WARM, BUBBLY AND BIZZARE: EARRINGS BY NICHOLAS VARNEY
The idea hovered and shimmered delicately, like a soap bubble, and she dared not even look at it directly in case it burst. But she was familiar with the way of ideas, and she let it shimmer, looking away, thinking about something else.
Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass
His artistry goes beyond jewelry. It is a harmony of dreams, the symphony of passions, and an alchemy of elements, woven into wearable tales that capture the essence of the human spirit and echo the myriad hues of life and nature.
Nicholas Varney's creative journey is as dazzling as the pieces he creates.
In his early 20s, as a professional baseball player, Nicholas tasted every boy’s fantasy, but within him, the creative embers of design were kindling.
Design runs through Nicholas’ veins. His mother, Suzanne, was an eminent textile designer, while his father, Carleton Varney, a celebrated interior designer, lent his magic touch to White House interiors during the Carter, Clinton, and Bush administrations, Nicholas’ artistic genes were evident.
I try different things. If they work, they work. If not, I'll toss it aside and try something else.
Nicholas Varney in an interview to Palm Beach Daily News
At the age of 23, Nicholas made a life-altering choice, enrolling at the Gemological Institute of America's school in Italy. After graduation, wanderlust took him around the globe, soaking in inspiration for his future masterpieces.
Today, Nicholas, together with his wife Victoria and son Bowie, is planting both business and familial roots in Palm Beach. This idyllic and colorful location aligns with his zest for sunshine, surfing, and serenity.
Nicholas Varney has carved out a distinguished space in the jewelry industry. Among his achievements, he was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, named by Forbes as one of the “Five Jewelers Working Today That You Will Be Collecting Tomorrow”, and was the spotlighted designer at the Carnegie Museum's Gem and Mineral exhibit. Besides, he holds the distinction of being the only American featured in Juliet Weir de la Rochefoucauld’s book 21st Century Jewelry Designers: An Inspired Style.
The two stones that I use most are natural pearls and agate (I would consider those to be non-traditional). They appear in the vast majority of my recent work. We also work with chicken eggshells that I source from my own chickens on my farm in Dutchess County, New York.
Nicholas Varney in an interview with Naples Illustrated
The uniqueness of Nicholas Varney's creations is spellbinding, blending traditional materials with unconventional ones like eggshells from brown eggs laid by the Rhode Island Red hens at his farm in New York.
Having honed his artistic inclinations through drawing, Nicholas has evolved into a masterful creator, blending sophistication with a touch of whimsy. Nature, in its raw beauty, and the art of juxtaposition serve as the cornerstones of his inspiration.
Where art and soul meld, a transcendent bond is created, which goes far beyond the material.
The whimsical, bubbly, borderline awkward shapes and warm colors of Nicholas Varney's diamond and pearl earrings feel close to nature, resonating with his idea that jewelry is the most expressive ornament a woman can wear.
Beautiful portrait by Jacqueline Ostermann.
