Evan Yurman and Coralie Charriol: The Next Generation of Jewelry Designers

As the Baby Boom generation enters their silver years, work places around the world are seeing the inevitable shift of generations: the elders are retiring and the next generation is taking up the reins. Perhaps most obviously the change is being seen in Hollywood where actors like Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson are well into their silver years and starring in one major film per year combined while the younger, rising actors such as Joaquin Phoenix, Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Reese Witherspoon are taking over the Silver Screen. This changing of the guards is happening in almost every other sector of job market - even our politicians are young: 2008 Presidential Hopeful Barack Obama is only 46 years old.

The same is true for designer jewelry where young people are taking a strong lead in major luxury jewelry brands. Two such brands are David Yurman and Charriol. David Yurman's 25 year old son Evan Yurman has been the Director of David Yurman Men's Jewelry since the end of 2003 and in 2005 he launched a men's jewelry line. On the other hand, 30 year old Coralie Charriol, daughter of Philippe Charriol, President of Charriol, has been the creative director for the jewelry lines and the leather goods collection since 2001. Coralie began designing handbags as a college design assignment, and quickly moved into public relations for the company before settling into jewelry design and leather goods. These two young people are forging new paths in the luxury industry and doing with full confidence support from their fathers.

Their designs bring refreshing style reflecting their personalities and style preferences with the same long-standing tradition of their fathers. Evan Yurman altered his father's legacy of jewelry making with his emphasis on creating jewelry for men. David Yurman jewelry had focused on women's jewelry with the exception of men's cuff links. Evan's vision of jewelry had him designing for men and using previously unpopular materials such as titanium - luxury watches saw a surge in titanium cases several years ago. In addition, Evan's new collection features a 19th century stylistic twist applied to his father's iconic twisted cable design. Solid gold jewelry has been the focus of Coralie Charriol's designs with pieces delicately embellished with sparkling diamonds. Her leather goods collection highlights the cupid bow and arrow of the Charriol logo.

Following in the legendary footsteps of such prominent men in the luxury jewelry industry could be a daunting and stressful task for some people. However, Evan and Coralie appear more than amply prepared and they have the enduring passion for the art to sustain them. In fact, from an outsider's viewpoint, it seems as though they hardly notice that they are chief design directors for multi-billion companies. Rather, it appears they just continue to do their job with ease and fire.