Bizer’s career began in editorial and publicity work (she was at Women’s Wear Daily) and she started her life as a jeweller by doing custom pieces and reworking items brought to her by clients. Custom work is still available, as is an array of her own designs.
Shagreen, or stingray, had its heyday in the deco period. You can still find a lot of shagreen boxes, cigarette cases and small leather goods. I have a soft spot for it in jewellery, and this bracelet is an intriguing mix of hard and soft, shine and matte. I especially like the way the gold was hammered to mimic the shagreen finish. This is made of 18k yellow gold, 5.4 carats of diamonds and the shagreen band. For information on availability, go to http://www.karenbizerfinejewelry.com/.
