2 hours ago
1
Monica Rich Kosann knows a thing or two about picture-perfect accessories.
Before launching her namesake jewelry line known for its customizable, luxe lockets, she worked as a high-profile photographer, snapping intimate family photos for everyone from Usher to Jennifer Lopez.
“You really get to know these people because you see them kind of with their shields off … with their armor down, because they’re within their personal space,” Kosann tells Page Six Style.
But when she started gifting her clients photos in vintage lockets in the early 2000s — and saw the instant enthusiasm on their faces — an unexpected jewelry career was born.
“The lockets that were out there [at the time] were really boring, and I thought lockets were the sexiest piece of jewelry a woman could wear because they held her secrets,” she recalls of launching her line.
20 years later, while the contents of stars’ lockets still remains a secret, their love for the brand is anything but. While Katie Holmes was among the first to wear the label’s lockets in the mid-aughts, these days famous fans also include Halle Berry, Jennifer Garner, Allison Williams and Kelly Clarkson — the latter of whom even layered three Monica Rich Kosann necklaces on her “Chemistry” album cover.
Meanwhile, Demi Moore loves the pavé Rae Locket so much, she bought it in “three or four different colors,” according to Kosann.
Monica Rich Kosann Slim Rae Sterling Silver Locket Necklace
Monica Rich Kosann Monica Rich Kosann Heart Locket Necklace
Monica Rich KosannAnd Sarah Jessica Parker’s proved the baubles makes great gifts; her husband, Matthew Broderick, purchased the Heart Locket Necklace for her, and she recently wore it in a New York magazine spread.
“I did love working with Sarah Jessica Parker’s husband, he’s a doll,” the designer tells us. “He’s exactly what you would think he is: down to earth.”
While the brand’s “little secret message holders” have also appeared in movies and TV shows like “Bridgerton,” stars are tempted to take them home from set; Nicole Kidman loved the custom Monica Rich Kosann charm necklace she wore in “Babygirl” so much, she “asked if she could have it” after filming.
Usher’s still supporting Kosann these days too, as the pair teamed up on a shield design engraved with the word “Fearless,” in reference to one of his tattoos. (“He wanted it to be inspired by medieval times, and he wanted it to be like his daily armor,” she recalls.)
Kelly Clarkson wore not one, but three Monica Rich Kosann pieces on her “Chemistry” album cover. Atlantic Records
“Ginny & Georgia” star Antonia Gentry is also a fan of the brand. monicarichkosann/InstagramAs for why stars are so aligned on her pieces? “The locket is almost like home in a way, so if you’re a celebrity and you’re going on a press tour and you’re going all over the place, it’s kind of nice,” she theorizes.
Despite Kosann’s high-profile clientele, however, not every piece she designs will run you thousands of dollars; more affordable pieces include the classic, bestselling Viv Locket and the vintage-inspired Sunburst Locket.
After all, while she may be a Hollywood hit, the former photographer is always thinking about the bigger picture with her “emotional, sentimental” designs.
“Whether you’re buying a sterling silver locket or you’re buying an over-the-top diamond ring, I think all of our pieces say something [about] personal emotions and the things that inspire all of us, no matter who we are,” she says.
Below, shop more of her favorites:
Monica Rich Kosann Points North Sterling Silver Cuff
Monica Rich Kosann“It borrows from the iconography of the compass. The arrows are pointing to your true north … It’s kind of there to guide you subliminally.”
Monica Rich Kosann Perseverance Fish Rings
Monica Rich Kosann“I wear two of them every day. The perseverance fish are all about moving forward and not getting stuck in the past.”
Monica Rich Kosann Secret Garden Heart Locket Necklace
Monica Rich Kosann“I love the Secret Garden Locket because it’s a heart, and it has diamonds, pink sapphires and emeralds on it. I think that’s so special.”
Monica Rich Kosann “She Is Fierce” Sterling Silver Necklace
Monica Rich Kosann“We have a new charm that people have been loving. It says, ‘Though she be but little, she is fierce.’ It’s from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,” and it has a little diamond hummingbird [on it].”
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor for Page Six. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.
English (US)