Nicholas Varney Jewels
“Jewelry is the expressive ornament a woman can wear.”
profile
Over 25 years ago, after graduating from the Gemological Institute of America in Vicenza, Italy, Nicholas decided to open his design studio. It comes as no surprise that Varney would choose to be an artist after growing up in a family with a sophisticated influence in design. His father, Carleton, a renowned interior designer and owner of Dorothy Draper, and his mother, Suzanne, founder of the respected textile firm Carleton V., had extensive travels throughout his childhood, opening his eyes to the beauties of nature and the richness of different cultures around the world.
As a jewelry artisan, Nicholas has always been inspired by nature and the organic. His use of precious metals, rare natural pearls, diamonds, and colorful gemstones mixed with wood, cork, eggshell, and agate create an unexpected beauty rarely seen in fine jewelry. There is a playful aesthetic to his work that gives a wonderful balance to the boldness of his designs.
Over the years, Nicholas has received many accolades as an artist. He was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006. He was the featured designer for the opening of the Gem and Mineral exhibit at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. Forbes names Varney one of “Five Jewelers working today that you will be collecting tomorrow.” Nicholas has been featured in various publications and jewelry books, including Veranda, Town and Country, Vogue, Departures, "Coveted" by Melanie Grant, "21st Century Jewelry Designs" by Juliet Weir-de la Rochefoucauld, and "Jeweler: Masters, Mavericks, and Visionaries of Modern Design" by Stellene Volandes.
Nicholas splits his time between Palm Beach, Ireland, and his beloved farm in Stanfordville, NY.
KNOWN FOR HIS PLAYFUL AESTHETIC AND USE OF UNEXPECTED BEAUTY IN FINE JEWELRY
DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM NATURE AND DIVERSE CULTURES
fun fact
Farm-Fresh
We use eggshells from our chickens to do the coquille d’oeuf applique on the eggshell jewelry and our client gift is honey from our apiary.
18kt gold, green tourmaline, coral, brown chalcedony, ebony, diamond and gaspeite spumoni ring
pivot
Artistic Expression
During COVID, I had not had time in so long to sit and create, and it allowed me time to slow down and think. The challenge was coming out of that tranquility. Opening my store in Palm Beach three years ago and seeing my collection in its entirety has forced me to rework every new design so that when it is completed, I feel it expresses my language. I make the pieces to fulfill my own expectations; these pieces are my voice as an artist.
purpose
Creative Exploration, Self-Discovery
At the core of my practice lies the principle of operating creatively in an unsafe place. It's not just about creating jewelry; it's a journey to find out how I coexist in the world I live in. The deeper purpose behind my brand is rooted in the pursuit the next idea. My work mantra could be summed up as "travel and exploration".
