Every woman has a list of her all-time favourite icons. For some, it’s the impossibly chic Audrey Hepburn. For others, the list includes irreplaceable divas, like Coco Chanel, Cher, and Dita von Teese. And then, there are the women who can’t live without their heroic writers, like the sharp-tongued Dorothy Parker and the beloved Jane Austen. For Davina Zarnighian, the founder of Austen & Parker, it’s clear which crowd she falls into.
Austen & Parker Jewellery
Inspired by witty and sassy women everywhere, Davina channelled her creativity not into writing, like her business’s namesakes, but into the unexpected world of jewellery. Seeing an opportunity to throw her energy behind the female empowerment movement, Davina works specifically with female designers to curate the incredible collection of jewellery available at Austen & Parker.
Believing in the power of women supporting women, Davina makes sure that her brand also gives back, donating to one of her favourite charities, WIZO, established and operated by women in Israel as a way to strengthen women and their families in their country.
Affordable, edgy and unapologetically feminine, Austen & Parker is the place to go when you’re looking for unique, cool jewellery that is simultaneously elegant and ahead of the time. When asked about her customers, Davina replied, “The Austen & Parker customer is a fresh, modern woman who is not afraid to make a statement with her jewellery. When she walks into a room, everyone looks at her and feels her confidence and strength. She is ever-evolving, graceful, classy, cool, but with an edge, you just can’t help but envy.”
Davina’s Top Picks
Although Davina mainly works with other female designers and female-owned brands, she does create a few select pieces herself. “I am passionate about female empowerment and supporting women and their small growing businesses,” she says. Among some of the most popular jewellery in the Austen & Parker lineup, and Davina’s personal favourites, are two pieces from Los Angeles-based, free-spirited Jewellery Brand, Ettika, whose goal is “to help women look and feel their best”.
The Ettika Great Outdoors Earrings in Opal are the perfect dress-up, dress-down hoops that every classy woman needs in rotation. While the Bohemian-style Ettika Dropping in Dreams Choker Necklace (below) is a great example of what bold feminism looks like.
Other notable pieces are the Shashi Warrior Hoops, which use medallion-like coins to create a unique statement that crosses the boundaries of culture and country. And then there’s the Melissa Lovy Baby Serena Hoops, which have been featured by popular beauty bloggers, including Michaela Podolski and Emily Gellis, as the “everyday statement hoop”.
“I love all of these pieces,” Davina says, “because they represent my style the most and they are just so wearable.” And “wearable” is exactly what makes Austen & Parker so easy to love. From bracelets and earrings to a gorgeous selection of necklaces and rings, and even unique hair jewellery, each piece promises to give you plenty of wear.
Our Top 10 Statement Earring Picks
And, since it is the season for giving, below we have included our Top 10 Statement Earrings from Austen & Parker – All perfect for those sparkly festive parties or to add to your on-trend Christmas Gift List, not forgetting your book club hostess!
1. Melissa Lovy Reese Earrings
Available in gold or rhodium-plated, these gorgeous handmade earrings feature two designs in one, as the starburst-style outer ring, containing sparkly baguette-cut Swarovski crystals, is removable giving you interchangeable looks for any occasion.
2. Vintage Leaf Earrings
These Bohemian-style earrings feature textured leaves, placed one on top of the other, with decorative cutouts allowing the contrasting colour underneath to shine through. Available in silver or black, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any outfit.
3. Wanderlust & Co Bee Gold Hoop Earrings
At first sight these earrings appear to be stylish gold hoops but look a little closer and you’ll see the addition of a beautiful bee, with the textured hoops representing droplets of honey. 18k gold plating provides a chic and bold look you’ll love.
4. Shashi Warrior Hoops
Not just Davina’s favourites but ours too, these stunning gold coin charm earrings have an almost antique look to them yet will appeal to even the trendiest of modern-day fashionistas. Made in the USA and featuring intricate detail and 18k gold plating.
5. Sande Earrings
Every woman should own at least one pair of tassel earrings, fun, flirty, and feminine, these gorgeous earrings make the perfect finishing touch. Available in a choice of three colours, chic black, dazzling turquoise, or hot pink, we guarantee you’ll want them all.
6. Audio Hoops
These unique earrings manage to be both delicate and statement-making, by combining a sparkly crystal stud with an oversized hoop. The Audio Hoops are available in gold or rhodium-plated silver. For maximum impact wear with hair up and vintage vamp makeup.
7. Nora Earrings
These must-have vibrant tassel earrings with gemstones are perfect for any occasion and would make a gorgeous gift for a friend. Available in 13 colour combinations, we love the onyx, which features pale blue, cranberry red, and white gemstones with black tassels.
8. Rona Earrings
These elegant drop earrings feature a striking combination of black Swarovski crystals and 18k gold plated brass. Perfect for that special occasion to complement a glamorous outfit. Show them off with a black evening gown and a sophisticated updo.
9. Starlight Earrings
These luxurious half star drop earrings in silver feature dazzling black and clear Swarovski crystals and pretty beading detail for added shine. Whilst incredibly detailed, the Starlight Earrings are also lightweight, comfortable, and captivating.
10. Jija Drop Earrings
And finally, when it’s time for maximum sparkle, look no further than the textured Jija Drop Earrings. Featuring an open rectangle design, these statement earrings come in six colours, our favourite is the glittery gold, perfect for the festive season and beyond.
With plans to expand, with more lifestyle products inspired by Davina’s literary heroines, Austen & Parker is a brand you should definitely be keeping an eye on.
To find out more and to shop the collections online, you’ll find Austen & Parker’s Storefront on Faire.com, an online marketplace for independent brands.