07/21/2011

Janie Bryant, MadMen, and the fabulous rings of the 60′s

We love AMC’s Mad Men.  The utter attention to period detail that goes into the show is amazing – combine that with style, 1960′s glamour, seduction, and drama, whats not to like?  To top it all off, the fashion and accessories are over the top perfection. We were lucky enough to connect with Janie Bryant – highly talented costume designer for MadMen and we asked her a few questions on what goes on behind the scenes when selecting out the gorgeous accessories for the cast.

 

RingSpotters: What are three adjectives that you would use to describe the rings of the MadMen era?

 

Janie Bryant: Gorgeous, colorful, and large!

 

 

 

RingSpotters: Where do you find the rings you use for the show – are they antique? custom made? a combination?

Janie Bryant: Most of the cocktail rings we use for the show are vintage pieces from the period. We search vintage stores around Los Angeles, and I also work with vendors from around the United States who specialize in vintage pieces from the era.

 

 

 

RingSpotters: What is your favorite ring (engagement or cocktail) from the show?

Janie Bryant: Jane Sterling’s engagement ring is probably my favorite!

RingSpotters: A number of characters have gotten engaged and married throughout the show’s four seasons – Betty Francis (Draper), Joan Harris, Jane Sterling, Trudy Campbell, Megan Calvet. What goes into selecting the character’s engagement rings?

Janie Bryant: Engagement rings and wedding bands are a slightly different story than the cocktail rings and other accessories we use for the show. Wedding bands, glasses, and watches are all part of the props department while as Costume Designer, I choose the accessories used on the show like necklaces, cocktail rings, purses, and hats. What I can tell you is that the rings are researched heavily with magazines and old movies to find the right styles for the time period and character.

 

 

 

Digging the jewelry yet?  Here’s more inspiration get  gorgeous, colorful, and large this summer.

 

 

l-r  196o’s cocktail ring by Vedome on Etsy, Cartier, Paris Ruby, and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1960′s Era Jade Cocktail Ring,  Estate Opal Ring Vintage Retro Cocktail Gold Designer