Southland's Regina King on Her Newest Beat: Jewelry Model

DALLAS, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Whether she's playing one of the LAPD's Finest in TNT's hit police drama Southland, or wearing some of America's finest gemstone jewelry, Regina King brings her distinct personality to the role. That said, portraying Detective Lydia Adams on Southland is admittedly more familiar territory for the talented veteran TV and film actress than her gig as one of the celebrity models for the winning jewelry designs of the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™.

(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120117/DC36970)

The competition, now in its 28th year and sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), is considered the jewelry industry's most prestigious colored gemstone jewelry design contest. King, a woman who appreciates high-quality accessories and wears jewelry every day in her personal life, says, "I'm so happy for the opportunity to do this." What are her go-to pieces? "I always put on a pair of earrings and a watch and, most of the time, colored stone rings in emeralds, rubies, and sapphires that I stack." She tends to choose medium-sized jewelry, explaining, "because I'm small—maybe five-foot-three on a good day," adding, "but I have a long neck so I do like wearing long colored stone earrings."

Just as King learns from the process of acting—for Southland, part of her prep work included attending weapons training camp—she says she has learned much from her role as a model for the Spectrum Awards. "Specifically, that there is so much artistry out there in contemporary gemstone jewelry, with lots of new cuts and gems I didn't know about. This is the first time I've ever seen jewelry like this. It's important for people to be open to thinking about these kinds of out-of-the-ordinary pieces—and to consider gems and cuts they've never contemplated before."

Any particular favorites for Regina? "Well, I love this one really, really neat ring—a fish carved in black jade with fire opal eyes." She's referring to a dramatic design by Manya & Roumen Jewelry of South Orange, New Jersey. Perhaps not ironically for this actress who often "wears the blues" in her popular TV cop series, King says she is finding that she likes a lot of the blue gemstone designs in the AGTA Spectrum Awards. Particularly a palladium ring by Naomi Sarna Designs of New York City, which features a 35-carat carved blue topaz. "The way the gem is carved and captures light, it looks like the ocean. Until now, I've never seen a gemstone in that form," says King.

"I tend to have a classic style in my personal wardrobe, but unusual jewelry designs like these from the Spectrum Awards collection are important to add individuality. And every woman, every age, also need pearls. It can be anything--a ring, bracelet, even a strand—but try something different, like the amazing colors that pearls come in, such as the grays and pinks. It's exciting to try different things."

"Trying different things" guides Regina King not only in her jewelry choices but in her career projects as well. "About a year ago, I started directing a few music videos--I directed and was the leading lady in Jaheim's video for his single, 'Finding My Way Back'--and that's something I hope to be able to do more of in the future, when I have the time."

For now, however, with filming in progress for Southland's fourth season time is a luxury—a luxury much like the jewelry she wears as a 2012 AGTA Spectrum Award model.

The American Gem Trade Association(AGTA) is a not-for-profit association based in Dallas, TX, whose members uphold the highest ethical standards in the colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry. 

Contact information:
Adam Graham
[email protected]
800-972-1162

SOURCE American Gem Trade Association