Mark Patterson Wins Diamond Empowerment Fund redesign

Corona del Mar based jewelry designer Mark Patterson just won the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s bracelet redesign contest. Last year, a competition was announced to give designers a shot at redesigning the iconic DEF bracelet, known as the Green Bracelet.

Design entries had to be unisex, include at least one Kimberley Process-compliant diamond, contain the color green and must be priced at $125 retail.

Patterson collaborated with his wife Josette, a sculptor and ceramic artist, on a new bracelet design in two sizes on an adjustable braided leather cord with a gold-plated diamond-shaped charm. The charm is reversible; on one side is DEF’s tagline: “Diamonds Do Good,” while the other is set with a polished white diamond that is Kimberley Process certified.

The key element was making the design reversible so that the inspiration message could be private or a public statement to do good.

Patterson slipped a slice of chrysoprase into the charm, fulfilling the need for the bracelet to have a green element while also paying homage to the land where the bracelet is being manufactured, China. Patterson used the slice, or “shard,” of chrysoprase as a nod specifically to Jingdizhen, China, the town where porcelain was first fired some 2,000 years ago.

The new Green Bracelet will be available on DiamondsDoGood at $125 beginning in September.

Mark Patterson is at 3425 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. 949.612.8505.