If you’re looking for jewels to wear on a warm-weather holiday, few collections complement a sun-drenched vacation better than Marisa Klass’s. Comprised of colorful gemstone beads, bright faceted stones, natural shells and elements, like shark’s teeth, that evoke the water, the line offers a simple solution for anyone struggling with how to look très chic at the beach. Recently, BE caught up with Klass for our monthly “Small Talk” series.
You’re based in Toronto but your jewelry has a warm weather aesthetic. Where do you find your greatest design inspiration?
I spend a lot of time in the winter dreaming of the beach! During COVID, we spent six weeks in Palm Beach and while our kids were doing online school I would walk the beach every day and collect the most magnificent shells. I had left all my gems at home in Toronto and needed to be creative so I started grouping the shells together for necklaces. When we finally got back to Toronto, I incorporated gems and beads so that the colors and details of the shells would stand out.
What do you find most appealing about shells?
To me, shells are truly gems of the sea. Many of my shells come from South Florida, where you can find a huge variety but when I am traveling, I always make sure to head to the beach to see what I can find.
Which colors and gemstones are you coveting most this year?
I am really loving ceruleite at the moment. It is this incredible vibrant blue gem and I think it works with any and every skin and hair tone!
