Nicholas Varney

Biography
Nicholas Varney
Known for his brilliant use of colorful stones and materials, Nicholas Varney creates luxury jewelry that instills a playful quality within each of his bold designs. Uniting contrasting rare, organic materials with one-of-a-kind gemstones, Nicholas’ designs display the inherent beauty found within the patterns and textures of diverse cultures and natural objects from around the world. Over 20 years ago, after graduating from the Gemological Institute of America in Vicenza, Italy, Varney decided to open his design studio in New York. His affinity for design undoubtedly came naturally; father Carleton Varney, a renowned interior designer and owner of Dorothy Draper and his mother, Suzanne, founded the respected textile firm Carleton V. As a jewelry artisan, Nicholas has always been inspired by nature and the organic. His use of precious metals, and colorful gemstones mixed with wood, cork, eggshell, agate and coral create an unexpected beauty rarely achieved in fine jewelry. There is a whimsical aesthetic to his work that gives sublime balance to the boldness of his designs. “Everything is sterilized in our world,” explains Varney. It’s hard for me to do a piece of black and white jewelry. I think the world needs color. People need color. It does so many wonderful things to you.”
 
Over the years Nicholas has received many accolades. He was inducted into the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) in 2006 and was the featured designer for the opening of the Gem and Mineral exhibit at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. Forbes named Varney one of “Five Jewelers Working Today That You Will Be Collecting Tomorrow”. Nicholas has been featured in various publications including Veranda, Town and Country, Vogue, Departures and W magazine. He was featured in the book “21st Century Jewelry Designers: An Inspired Style” by Juliet Weir-de la Rochefoucauld and in the book “Jeweler: Masters, Mavericks and Visionaries of Modern Design,” by SteIlene Volandes.
Works