“When I see a beautiful gemstone, I immediately begin musing about how it would best be incorporated into a piece of exquisite jewelry. I aim to design in such a way that enhances both the innate beauty of the gemstone, as well as the woman it adorns.” ~ Lindsey Emmerson Almquist
Lindsey Emmerson Almquist wearing chandelier earrings from her Emma Quist collection (49.24 carats of unheated, natural Sapphires, approximately 6 carats of Diamond briolettes, 1.40 carats of Diamond pavé, and 18K white gold)
Scottsdale – There’s nothing like exquisite jewels to make a woman feel like royalty, whether it’s a pair of chandelier earrings dangling from her ears or strands of pearls accenting her décolletage. Jewelry designer Lindsey Emmerson Almquist understands this obsession we have for shiny baubles and launched her jewelry line, Emma Quist.
“I acknowledge my lifelong fascination with gemstones and love for jewelry, as well as for avid world travel,” she says.
Quintessential Collection (11 carat green Tourmaline ring set in 1.02 carats of G-VS diamonds and 18K white gold)
More than four years after graduating from college, Lindsey enrolled at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California to learn about jewelry design and gemstone acquisitions along side her father, who shares her passion. I recently caught up with Lindsey for an e-interview to discuss her designs and inspiration.
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The Chic Spy: What type of materials do you use to create your designs?
Lindsey Emmerson Almquist: A few distinct looks distinguish my jewelry, but the common denominator is the gemstones I select. I have a real passion for colored gemstones. As a gemologist, selecting the ideal stone is paramount to my design process. I always design around the stone, aiming to highlight the splendor and story of the gem with my setting.
My “AntiQuity” Collection features Etruscan inspired jewelry designs, incorporating natural gemstones set in a luxurious weight of 18K Yellow Gold, flashed with 24K Yellow Gold at the finishing stage to provide the richest saturation of color. This Collection boasts ancient Roman intaglios, dating from the 1-2nd Century A.D., 19th Century intaglios, and faceted, colored gemstone marvels. The inspiration for the “AntiQuity” Collection was born from my love of Italian culture and history which developed over my extensive time spent in the country, specifically Tuscany.
My “Haute Q” and “Quintessential” Collections feature captivating, natural gemstones in an array of dazzling colors, elegantly set in diamonds and 18K Yellow, White, or Rose Gold. These creations are especially eye-catching as the center stone of each piece is of significant carat weight–10 carats and up. Painstakingly hand carved from wax and hand made in the lost wax process, no two pieces are alike.
TCS: What has been the most challenging aspect of building your brand?
LEA: I’m competing with very distinguished names in my industry. With a high-end luxury goods, a buyer makes an investment, not just a purchase. They need to be assured that they are buying something of value. The most difficult hurdle is getting the opportunity to educate my client on the incredible level of gemology, design, and craftsmanship that goes into each of my pieces. Once I can get people to understand and appreciate these attributes of my work, they feel more comfortable and confident making an investment.
TCS: What is your favorite piece from your jewelry designs and why?
LEA: My favorite piece is the very first piece I designed and made; it’s also the piece around which I built my “AntiQuity” Collection. I kept it as my personal ring and I wear it on my right ring finger daily. It features a large, Rubellite Tourmaline Intaglio from the early 19th Century set in 26 grams of 18K yellow gold, surrounded with 3.40 carats of multi-colored Sapphire cabochons. The shape and detailed hand-carving on the ring are reminiscent of ancient Etruscan designs. I was drawn to this particular style and rich history out of my love for Italy, especially Tuscany. We are fortunate to have kept a family home in Tuscany for the past several years and the memories from my time spent there with loved ones are some of my most treasured.
TCS: How would you describe your designs in three (3) words?
LEA: Sophisticated. Substantial. Exquisite.
TCS: If you could accessorize any famous person past or present, who would it be?
LEA: Kate Middleton. She embodies both chic modernity and timeless elegance, but I don’t see this consistently translated in her jewelry statements. I respect that her intent is likely to not be so ostentatious as to be intimating or unrelatable, however, aside from the heralded Sapphire engagement ring, I think the accompanying jewelry she dons should be equally as personal and noteworthy. Kate, choose any piece of mine; it’s yours!
TCS: What accessory or piece of jewelry can you not live without?
LEA: Besides my engagement ring and wedding band, of course, I could not live without a distinctive right hand ring, which for the past year, has been my Rubellite Tourmaline 19th century Intaglio Ring, set in my “AntiQuity” style, with 18K yellow and multi-colored Sapphire cabochons. This particular ring says something about who I am, where I’ve been, and what I want my life to be.
TCS: How would you describe your personal style?
LEA: On my best of days, I would like to think that my style is feminine and confident; sophisticated, yet age-appropriate; modern, yet timeless. And I don’t want to look like everyone else; through my style, I want to represent me.
TCS: If you weren’t a jewelry designer, what would you be doing?
LEA: I’d be a doing a few things, all of which are on my radar to become reality in the next few years. I want to open an antique and unique collectables showroom/gallery-type store. I collect and have recently begun dealing in vintage Louis Vuitton and Goyard trunks. LVtrunks.com is my new venture website. My gallery store would also feature my jewelry line. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I want to be a yoga teacher; I want to open a yoga studio that, in addition to traditional styles, also features a worship and faith based yoga flow, incorporating prayer, scripture, and Christian music into our practice.
TCS: If you were a Chic Spy Agent, what would be your code name?
LEA: The Jewel Maven
TCS: What’s your accessorizing philosophy?
I like to build my outfit around my accessories. More than my clothing wardrobe, I make my accessories my investment priority.
A woman’s jewelry speaks the loudest of all her accessories. Nothing I put on my body makes me feel more fabulous than a beautiful piece of fine jewelry.
More tips from Lindsey:
- A remarkable handbag and a gorgeous pair of shoes come next.
- Great posture covers a multitude of sins.
- No accessory will make you look more alluring and confident than a genuine smile.
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
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