Meredith Marks Reveals the Unexpected Inspiration Behind Her Luxury Jewelry Designs
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member designs fine jewelry for celebrity clients, but her creative process is incredibly down-to-earth.
As a child, Meredith Marks was fascinated with a particular piece from her mother’s jewelry collection. An innovative drop design with interchangeable gemstones, the Marina B earrings served as inspiration for The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member's own “versatile and multi-functional pieces” in her namesake jewelry line, Meredith Marks.
These days, Meredith finds inspiration for her designs in much more unlikely places than her mother’s jewelry box. She recently opened up to Bravo Insider to discuss her process behind her fabulous collection, and it’s incredibly personal for such versatile pieces.
“Every piece in my collection is important to me, as they all tell some sort of story about me,” Meredith explained. “My designs are inspired from all aspects of life. I love to travel, and many pieces are created from foreign motifs I have seen in my travels, or stones that I have found on those trips.”
In addition to being influenced by adventure, there are a number of design elements Meredith considers to be important to her signature style.
“I love modern designs with statement pieces using a variety of diamonds and colored stones. I also love pieces that incorporate negative space, versatility, and functionality,” she explained. “I have a patented clasp that allows versatility by being able to take a pendant and clasp it on a ring shank, or a cuff to wear it as a cuff or ring. I also have many double-sided pieces allowing pieces to be multi-function with different looks.”
The Sistine Collection, pictured below, consists of diamonds in gold or silver. According to Meredith, the shaped motif seen in each piece was created to resemble a pattern she noticed on the floor while visiting the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
Some of Meredith’s ideas come about much closer to home. “Other designs are from my day-to-day lifestyle, such as the Spike Collection that was designed after a piece of foliage I found on a hiking trail,” she noted.
Meredith’s work can also evolve over time, which is how her emerald Stardust Collection came to fruition.
“The Stardust collection was initially in diamonds after the stars in the sky in Park City at night,” Meredith said. “I have since made it in many other stones, like the emerald version, here.”
To prove just how adaptable Meredith’s pieces truly are, it’s worth noting that the RHOSLC fashionista exclusively wears her own jewelry. (With one exception: Bulgari, which Meredith explains also includes Marina B — her original inspiration — as she’s part of the Bulgari family.) For the RHOSLC Season 1 reunion, Meredith even accessorized her bronze asymmetrical tuxedo gown with two hands full of dazzling Meredith Marks rings and bracelets.
Want more RHOSLC? New episodes air every Wednesday at 10/9c or catch up on this season through the Bravo app.
