The Aussie Jewelry Designers Who Have New York Buzzing
The Aussie Jewelry Designers Who Have New York Buzzing
EREDE's founders talk diamonds, poker, Ponti and Paris.
Remember when I told you the last time I met a friend at La Mercerie, she showed up fresh-faced in the most fabulous white shirt? That friend was Talia Shuvalov-Levy, who casually pulled out a jewelry tray over oysters and orange wine. Nearby tables looked on, distracted by the glint of diamonds and her charming Aussie accent.
That day, I fell in love with an 18k recycled gold signet ring from her line EREDE, which she co-founded with her Sydney-based friend Jeramie Hotz. The meticulous attention to detail was immediately evident, down to the 2.5-carat diamond — just flawless. Crafted by hand in New York, their focus is clearly on maintaining the highest quality standards, which is impressive considering they also preserve an ethical supply chain.
And the word is out about EREDE. Forgive me for the obnoxious name-drops, but credit where due: two weeks ago in the Hamptons, I was at a really well-done party at Molly Simm’s house (h/t Mimi Brown). Impressively, she had Adina Reyter set up in her foyer so guests could bead little keychains, and one of Adina’s girls immediately clocked my ring. “Oh! I love that ring,” She said. “EREDE? I’ve been coveting it on Moda!” An hour later, a certain Real Housewife of New York honed in on it, too. “Who makes that?” She asked. “I saw it online, and now I think I need it.”
No surprise, Jeramie and Talia are both wildly chic. I knew I wanted them for our Designer Dossier the second we met. I love delving into the taste that informs the thinking of designers like them — I always pick up an excellent museum tip, a new album to listen to, or some smart business advice.
JG: Tell me something about your background that’s not in your website bio.
Talia: I once ranked 17th in New South Wales for poker.
Jeramie: My dad dated Talia’s mom; we’ve always believed we’re sisters.
Poker?? Ha! You’re not doing anything to dissuade the stereotype that Australians are loads of fun. Talia, I have nearly stolen the shirt off your back more than once; you both have such incredible style. How would you describe it?
TL: I am a vintage lover with minimal style but with a twist. Black and earth tones are the foundation of my wardrobe.
JH: I'm all about classic styles with unique construction and the perfect fit.
I know you both have quite the fashion pedigree. Publishing! Production! Stints at Narciso Rodriguez, Opening Ceremony, Dion Lee, AREA NYC, and Alexander Wang! So why jewelry?
JH: What better way to build your jewelry collection than by starting your own brand? This way, you get to design all the pieces you’ve been dreaming of—call it ‘market research.’ Our passion for jewelry has always driven us to compare collections and purchases. After years of curating and selling vintage jewelry, launching our own line seemed like the perfect next step. It lets us explore a new craft through our fashion and industrial design backgrounds.
I love the heft of your pieces. The lab-grown diamonds you use are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen. Can you explain the nuance in lab-grown diamond grades?
TL: There are several methods for creating lab-grown diamonds, with high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) being the most common. We exclusively use CVD and VVS (very, very slightly included — considered one of the highest clarity grades) lab diamonds for their superior clarity and color.
Clarity in lab-grown diamonds varies by method: HPHT diamonds may have a slight tint and metallic inclusions, while CVD diamonds are closer to colorless and typically have fewer, less noticeable inclusions. The controlled environment of CVD production allows for high clarity, often surpassing that of natural diamonds.
JH: CVD diamonds also benefit from precise cutting due to better control over the rough diamond’s shape. This leads to excellent symmetry and polish, which enhances brilliance. CVD diamonds are tested as genuine and are indistinguishable from natural diamonds without a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate. They are graded by the same institutions, with certificates clearly stating that they are lab-grown.
The last time I saw you, we were at your showroom, which you share with your besties at Fforme. The stark modernity of the space feels very New York. How does the city influence your work?
TL: Our happy place is the workshop, where we collaborate with our jewelers and CAD artists to perfect our designs. Access to New York's Diamond District allows us to design in-depth and make quick, instinctual decisions directly influencing the final product.
