There’s truly no other way to say it: Renna (rennajewels.com) sells seashells by the seashore. making waves all around the East End, the oceanic-inspired collection can be found at goop Sag Harbor, Mayfair Rocks, Sotheby’s East Hampton and the SEVEN pop-up. We checked in with founder and creative director Renna Brown-Taher for the brand’s latest and greatest.
What is new for the brand this season? Our Dream Shells are new this season and they are, you guessed it, just so dreamy. Each is thoughtfully handcarved in Germany. These pieces embody our signature mixture of quirkiness and classicism. I am particularly in love with our statement earrings as they reflect light so beautifully in the day and seamlessly transition into an effortless evening look.
What inspired the current collection? Whether I am attempting to mimic the movement of a wave through precious metals and diamonds or I am trying to tap into the core vibrations of a particular stone, I am always inspired by the natural world around us. I find a particular power in jewelry inspired by nature because this is the history of how our ancestors adorned themselves. You’ll find bezel-set ‘bubbles,’ rolling golden ‘waves’ and our classic golden coffee bean shells throughout the current collection.
Wave Study III cuff with aquamarines mined from the Zimbaqua Aquamarine Mine and white diamonds
What are you most looking forward to this summer? Summers in the Hamptons are always such a treat. I make myself a fixture at the farmstands and spend far too much time in the kitchen chopping up watermelon and making cucumber salads. The weekend isn’t complete for me if I don’t spend at least a few hours at the beach. As you can probably see from our collection, I am endlessly inspired by the sea and it provides me with a deep sense of calm in a world that constantly threatens to overwhelm.
What are some standout pieces that are perfect for the Hamptons? Our must-have piece of the summer is the Venus shell locket. This heirloom-quality pendant is a showstopper. Inside you’ll find a hidden pearl and a carving of an octopus—a secret for the wearer to know. It’s the perfect conversation-starter; people inevitably ask if there is something inside. It is such a pleasure to see their eyes widen in wonder when they see the whimsical details we’ve included in the piece. We’ve also launched the Petite Venus locket this summer, the little sister to the original, which features a playful carved seahorse within.
What is the best part of your job? My favorite part of the job, by far, is creating bespoke jewelry for our clients. A large portion of our day-to-day work is dedicated to working with clients one-on-one for special projects. I’ve found particular gratification in working on our hand-engraved pendants, which are often made to mark specific memories in people’s lives. We also often reset our clients’ existing stones to breathe new life into them with our signature whimsical and romantic twist. I am currently working on a new setting for a textbook-perfect 6.5-carat cornflower blue Ceylon sapphire that just blows me away every time I look at it.
Designer Renna Brown- Taher wearing her Florentine hoop earrings
What are some of your favorite Hamptons hot spots? For shopping, I can never get enough of Goop. During the pandemic, I indulged in the most beautiful handpainted tablecloth from the Sag Harbor store. Every time I stop in, I can’t resist making an addition or two to my dinnerware collection, which has exponentially grown over the last few summers as I love hosting dinner parties. I don’t wear a lot of makeup in the summer, but they sell Westman Atelier, which has such a nice finish. I love to swipe one of their highlighter sticks over my cheekbones before I head to dinner; they are my secret to a perfectly sun-kissed glow.
Photography by: PORTRAITS BY STEPHANE BAUNACH; PRODUCT PHOTO COURTESY OF STARR DIGITAL
