Photo: Seng Chen

Jewelry maven Hovey Lee’s designs trigger the sort of memories that remind you, “it’s the journey, not the destination.” Lee’s jewelry takes you on countless journeys through her experience, reminding you to twist the classics and follow your heart, not the rules.

Lee seamlessly combines uncommon elements: ebony wood, purple freshwater pearls that look as if they were shards of a lost volcano, and pieces of coral caught on a silver web. In her designs for men, delectable carnelian ovals and hammered steel settle against the hollows of a masculine throat. Her Alaina necklace collection takes you into a primal Garden of Eden sparkling with tiny peridots, mandarin chalcedony and marquise-cut honey carnelians instead of apples.

It comes as no surprise that Lee finds inspiration in her travels. She counts among her muses the vibrant colors of Tokyo and the eclectic style of New York. But if you’re ready to go on a journey of desire, simply follow Hovey Lee.

Give some pearls a whirl at hoveylee.com.