar (name not to be mentioned).
She collects modern Japanese pop surrealism art.
She flys planes from time to time.
*Extra Fun Fact* Foster is the Creator and Executive Producer of her own TV show in the works about jewelry and style around the word — so stay tuned!
Photography Sources: SusanFosterJewelry.com, Bing
(Originally Written By Ashley Tschudin AKA “CocktailChic”, Posted on Fashion News Live June 24, 2011)
