Marcella’s Magic

Last spring I wrote about Camilla Dietz Bergeron, that elegant bastion of antique gems upstairs on Madison Avenue. While they are primarily known for their incredible selection of vintage pieces, they also have a secret weapon within their arsenal.

When I visited the salon, I was immediately taken with a case featuring several fabulously adorned shagreen and wooden cuffs. It was then I met Marcella Ciceri, the creator of these and other custom pieces for the firm, shown here with best friend Francesca.  It didn’t take long for us to realize we were kindred spirits. I loved everything she designed and Marcella totally “got” my taste and style. We were chatting so much I didn’t realize that, although the first one to arrive that morning, I was the last client left in the space.

From Milan and a small town in Piemonte, Marcella was originally a primary school teacher but a passion for design inspired her to return to school. Her interest in precious stones led her to a job with an international gem stone company, where she spent 15 years buying and selling stones to such jewelry giants as Bulgari and De Grisogono. It was a natural transition to start designing herself.

Four years ago the lure of New York City brought Marcella here and while exhibiting at a show in the city, her designs caught the eye of Gus Davis, partner at Camilla Dietz Bergeron, and a new collaboration was born.

It was (and is) the perfect match. Marcella loved learning about the vintage and antique pieces and Gus and Camilla found a perfect partner for presenting their wares to the European market. In addition, Marcella’s line successfully bridges the gap between vintage and contemporary sensibilities. Her chic personal style shines through in her use of materials such as shagreen and bakelite mixed with semi precious and gem stones.

She loves making pieces that can be worn every day, that can be dressed up or down for almost any occasion. “It’s important to have jewelry that you can wear, wear comfortably every day, not to save for just a special occasion.” I’m sure this concept resonates with many of you as it did for me.

She loves understated classic style yet will often mix in a crazy accessory – a simple black dress with a Moschino bag from the 80s or jeans with a Marni coat – it’s the high low, vintage and new, eclectic mix that we all love in both fashion and decor.

With style icons like Karl Lagerfeld mixed with a love of Victorian and Deco designs, Marcella’s work is informed with a unique yet totally accessible flair.

Marcella loves working with customers at the salon. It’s the perfect easy, comfortable venue to look around and “play” with the jewelry, to find just the right piece or discuss making something custom from an old brooch or charm, incorporating it in a stylish new way. Unlike a regular retail establishment, here Marcella has the freedom to really get to know her clients and glean a sense of their tastes and lifestyle.

I asked Marcella if there was anything particularly popular lately. Not surprisingly, she singled out the shagreen cuffs, easily customizable in color, size and perhaps with customer’s recylcled pieces.

And as for projects in the works? A new collection of earrings. I know of all my jewelry, it is earrings that I change the most. And as Marcella pointed out, they offer a chance to add color near the face and to wear something a little unusual. Turquoise with coral, onyx with diamond, wood with yellow sapphires – all combinations Marcella is using. The first pair sold immediately – before they even hit the floor.

Marcella’s passion is contagious – for both designing and working with her customers. You can count on her for an honest opinion (one necklace was quickly removed from my neck as she shook her head with undeniable negativity) as well as an enthusiastic endorsement. And you will undoubtedly be back – because both Marcella and her designs are an addictive delight.

25 thoughts on “Marcella’s Magic

  1. Ah, I see that I am not alone in my admiration for the turquoise bracelets! They would be so great with a pair of faded jeans or a maxi dress or…so many things. But there is a lot to love here. And these are pieces that, in their simplicity, you would never, ever get tired of…

  2. I’ve really been getting into cuffs the past year and the shagreen ones are stunning. I totally agree that jewelry should be for anytime and not just dress up. Thanks for introducing this wonderful designer to us.

  3. How wonderful to learn about the Camilla Dietz Bergeron salon and of course, Marcella! I now have my eye on some of those earrings because, like you, it’s what I change the most. I have to say, those cuffs (the cameo in particular) are pretty spectacular. And nice meeting you too! Thanks for commenting and stopping by my blog!

  4. There is something so very nice when you connect with someone who “gets it,” a phrase we use frequently in describing both people and businesses. The cuffs are really striking, the turquoise bracelets in particular caught my eye.

    Another wonderful post!
    tp

  5. Funny I was never a cuff kind of gal but in the last few years I have bought two really great ones and love wearing them! These are really pretty, love how they are so different than what you see coming and going. Always nice to discover someone following their dream and making pretty things in the process!

  6. Yes! Jewelry should absolutely be for everyday! Those cuffs are gorgeous, I love the idea of recycling older pieces for use on a cuff as well. Always exciting to breathe new life into a piece that has been placed in the drawer.

  7. I think just the right accessory can make one stand out in a crowd!
    Marcella looks like a fun gal I would adore getting to know. Creatively, we would have so much to talk about.
    pve

  8. Any girl that has a sausage dog is a-okay in my book…beautiful jewelry or no beautiful jewelry…obviously though, this is beautful! Love the turquoise bangles!!
    xo J~

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