How would you describe the style of the women who live here in New York?
TL: Dynamic, diverse, effortless, and confident. Style here is instinctual—It’s about looking like you didn’t try—while trying just enough.
Okay, so translate that to your own personal style. What’s your go-to look for going out to dinner?
TL: Vintage jeans, vintage Manolo Blahnik kitten heels from Poshmark for $45 that I’m endlessly proud of, and a shirt by The Row.
JH: a Matin draped boxy shirt paired with Matin flared pants, Dries Van Noten cut-out sandals, a Vintage Emanuel Ungaro jacket, and a black velvet Attersee Brea bag.
Chic! I’ve been eyeing one of those Attersee bags for a year, I need to just do it. Where are you wearing this? What’s your favorite local restaurant?
TL: Fradei in Brooklyn is our favorite girl’s date night. The wine is delicious and pairs perfectly with their agnolotti of the day.
I think one of the best things about living in New York is access to the incredible art scene. Have you seen any inspiring exhibits lately?
JH: Always a visit uptown to Emma Scully Gallery; she always has a really beautiful curation on show. The Cini Boeri Exhibition of her work during Milan Saloni di Mobile at the Triennale was amazing as was visiting the Le Corbusier villa in Zurich recently. We draw huge inspiration from Cini and her contemporaries like Gae Aulenti and Gio Ponti.
What's coming up on your travel docket?
TL: we’re taking a family trip to Turks and Caicos and a girls’ weekend in Paris, which will definitely include a vintage jewelry sourcing adventure.
JH: Tokyo for a sourcing trip!
Paris, Tokyo, Turks! What are you packing?
TL: Essentials. Vintage denim, Bottega and Alaïa trousers, The Row shirts, and a few vintage blazers. I like to keep my jewelry light when I travel, but I always bring my Erede Delta Trio ring, designed for another client. I loved it so much that I reset my engagement stones in the setting. I will also pack our new Delta Stud earrings, which launched online this morning! They’re statement pieces that work day to night but aren’t too over-the-top for wearing on a plane. Finally, my Axle sapphire pinky ring, featuring my grandmother’s sapphire from her wedding ring, set in one of our designs.
JH: Very little.
Let’s go back a little. Tell me about launching your line. And then talk about where you see it going in 2025.
TL: Launching our line has been an exciting journey, blending creativity, precision, and passion. We’ve spent years building partnerships and feel fortunate to work with some of the world’s best jewelers who use exclusively certified recycled gold. With several exciting collaborations underway, we’re expanding our brand’s language and aesthetic through new jewelry collections and other upcoming products. We’re also beginning to explore reclaimed natural diamonds, which is an exciting next step for us.
I see diamonds in my future shopping cart, probably those new Delta Studs. Obsessed. What's in your cart right now?
TL: A 1980s Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. 18-karat yellow gold and platinum dome ring, a Bulgari vintage 18-karat yellow ‘snail’ gas lighter, and a pair of vintage Alaïa shearling gloves for winter.
Talia that lighter is so you. Jeramie, what about you? What’s in your cart?
JH: A 1970s Georges Lenfant for Cartier Yellow Gold Aries Zodiac Pendant that I’ve been eyeing for years and a Cartier 1968 Dinh Van 18kt Gold Geometric Ring with a Red Tourmaline.
Predictably, you both have an incredible eye. But what do you think is the most important aspect of running your business?
JH: It is crucial to stay true to our mission and design aesthetic and ensure our jewelry is of the highest possible quality. Each piece is crafted with integrity and longevity in mind, intended to outlive the buyer. We meticulously consider every detail in the design and production process to ensure that our jewelry meets and exceeds expectations, creating pieces that hold their value and beauty for years to come.
You’re invited to a dinner party. What gift are you bringing the host?
TL: Depending on the host, I love to bring the edibles and fresh cheese from the market for dessert.
JH: A bottle of wine or champagne and freshly baked loaf of bread (depending on their gluten tolerances), and I'll usually make something for the host. I was recently given a serving set from Sabre which I loved.
