One to Watch: Sophie Blake

When Sophie Blake moved to New York City in 2005, she found she couldn't resist the lure of the fashion and design worlds.

"I think jewelry design was something that I evolved into," says the self-taught designer, who majored in international affairs and economics before diving into her debut collection. "My family and friends were watching me constantly creating new pieces and encouraged me to start my line."

Blake finally took the plunge in the spring of last year, debuting at Henri Bendel's with a collection of 17 statement-making geometric baubles.

Taking inspiration from the art world (Blake claims she'd initially planned to become a painter before pursuing jewelry design), her pieces often have a glamorous, Art Deco appeal, like a silver and gold cuff inlaid with a single Swarovski crystal and a layered triangle motif.

I think my biggest source of inspiration is the nuevo and deco style," Blake explains. "I feel like to this day it has such a strong presence in architecture and art. I find inspiration in interior design. One of my favorite magazines is Architectural Digest -- they're a a great source for innovative design."

Indeed, architectural elements can be found throughout Blake's collection -- like the recurring "pyramid" shape found on everything from earrings to cocktail rings.

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