A lustrous and interactive smooth grained leather, Gemma uses a micro perforation technique to embed metallic foil into the surface. Gemma, which means gemstone in Italian, is like its namesake derivation in that the surface interest is created out of its interaction with light—it shimmers in direct light and subtly glows in more diffuse surroundings. Gemma has a quality of movement that is ever changing based on the perspective and angle from which it is viewed.
Created in collaboration with jewelry designer, Cresta Bledsoe, Gemma features colors including classic, neutral silver and gold all the way to bold hot pink and periwinkle, creating a playful, contemporary spectrum. Best known for her published and award-winning commercial interiors, textile, product, and furniture designs, Cresta Bledsoe turned her love of materials and form into a refined jewelry line that references her interiors background with architectural pieces that have multi-use designs, planar lines, and a pared down aesthetic.
Cresta Bledsoe’s nomadic childhood took her to both coasts of the states and abroad, which not only sparked her curiosity and passion for leaving no stone unturned, but set a path for her life of constant travel and a love of cultures. She received a Bachelor in Interior Design from Louisiana State University and studied product and space design at Institut DʼArts Visuels in France. She was the Director of Design Strategies at Constantine for five years until, upon Milliken acquiring Constantine, she consulted on collections to merge the two companies. She ultimately took a role of Global Creative Director with Milliken.