Edibles, cheese, and bubbles! Please remind me to invite y’all to my next dinner party. Hosting and entertaining is a reliable way for me to overcome a creative block. What about you?
TL: I like a sound bath, meditation, and distraction through reading a favorite book.
JH: For me, it’s cooking for my family… or a dive in the ocean.
I love to meld minds with other people. It always gives me a fresh perspective when I’m stuck or need to break out of a rut. Who do you two love to collaborate with?
TL: We love collaborating with Victoria at The Stax. She’s been an incredible support for our brand, has fantastic taste in jewelry, and knows how to have a good time. What more could we ask for?
JH: Actuel Studio in Australia has been fantastic to work with on our campaigns and art direction. They’ve been with us from the start and have played a key role in shaping our brand and bringing our vision to life.
I love Victoria, too! What's the best advice about friendship you ever received?
TL: A true friend will never judge you for your weird habits, but they might record them for posterity.
So true. A friend will bail you out of jail, but a best friend will be in there with you. What about business? Any advice there? What about for someone who finds entrepreneurship difficult or lonely?
JH: The best advice on making business decisions is to sleep on it. Seek mentorship or find a partner who shares your vision and complements you. While partnerships come with challenges, they are often the most rewarding form of entrepreneurship and lead to a more nuanced and thoughtful approach.
TL: We believe staying curious and continually learning is crucial for success. Expanding your knowledge, whether through books, courses, or workshops, can reinvigorate your passion and provide new strategies for overcoming challenges.
You’re both stunning. Could you drop us a beauty secret?
TL: Ha! I’ve been told this is the weirdest thing I do, but I apply my makeup before I shower if I’m not washing my hair. The steam from the shower helps the makeup set, giving it a dewy and glowy finish.
Wait, Talia… that is genius. It makes complete sense to me — my skin always looks great in humid climates! Same logic applies. What about you, Jeramie?
JH: I stole this from Talia and now swear by it. Wearing and reapplying sunscreen on an airplane is incredibly important. The sun's rays are stronger at higher altitudes, and airplanes do not protect from harmful UV rays.
YES. I always tell people to wear sunscreen indoors when they sit at windows and apply it to their hands when they drive. It’s crazy to me how all these TikTok sunscreen truthers are out there now. People will vilify anything for a rage bait click. Speaking of! Drop an unpopular opinion/hot take.
JH: Spending a month’s rent on a necklace is actually a smart investment in your personal happiness.
No argument there. I have the jewelry collection to prove it. What do you two collect? Why?
JH: The obvious answer is jewelry. We collect pieces that hold meaning and represent moments in time. Our grandmothers both collected jewelry, a habit passed down to our mothers and eventually to us.
TL: We also love collecting vintage lighters and pens. These items frequently showcase the artistry and engineering of past decades. Just as the best jewelry reflects exceptional craftsmanship, vintage lighters, and pens inspire us with their intricate designs, textures, and meticulous attention to detail. We appreciate the skill that went into creating these objects and find joy in owning and preserving examples of historical engineering.
The last question is the same one I ask everyone when I end these interviews. Describe your perfect Sunday.
TL: Morning cuddles, a stroll in the park, and a trip to the Brooklyn Museum kick off my Sundays. We make pasta from scratch and watch the kids race around on their bikes. But if I'm being honest, the ultimate Sunday really involves an afternoon nap.
JH: Sunday is our only slow morning, our day to chill and be entirely with the children. It usually entails a gallery visit followed by yum cha.
Tear Sheet
Website: eredeofficial.com
Instagram: @eredeofficial
On rotation: Sade, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, Nils Frahm, Deodato
Recent viewing: Slow Horses — we love a good espionage thriller.
Current IG girl crush: Talia: Juliana Salazar because she effortlessly blends authenticity with style, making her content relatable and aspirational. Jeramie: Paulina Paige Ortega because she's low-key, cool, chic, and talented.
Currently reading: Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act and Jan Verwoert’s Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want, explore the complex dynamics of desire, value, and authenticity in the creative process.
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