Photo Courtesy of Sara Riff
There are some people who can walk into a meeting wearing a casual white button down shirt and jeans, topped off with a show stopping diamond necklace and make it look completely natural. Sara Riff is one of those people — seemingly born with a glamour gene where gorgeous jewelry adorns her in an entirely effortless manner.
So it’s no wonder that besides being the director of VIP and celebrity relations for Jimmy Choo for nearly a decade, Riff is also a jewelry aficionado with impeccable taste and a budding collection of timeless and of course, glamorous, pieces.
Steeped in the red carpet and celebrity world, Riff has seen some of the most incredible accessories pass her desk and through her work, has been able to hone an eye for the truly exquisite.
Here, the awards season insider shares the story behind her most coveted pieces as well as a few of her all time favorite red carpet jewelry moments.
Have you always loved jewelry? Was there a defining moment or piece that you remember cementing your passion for it?
I’ve ALWAYS loved jewelry, its innate. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t admire or covet jewelry. I think being adorned is the best thing ever.
What are a few of your favorite pieces or the one piece you especially covet and why?
I love all of my beautiful pieces by Anita Ko. I have the whole cougar collection (earrings, necklace and ring) because I think it’s all so beautiful. I also adore my double leaf ring that she designed. I have a very special gold necklace that I literally stole off my aunt’s neck at a wedding (no one is safe) and of course my wedding ring.
Who are your favorite jewelry designers?
Anita Ko, Irene Neuwirth, Jennifer Meyer, Bulgari, JAR, Delfina Delletrez, Repossi, Taffin.
What is your approach to buying or selecting jewelry? Do you love a certain stone, era or feeling? Do you think about pieces to pass down to your daughter one day?
I could select jewelry all day long but sometimes buying it is another story. I love estate pieces that feel rich with history…I love imagining the lives that the jewelry has seen. I like old European cuts and super over the top stuff. My daughter is already a jewelry fiend too so I’m in trouble.
As an Awards Season Insider, who are you most excited to see at the Oscars?
Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and of course Jennifer Lopez, my spirit animal.
Do you have any memorable red carpet jewelry moments on celebs that come to mind?
I still love Eva Mendes in the white Dior gown with the Van Cleef and Arpels turquoise necklace and Naomi Watts in the Bulgari snake necklace with the yellow Gucci gown.
