Multihyphenate Rebecca Romijn can add jewelry designer to her long list of titles thanks to her newly bowed Charlie Dolly fine jewelry collection. Named after her own daughters (whom she describes as diamonds), the looks are meant to be layered. Offering a range of laser-pierced earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, the 24-piece collection ($550 to $9,000, charliedolly.com) has a floating diamond effect. We checked in with the stunner to learn more about the dazzling new line.
What first sparked your interest in fine jewelry?
Actually, I’d never seen fine jewelry until I moved to Paris at 19 as a model. Then it was love at first sight. I remember seeing loose diamonds for the first time, and I thought they were so special that it seemed like most jewelry settings detracted from them. I had a fantasy of putting a hole in a diamond so it could float and dangle freely, without a setting. At the time, it wasn’t possible. The technology wasn’t there yet.
Did you have an amazing sense of style even as a kid?
Growing up in Berkeley and Oakland in the ’70s and ’80s, it wasn’t called ‘style’—it was called ‘freedom of expression.’ My personal style was a wild and sometimes hilarious evolution. It was all over the place. I’m grateful that none of it was stunted by my parents. Expressing who you are through personal style is a joy of life.
What made you decide to launch a line?
The time is finally right, and the technology exists now for laser precision. Before, a drill might be used, which was possible but lacked precision. I’m excited to be bringing something fairly new to market.
Which piece is your favorite in the collection? My favorite piece is my diamond threader with huggie attached. There’s something sexy about framing the face with dangling, floating diamonds. Bohemian, rock ’n’ roll but still elegant. And it mixes really well with other jewelry.
What piece of jewelry should every woman own?
The perfect earring.
What is a major jewelry faux pas in your opinion?
Toe rings.
Any other upcoming projects to buzz?
Coming up next, I’ll be hosting the American Rescue Dog Show. I’m passionate about animal rescue, and this is my third year hosting this amazing, heartwarming show. With categories like Best in Snoring, Best in Underbite, Best in Special Needs, Best in Senior, it will bring a tear to your eye.
Photography by: Steve Willis
