DALLAS, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The
American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) releases an exclusive
interview with The Talk Host and Dancing With The Stars
judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, who
graces the cover of jewelry industry magazines wearing 2019 AGTA
Spectrum Awards™ Winning Collection jewelry shot by world-renowned
photographer, Brian Bowen Smith.
Given her love of artistic fine jewelry, Carrie Ann Inaba was an ideal model for this
year's American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum and Cutting
Edge Awards™ photo shoot.
"It was an honor to wear one-of-a-kind works that were created
by craftsmen," she reveals in an interview with AGTA.
For sure, jewelry is integral to Inaba's self-expression and
heritage. The Hawaiian-born dancer, choreographer, actress, and
television personality recalls the staple of every girl on the
islands: 24K gold and Jade bracelets
featuring their Hawaiian names. "That's a tradition," she explains
of her upbringing in the Aloha State.
As her skills as a performer strengthened, so too did Inaba's
affection for jewelry. Memories of her mother's gold and Diamond
necklaces stuck with her through teen talent competitions and song
releases in Tokyo (where she lived
for two years – Inaba is part Japanese), hitching a
mental ride back with her to the States when she relocated again to
pursue a career in entertainment. It was in California where she studied choreography and
fell in love with dancing, a passion on full display in spots on
In Living Color, as a dancer on tour with Madonna, and in
myriad appearances on awards shows and in working with other
artists.
Stylist Tod Hallman, a fixture on
every AGTA set, confirmed firsthand knowledge of Inaba's devotion
to dance. "She was full of energy and wanted to be expressive," he
says of dressing her. From a ball gown to a jacket-and-pants combo
to a one-shouldered floral frock, Inaba couldn't remain motionless
in any of Hallman's outfits.
"I told her, 'I need you to stand still a little bit to get the
shot,'" he laughs in retrospect. "Some talent can be stiff, but she
was ready to move!"
Of course, that ability is why she is best known for her role on
ABC's Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). The 28-season
veteran is frequently shown sitting behind a long judge's table
where she and her peers watch performances, making accessories
integral to conveying a compelling look.
"The jewelry choice has often been more important than the dress
choice, as what you see when I am in the judge's seat is really
from the waist up," she explains about dressing for the show.
For that reason, Inaba and her DWTS team aim to create
drama through jewelry selections. Think pieces with colored stones
("My favorite are deep green," she reveals) or Diamonds in either
super simple silhouettes or graphic ones. "Nothing really ornate
unless it's paired with a simple dress where you let the jewelry be
a highlight," she says.
Meanwhile, she reserves brightly colored jewels – some in subtle
profiles – for wear on her CBS daytime program The Talk for
their silent stamina. "I like to add energy through the jewelry I
choose," she says.
In daily life, accessorizing is one of Inaba's favorite
activities. "I love a great statement ring or earrings," she says.
"My stylist always teases me, as the one thing I always do is
accessorize, even before I come to work."
As for colors and style, warm hues of rose and yellow gold (just
like her mom) are among her faves, as is black Tourmaline – "It's
the crystal I wear the most," she says. Then there's Turquoise:
"It's a stone that looks good with white, yellow, or pink," she
observes.
Inaba also likes hoop earrings and – not surprisingly – jewels
that move and sway with her own graceful and constant motion.
"I like small gold earrings that have parts that move," she
adds. "My choice of jewelry is like stylization of a move. Jewelry
adds the special flare – similar to how I create choreography in
dance – and can subtly tell the eyes where to go."
Artistry is equally important. "When I am on location, I love to
go shopping in boutiques," she says. "Seeing pieces created to be
art is special since I am an artist myself."
Inaba certainly brought this appreciation of design to the AGTA
set. "The shoot had beautiful fine pieces," she recollects. "It was
a special feeling to wear living art."
The Ice Butterfly pin and pendant by Evy
Edelman of Designs by Evy struck a particular chord. Perched
on the wide lapel of a black double-breasted sequin blazer, the
sprawling insect set in 18K white
gold featured carved white Jadeite wings, Emeralds, Diamonds, and
Tourmalines, and a white freshwater baroque Pearl positioned as a
lustrous crown. The jewel took an Honorable Mention in the Bridal
Wear division of the Spectrum Awards.
"It had beautiful details," Inaba recalls.
The jewel was doubly important for its meaning. "I just started
a production company with the word 'monarch' in it because the
monarch butterfly represents transformation," she says.
Opals, too, spoke to Inaba – a fact confirmed by Kami Swinney, AGTA Operations Manager. "She was
really into the Opals she wore in the blue dress," says
Swinney, who was also on set. The dress? A shimmering navy
off-the-shoulder gown by Theia. The jewels? A feathery-looking
necklace featuring a 49.80 ct. boulder Opal in 18K white gold with blue Sapphires, tsavorite
Garnets, and Diamonds with matching earrings by Tanja Schuetz of DuftyWeis Opals, Inc. The
necklace took First Place in Evening Wear.
"I really loved the large stone necklace," says Inaba. "The
artistry was so impressive in all the pieces. You could see the
care and detail that went into making them."
For further information regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards™,
contact Kami Swinney at (800) 972-1162 or visit the AGTA
website at www.agta.org.
The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit
Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl
industry since 1981. Headquartered
in Dallas, Texas, The AGTA serves the industry as "The
Authority in Color."
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SOURCE American Gem Trade Association