Jewelry

Jewelry

LFrank Jewelry Image

LFrank Jewelry

Liseanne Frankfurt designs jewelry to be collected, layered, and worn day after day. Each bangle or ring mysteriously begins to feel like part of the person wearing it. As the LFrank collection continues to grow, each new jewel seamlessly integrates with earlier pieces and enlivens them. Many of Liseanne’s creations are one-of-a-kind or limited editions; all are exquisitely crafted.

The inspirations that inform Liseanne’s designs are nature, architecture, art, dance, fashion, and most often…the stones themselves. Gems are selected for their individual and natural beauty rather than their levels of clarity or perceived value. Each piece is entirely customized and hand-made. The resulting collection presents an unusually elegant, refreshing vision of precious adornment—one that is unassuming, organic, and highly imaginative.

Every piece within the LFrank jewelry collection is thoughtfully designed by Liseanne Frankfurt and hand-fabricated by a third generation goldsmith, locally in Los Angeles. Happily, this exclusive collaboration between artist and artisan has been in place for more than a decade. All elements of the jewelry including chains, clasps, wires, bezels and other settings are crafted expressly for LFrank. This measure reinforces the originality of Liseanne’s aesthetic and renders a collection untouched by stock components commercially manufactured by the jewelry trade.

Derived from unexpected forms, exquisite detail, and much sincerity, LFrank jewelry seems to resonate most with the individual. It is found in the collections of chic, confident men and women who are delighted by the graceful originality and expressiveness of Liseanne’s designs.

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Diamonds

Diamonds are the most captivating stones on earth. They are comprised of one of the most common elements on the planet, yet the arrangement of the carbon atoms under intense heat and pressure results in the most brilliant natural element in existence. I use many different shapes, cuts, colors, and qualities of diamond in my work. I choose stones carefully, based on many factors, and always with an eye towards the best possible stone for the design.

I love rose or moghul cut diamonds for their simplicity, and less machined appearance. I use several different colors of diamonds and even some of the more opaque, rustic diamonds, which range from steely grey to soft pink, and even yellow, brown, or green. I am especially fond of cognac and grey diamonds, and of old European cut stones.

The rose cut is one of the oldest cuts, emerging in the mid 16th century in Antwerp, and used throughout India for even longer. It predates modern diamond cutting tools and technology, and holds the romance of a time when diamonds were prized for their perceived divine qualities. The rose cut features triangular shaped facets, arranged symmetrically over the top of the stone, while the bottom is essentially flat and left smooth. The modern brilliant cut stones that I use are equally beautiful but have a different personality entirely.

I completed the graduate course in diamonds at the GIA, which deepened my knowledge and understanding of this precious stone. The diamonds that I buy are certified conflict-free by the Kimberley Certificate process. I buy from a multi-generational diamond dealer with whom I have done business for over a decade. For those who request it, full cut brilliant stones with GIA certification are used and selected according to the client’s desire.

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Rose Cut Diamonds Image
Colored Stones

Colored Stones

Colored stones have been sought after the world over for reasons both mystical and spiritual, with multitudes of meaning associated with each different stone. I am drawn to a number of precious and semi-precious colored stones, mostly for their unique and beautiful natural color and/or inclusions.

Inclusions should not be seen as flaws, but as proof of nature’s hand in creating an element of beauty. Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Opal, Tourmaline, and Moonstone all appear regularly in my collection, and are chosen according to their specific beauty, strength, and appearance.

Healing properties, as well as the purported power possessed by specific gemstones, lead some to seek out a particular stone. Most of the stones that I use are cut from the rough to my specifications. Jewelry made with colored stones truly can become a modern amulet, or talisman for the wearer. Please contact us if you should desire a custom gemstone piece.

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Custom Design

I always welcome inquires for custom design work. This can range from slightly adjusting something in the collection, to the redesign of a client’s existing piece, or the design and fabrication of something entirely bespoke. Oftentimes, clients commission one-of-a-kind pieces to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or other significant occasions.

Custom design work is considered at my discretion, and is not always possible, due to time constraints. The best way to approach a custom design proposal is by visiting the store in Venice, California. If meeting in person isn’t an option, please call or email us: inquiries@lfrankjewelry.com or 310 452 0771 .

18K Gold

For centuries, gold has played an important role throughout history. As a symbol of power and immortality, a currency, an investment, and even as medicine, gold has been valued by many civilizations. The weight of this element lends LFrank pieces a certain gravity. The gold that I work with is 18K, in yellow, rose, and white.

18K gold is 75% pure gold, and is stamped 750, meaning 18 parts pure gold to 6 parts alloy. The other metals alloyed with pure gold are most commonly silver, zinc, and copper. The amounts of these alloyed metals contribute to the final color of the gold. The price is the same for all three colors. 18K gold is warm in tone, rich in color, and flattering to nearly every skin tone.

Each piece is finished with a matte, hand-finished, and not ever entirely perfect quality, and will soon acquire the patina of wear. While it will never be as shiny as a high polished finish, the matte finish will eventually wear away. This is not a defect, and should not be cause for concern. We can easily re-finish any of your pieces, should you require this over time. We can also make most pieces in platinum, should you so desire, at additional cost.

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18K Gold
Natural Elements

Natural Elements

LFrank jewelry is the most modern expression of ritual adornment. Pearls, shells, amber, wood, and vintage glass beads all play a distinct role in my collection. The pearls that I use come from Australia, Japan, Tahiti, and French Polynesia. I look for incredible luster and a uniquely beautiful color when I select pearls, whether they are perfectly round, or completely organic in shape.

Color and texture are important factors in my selection of pearls, though I am happy to work with a client who desires a piece that features the kind of pearls they love. Like with all aspects of jewelry, choosing pearls is a very personal decision.

I love seeking out vintage and antique beads and natural elements. The antique and vintage recycled glass trade beads that I use have passed through Africa on their journey, sometimes quite a long time ago. Some of the beads have been fabricated more recently, using recycled glass to create these beautifully colored beads. I also love working with shells, vintage coral, and beads made from bone or other natural materials. Some of them have been batiked by hand, using traditional methods. The history and wide variety of using natural elements in personal adornment has long been an interest of mine. I love working with these elements in my designs.

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