The thinking behind Ca & Lou, a two-year-old costume jewelry line
designed
by Carolina Neri and Bérengère Lux, is that looking like money
needn’t break
the bank. “We are not trying to imitate
real pieces, but
they’re so well made
that most people ask us if they’re fine jewelry,”
says Lux. Their Premiere ring, in silver or rose gold plate, is
embellished with Swarovski crystals and a rainbow of enamel choices; the
crystal-encrusted Snake bracelet, which comes in silver or gold, is fit
for a modern-day Cleopatra; and the Anne Contrarie ring, debuting for
fall, features Swarovski petals set in
silver or bronze. All of them,
Neri insists, have staying power: “Costume jewelry can sometimes fall
apart in three seasons. Our pieces can be worn year after year”
(saks.com; $300 to $1,500).Illustration by Stina Persson
