Laura's Picks
Delve into the curated world of Laura Freedman, owner of Broken English, as she shares her monthly picks for a well-lived life. Each month get to know Laura and discover how her life and interests inform her fine jewelry, vintage accessory, and luxury home decor curations. From of-the-moment designers to gifting inspiration, she is thrilled to show you her favorite pieces in-store now.
Laura's Picks: Black Friday Favorites
Hi everyone! It's my favorite time of year to celebrate at Broken English and my gift to our community is our biggest sale of the year. Gifting jewelry and home items is so special and personal - we're so thrilled you're choosing us to make a major impression with your loved ones. There are so many incredible designers on board for our sale this year and I've made an edit of my favorite offerings so far. Shop this very exciting edition of Laura's Picks at the link below.
Lauras Picks: Make A Statement
Hi everyone! I'm back for another installment of Laura's Picks and this time I'm thinking about how much I love getting dressed this time of year. The slight chill in the evening air opens up ample wardrobe possibilities and with those come along opportunities for a major jewelry moment. We have such extravagant stunners in store right now from so many talented designers. One of my favorites (that I'm wearing here) is Munnu the Gem Palace, who brings bold design and traditional Indian craftsmanship to the forefront. Shop these and my other showstopping favorites in my edit below.
Lauras Picks: Easy Does It
In my latest edit of Laura’s Picks, I wanted to focus on the keep it simple method of jewelry-wearing that I’ve subscribed to for years. While jewelry can always veer to the fantastical, I love to wear strong pieces in a super easy way. One great piece for the neck, for the wrist and for the ears suits me just fine, especially if they are timeless and uncomplicated for everyday wear. Shop my edit of reliable yet beautiful classics in my monthly edit below.
Laura's Picks: Texture Masterclass
Laura, BE’s founder here and back with this month’s Laura’s Picks. One thing I’ve been really drawn to in some of our newest and boldest pieces right now is their strong texture game. Whether the textural element comes from a formed geometric shape, grooves, etching or even a touch of pavé diamonds, this added interest immediately elevates a piece. They are easy to wear statements on their own or bring new life to a layered stack. I also loved pairing these pieces with a graphic knit for extra “oomph”. Shop my edit of texture-heavy favorites below.
Laura's Picks: Tune Into Turquoise
A nostalgic nod to the American southwest and reminiscent of Caribbean waters in the same hue, it’s no wonder that the gem that symbolizes the freedom of summer to me is turquoise. And I’m not alone in my obsession: we have so many designs right now that put this classic stone at center stage. Check out my latest edit of fresh turquoise takes from our collection of designers at BE.
Laura's Picks: Jewels for Summer Escapes
Summer getaways call for playful wardrobe choices so don't forget to switch up your jewels too! Vintage-feeling cord chokers, boho elements like wood or shell, and chic hair pins for hot-weather updo's are all on my packing list. No matter the destination, these pieces are the perfect travel companions. Xo Laura
Laura's Picks: Everything Is Illuminated
Chandelier earrings are exactly what their name implies: Elaborate, often gem-set danglers that reflect and refract light in all directions. During the pandemic, when we were either at home on the couch or masked to the nines, the style didn’t make a lot of sartorial sense. But since emerging from our Covid cocoons, we’re gravitating to statement-making chandeliers once again. Let there be light indeed!
Laura's Picks: Coin Operated
From humble bronze coins strung on cords to intricate gold medallions set amidst a collection of gilded charms, coin jewels — like the one at the center of Laura’s 18k gold chain necklace — are a wardrobe staple. Just don’t call them basic. In antiquity, coins were thought to protect the wearer against disease, misfortune and evil spirits. Today, they evoke a time when a flat piece of metal bearing an official stamp was not only a token of trade, but also of status and protection. Some things never change!
Laura’s Picks: Spring Bling
Shop our Laura’s Picks: Spring Bling collection. Our curated collections feature only the best in fine jewelry and luxury decor for the modern woman. Explore an assortment of antique, vintage, and contemporary designs that are the epitome of timeless style and laid-back luxury. In honor of this week’s vernal equinox, which marks the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere, we’d like to take a moment to revel in the myriad jewels that symbolize our eternal obsession with the season. From pieces that represent flora and fauna to gems in hues that recall a basket of Easter eggs, the options for putting a little spring (jewelry) in your step have never been more abundant.
Laura's Picks: Linked In
Few pieces of jewelry are as timeless as a gold chain. With roots that go all the way back to ancient Egypt, the jewelry staple remains fresh, year after year, because designers constantly revisit it, switching up lengths and styles of link to keep us wanting more. The varieties — including Cuban, curb, paperclip, nautical and handmade one-of-a-kind versions — are virtually endless, as is the fun you’re bound to have with them.
Laura's Picks: Medallions of Honor
When the weather is cold and I’m all bundled up, the one jewel that never fails to bring me comfort is a yellow gold medallion pendant. Between zodiac styles, mandalas or simple round discs sprinkled with diamonds, the chic designs available at BE are the perfect talismans to shield you against the winter blues.
Laura's Picks: Brown is the New Black
Look around and you’ll likely see that a familiar but unexpected hue feels remarkably fresh this year. Trendspotters suggest that brown in all its earthy splendor will rise to the fashion fore in 2024, reflecting our collective desire for the comforts of home and nature. Good thing for lovers of yellow gold, which pairs perfectly with all shades of brown, from light beige to rich caramel.
Laura's Statement Style
Once upon a time, the layered approach, with its emphasis on combining delicate pieces into a single highly personalized look, was the reigning jewelry style. On the brink of 2024, however, layers are giving way to bold, modern designs that work best as singular statement pieces, be they hero cuffs, standout collar necklaces or dramatic earrings. One and done, as they say!