Layers of meaning, beauty, and rich history are woven together in the new H1856 line from Hale’s Jewelers: striking, shining, modern jewelry pieces that reflect both the brand’s spirit of innovation and commitment to legacy. Inspired by the Victorian hair jewelry that sustained Hale’s during the Civil War and the Great Depression—such as keepsake jewelry made from braided locks of hair, plaited flat with pearls—H1856 includes three unique collections: Heritage, Illumination, and Crescent.
The portfolio reflects time-consuming, intricate details that simply can’t be mass-produced. Pieces have a weighted feel that rests against your skin with intention, evidence of both quality craftsmanship and precious metals. Over the course of a few months, designer Shannon Waters collaborated with colleague Matthew Campbell to turn sketched ideas into reality.
“All [of these] materials are either sterling silver, 18 karat yellow, 14 karat yellow, or 14 karat white gold,” says Waters, who led the charge to translate Hale’s history into this contemporary collection. “We have our own North American atelier, where everything is done ‘in one house,’ so to speak: from the casting process to setting the stones. They use 100 percent recycled precious metals, and our craftsmen and their process are among the very best of the best.”
The Illumination Collect at Hale’s Jewelers
The Illumination Collection was inspired by the pendant lighting in the beautiful new Hale’s location on Verdae Boulevard, and designs in the collection tend to roll gently when worn, casting light as if alive. Two favorite pieces in the Heritage Collection are a necklace and matching earrings that resemble understated links, a beautiful reimagining of the braided hair heirlooms that link history to the present. And the Crescent Collection boasts bezel-set sapphire and diamond designs that are inspired by the South Carolina flag and crescent moon.
H1856 shines with different styles and aesthetics for every age group, from formal to everyday elegance, and Waters is quick to encourage customers to make the jewelry their own. “You can mix between yellow gold and sterling silver, change the stone, customize the piece.”
“When we’re happy with a piece, we know it’s ready—but we also do a bit of a trial run, wearing the piece to make sure it functions the way that it should,” notes Waters. These efforts have resulted in exquisite design details, such as cylindrical earrings in the Illumination collection being flattened to semi-circles to lay more perfectly against the skin.
“Once people try them on, they usually take them home,” Waters says. “It’s inspired by our past, but still modern. These pieces are a glance at our future.”
H1856: The Collections
Heritage Braid Collection – an homage to historic lockets and chains
Crescent Collection – inspired by the South Carolina flag
Illumination Collection – encapsulating the Hale’s aesthetic
Hale’s Jewelers, 761 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, halesjewelers.com
