Statement Pieces: Two of Miami's Top Jewelry Designers

October 3, 2008 2:55 PM
by Bridgette Prentice

Picture the scene; it’s around 11:30 p.m. on a typical Saturday. You’re rushing around getting ready for another crazy night out with friends. Your hair is coifed, your makeup is light and precise or dark and dangerous. Your outfit is tight. Now as you scramble to finish you must find the perfect accessories. All of this while still trying not to look like you spent hours getting ready, but rather like it came naturally. It’s easy to put on a great shirt with a stretchy pair of jeans or mini skirt and look ok, but it’s the last minute touches that make a difference.

It’s these added accessories that set you apart from the crowd. There is nothing better then going to an obscure jewelry boutique, discovering a creative new designer and finding a unique necklace, loud cuff, exaggerated ring or one-of-a-kind earrings to make your look a ‘statement’. At CoolJunkie we did just that. We found two talented, relatively new jewelry designers native to Miami: Michael Saiger and Krystal Sasso.

Michael Saiger is the Creative Director of his accessories line Miansai. The name is a word play on his first, middle and last name. If ever there was a designer who “stumbled” upon his craft, it would be Michael. Saiger was born in New York, but it was here in Miami that he met his past girlfriend who first introduced him to jewelry making and beading. After more and more of his friends wanted the creations he decided to start selling his personal pieces. Today he’s a fully fledged men’s jewelry line. In his own words, “Jewelry that embraces tough, retro-military inspiration with fine metals.”

Miansai’s pieces are so original due to the fact that they are antique objects and old war relics or industrial finds. Saiger designs simple pieces with great impact. One of his most popular creations is a bracelet on a leather string with an old war bullet. He also uses rosaries and switches out the crosses for bullets, dog tags and other wearable pieces of art. Every piece is handmade and antique. His jewelry is marketed toward the male consumer, but would look just as good on the girls. They’re sold at Base on Lincoln Road and the Delano Hotel in Miami, along with Kitson in LA. His designs are exceptional and will compliment any outfit.

Now this one’s for the girls! Krystal Sasso is a well traveled, native Miami designer. Though her company is two years young, her experience is not. After studying design in Florence, Italy she graduated only to travel some more. Her travels around the world have greatly influenced her designs and ideas. Krystal, like Michael, began designing and creating in her spare time. One day while shopping in a local boutique Krystal was approached by the store owner, who inquired about her jewelry. Sasso explained she had made it and soon after the store owner placed an order. The pieces sold out after three weeks. Krystal describes her line as, “Exclusive pieces with bright colored stones that reflect my upbeat and positive personality.”

The line is a combination of mixed textures and different elements to create unique looks. Some are loud, with raw crystals and hard metal; others are softer combinations of pearls and precious stones. Recently the line was used to accessorize the Milly Spring 2009 runway show at Bryant Park during New York Fashion week. Sasso explains, “I made several pieces to compliment her Moroccan 70’s Talibtha Getty inspiration. It was an honor and heart stopping moment to see my designs come down the runway.” Sasso’s designs can be found throughout Florida in stores like Vigi of South Miami, Barbara Katz boutique in Boca and Love Shack in Delray, just to name a few.

Saiger and Sasso are two very different accessory designers, but each have distinctive pieces of jewelry, great drive and talents far too big for just one city. So, next time you pair that same old tight tee with your favorite “going-out” jeans remember these two designers and their creations that you just bought.