IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW
Kia Schwan is an independent high jewelry Maison based in New York City, founded by Kia Schwaninger, a designer who specializes in creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for private clients. Known for her decades of experience designing at some of the world’s leading high jewelry brands, Kia’s eye for exquisite craftsmanship, color, proportion and stone artistry have made her bespoke creations a must-have for those in the know.
BRINGING PLACE VENDÔME TO NEW YORK
Raised in Switzerland, Kia’s love and deep fascination for jewelry started in early childhood and flourished into her high school years, when she apprenticed in a jewelry design studio during her studies abroad in Quito, Ecuador. The honing of her design and rendering skills continued in earnest at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she received a BFA in Jewelry & Metals. Kia eventually landed in New York City, where she apprenticed at Tiffany & Co., and eventually found her way to Place Vendôme, where she would spend 10 years designing high jewelry for Van Cleef & Arpels. After a few years in Paris, the Maison sent Kia to New York, to lead design and custom orders in their US workshop. In 2016, Kia joined Harry Winston as Design Director, where she oversaw the development of new high jewelry collections.
EXQUISITE DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP
Kia Schwan pieces have a distinct je ne sais quoi quality that is characteristic of a timeless high jewelry masterpiece. Each piece is lovingly, painstakingly designed to be beautiful from any angle, each stone carefully considered. Proportions and volume are meticulously adjusted, again and again, resulting in a perfect fit for the wearer. The combination of carved stones with bright faceted gems, elevates and brings contrast and modernity to centuries-old craft of high jewelry making. No detail is too small, every angle is crucial.
“Even after having worked with some of the world’s most renowned stones, I find a semi-translucent, juicy, lavender-colored, carved Chalcedony just as alluring as a flawless diamond. I’m also simply in love with Color, from the bright blue turquoise to the fiery red spinel to a deep green malachite. It’s about beautiful, alluring and well-crafted design for me that is harmonious and makes the wearer feel beautiful and powerful.”
