Never underestimate the power of tie-dye. Designer Emily P. Wheeler has taken the centuries-old art form—spanning Japanese shibori, Indonesian batik, and the psychedelic swirl of the 1960s—and transformed it into high jewelry with her Resistance collection.
The concept is rooted in resistance itself: protecting parts of fabric so they reject the dye, leaving striking patterns behind. Wheeler brings that philosophy into jewelry, using gold, diamonds, and gemstones to create rippling visual effects that echo the art’s cultural depth.
“With the Resistance collection, I wanted to explore color and emotion through the visual language of tie-dye—from its countercultural roots to its rich, global history,” Wheeler explains. “Each technique offered me a new lens for storytelling through form and stone.”
The Resistance collection unfolds in sub-lines—Helix, Arashi, Pollack, Batik, Spiral, and Ripple. Ripple is the latest evolution, where gemstones and engraving recreate the waves of folded or pleated fabric.
Highlights include one-of-a-kind Ripple heart earrings in 18k yellow gold with pink opal and 7.41 cts. of morganite ($14,000), a Ripple ring in 18k yellow gold with malachite ($5,200), and another in yellow gold set with 2.11 cts. of diamonds ($12,000). Ripple stud earrings ($2,800) and a diamond-accented pendant round out the suite, all designed to be worn individually or together for maximum impact.
One-of-a-kind Ripple heart earrings in 18k yellow gold with pink opal and 7.41 cts. t.w. morganite, $14,000
Ripple ring in 18k yellow gold with malachite, $5,200
Ripple stud earrings in 18k yellow gold, $2,800
Ripple ring in 18k yellow gold with 2.11 cts. t.w. diamonds, $12,000
Through abalone, malachite, and precision goldsmithing, the Ripple pieces capture the rhythm of waves—an emotional tie between ancient techniques and modern artistry. Wheeler’s work reminds us that jewelry, like tie-dye, is about transformation: turning raw material into something unexpected, personal, and timeless.
👉 Discover how personalization is reshaping jewelry retail on our Jewelry Applications guide.
👉 See why younger consumers are embracing lab grown gemstones for both fashion and meaning.