If you’ve been following the media’s fascination with Michelle Obama’s fashion choices, then the name Erickson Beamon might ring a bell. But designing baubles for this first lady is only the first step in promoting their brand.

Erickson Beamon’s Karen and Erik Erickson’s ornately-tangled, part-Victorian, part-Baroque, part-pirate booty, “never boring” costume pieces are worn by such spotlight stars as Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss, Courtney Love, Milla Jovovich, and Cher. And, yes, the Ericksons have become known as “designers’ designers,” creating elaborate runway jewelry for the likes of John Galliano, Givenchy, Chanel, Donna Karan, Anna Sui, Emanuel Ungaro, Zac Posen, and Marc Jacobs.

“It’s all about maintaining a fresh approach,” Karen offers. And that approach comes in the form of a beaded, metal lace that took 18 years to perfect, vintage white Swarovski crystals that are no longer made, mineral slices that hang on charm necklaces, sea-swept strands of chalcedony and gold chain, and the use of precious stones such as rubies, sapphires and diamonds.