Lady LUX

After studying anthropology at Boston University and traveling all over Southeast Asia, Becky Hosmer found a love for everything exotic, especially—handmade Balinese jewelry. Without any formal design training, Hosmer has become the well-known jewelry designer behind Anna Beck Designs.

“I was passionate about travel and other cultures, which inspired me to travel to Southeast Asia and eventually I found my way to Bali where I now live and do my design and production. I had some experience working with other jewelry designers and, when I traveled to Bali, I thought I would experiment on my own. I intended to create pieces for myself and my friends, but others were interested and it unfolded from there,” Hosmer said to LadyLUX.

via Anna Beck

Hosmer caught the design bug and embarked on created her own jewelry empire of lavish, affordable and timeless rings, necklaces, earrings and cuffs. She began by crafting her own personal pieces and launched her first jewelry collection and brand in 2003. Anna Beck gained a reliable source of customers and recognition when Nordstrom became the first retailer to buy pieces for its department stores. To keep learning new techniques and designs, Hosmer resides in Bali to oversee production, while the administrative offices in Los Angeles are supported and managed by her sister, Rachel.

This contemporary jewelry line uses one of the oldest jewelry making techniques in the Far East. All pieces are handcrafted on the island of Bali and layered with tiny gold or silver disks. Each tiny disk of precious metal is individually cut and affixed to the metal base by local artisans. Each style is made using one or more native Balinese techniques. Some special techniques take a few days to complete, such as the gold plating and finishing process.

via Anna Beck

“All of the pieces that we create in Bali are one hundred percent handmade. We create every piece with an intricate process called squashed granulation. It's our signature style that involves hand placing each dot on the base of the silver and gives each piece a very ancient and unusual look. I continually hear that it looks very expensive, but is very affordable considering the quality and the fact that it's all hand made,” revealed Hosmer.

All Anna Beck collections are classy, striking and evoke a very distinct feeling. The jewelry possesses an ancient look combined with a modern feel. The “Timor” collection is inspired by the intricate hand-woven textiles of the Timorese people. “Lombok” jewelry pieces replicate lines and patterns of the tropical beauty found on this stunning island. The edgy designs of the “Java” collection combine symbols from the island’s ancient temples with a modern rock-and-roll flare. The original collection, “Bali,” reflects the essence of the Indonesian island and the importance of beauty through balance. The “Gili” layered wire border adds a touch of sophisticated detail and casual elegance to each piece.

“I just launched the Gili Pink Fuchsia chalcedony collection that was inspired by my travels to India and the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur. Fuchsia is a common color in this region of India and I completely fell in love with the abundance of bright colors and beautiful local women adorned in pink saris. This collection features vibrant pink stones and is the most colorful collection I've ever designed,” Hosmer said.

via Anna Beck

The Anna Beck line has attracted significant attention from fans, fashion icons and even celebrities. Drew Barrymore has been spotted wearing the “Bali” 40-inch multi-ring necklace; Jessica Biel owns the “Gili” gold plated drop earrings; Oprah Winfrey handpicked the detailed and gold plated “Lombok” drop earrings; Lucy Liu chose the “Bali” gold plated saddle ring; and Kate Bosworth was spotted sporting some “Bali” gold plated multiple drop earrings.

“The Anna Beck woman is very diverse. I've seen an amazing range in terms of the style as well as the age of our customers. I've seen a trend of an older sophisticated woman that has the income to buy expensive jewelry that tends to gravitate towards Anna Beck. I also see young college-aged women that are Anna Beck fans. The age range seems to be from early twenties up until women in their late sixties,” Hosmer said.

Hosmer is continuously fascinated by the colorful and spiritual Balinese people and culture which inspires more jewelry designs. She always maintains a well-defined jewelry line but still searches for ways to add more beautiful pieces and enhance Anna Beck Designs.

“I am in the process of designing about four different ranges, but one that I'm the most excited about is a lapis and turquoise collection with big raw stones. It's super organic and also very feminine,” she ended.

Anna Beck is sold at Nordstrom and in boutiques across the country. To view all Anna Beck Design jewelry collections, visit www.AnnaBeck.com.

Tagged in: lux exclusives, jewelry, bali, becky hosmer, gili, balinese jewelry, timor, handcrafted, anna beck designs, lompok,

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