Collector Obsession: Eden’s Intrigue with Realm Fine Jewelry

PHILADELPHIA. It was January 2013 when Eden met Ann King Lagos of Realm Jewelry through a friend. They chatted and parted ways without any discussion of Lagos’ jewelry, a sculpted line of sterling silver designs. But a few months later Eden met the designer again at private event where the jewelry was offered for sale. For the corporate philanthropic manager of an insurance company, it was love at first sight of the pieces. She struggled to resist buying everything laid out before her.

“I remember thinking, ‘I can’t buy 20 pieces at a clip—what am I going to do?’” she recollects.

Lagos stepped in to help her make a purchase plan, calmly encouraging her to first buy what she would wear the most and note other pieces to collect later. Eden walked away with several items, the start of her Realm collection.

Before the holidays, Eden met Ann again to purchase her Sceptre collar in black ruthenium over silver to wear to a party. Ann pointed out that Eden could—and should—incorporate it into everyday wear, and not just save it for black-tie events. “She asked, ‘Why wouldn’t you also wear it with jeans and a white T-shirt?’” recalls Eden. The look was a winner. “I love the look, feel, and color—it’s so rich, sexy, unique, and has a fresh feel.”

To date, Eden owns upwards of 20 pieces of Realm jewelry. The collar is one of her favorites. “It lays on your neck like an extension of your body, and has a lot of little detail in the tips of the collar that pop against your skin,” Eden explains.

Other pieces in her private stash include the Insignia pendant necklace and ring, the latter a piece that she wears daily. “I literally have not taken it off my right hand—I love the weight,” she says.

And while many jewelry designs feel too dainty for Eden—“I’m five-eight and have big wrists,” she says—Realm pieces naturally complement her and her attire. “I feel regal when I wear Realm,” she says. “And, I’ve had a few people tell me that I look polished when I wear the jewelry, whether it’s in jeans and kimono top or a business suit.”

Temptations

Eden loves collecting Realm jewelry, but she’s also open to learning about other designers with equally sexy aesthetics. Here are 12 more pieces that could appeal to her obsession and keep her collecting.