As one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York City is more than satiated with clothing and jewelry designers. However, every once in a while I come across a few remarkable brands that have yet to reach the masses. For those fashionable and discerning ladies and gentleman, this is a treat rarely encountered. Which brings me to Blu by Betty Lou Moscot, inarguably one of NYC’s best kept secrets in jewelry.

The entire Blu collection is based on the ancient philosophy of universal laws of balance, which are meant to inspire love, luck, empowerment, and protection. All pieces are made of 18-karat gold and with the best diamonds, and precious and semi-precious stones. Hammered satin, simple satin, and pave allow for very pretty, simple pieces that will help accessorize  your looks without them wearing you.

If all this hasn’t made you twinkle, I’m sure this will. Betty Lou has won numerous awards, including Town and Country’s 2008 Couture Award for Best New Designer, and many of her designs were featured in the film Sex and the City 2. Recently, she won the award in Fine Jewelry at the Fashion Group International 2011 Rising Star Event.

Betty Lou was kind enough to answer a few questions for us in an exclusive interview. We discuss her inspirations and how Coco Chanel played a roll in her designs, her favorite NYC hot spot, the one staple every woman should have in jewelry case, and lots more.

Martha: How long have you been designing jewelry?
Betty Lou: I started designing and doing my own benchwork in 2002 with a silver and semi-precious collection and through that, I saved money to grow my precious jewelry collection which I launched in 2008 when I won Town & Country’s Couture Award as Best New Designer.

M: Is there a particular designer that you have looked up to as a mentor throughout your career?
BL: Although my work does not emulate that of Coco Chanel, I have always admired her talent and find myself engaging in many of her lifestyle habits. For example, I modify and redesign all of my clothes to suit my personal style.

M: What inspires you while designing jewelry?
BL: My main inspiration is drawn from ancient history and the classical elements of nature and I base the collection on a philosophy influenced by the laws of balance and the universe that represent a positive mindset, empowerment and protection. All of my pieces symbolize the balance and symmetry that encourage ‘centeredness’ and inner peace to motivate positive energy and a successful lifestyle.

M: What is a jewelry staple every woman should own?
BL: Like a little black dress, a woman should always have one timeless and interesting statement piece that will add sophistication and glam to any outfit. Whether attending a backyard barbeque with a white t-shirt or a black tie affair, an intriguing cocktail ring adds excitement and at the same time, doesn’t appear as if the outfit took days to put together.

M: Which is your favorite piece of jewelry?
BL: My go-to cocktail ring is the Euphoria ring with the aquamarine rough cut stone from my collection. I wear this ring everyday and feel naked without it!

M: Which is your favorite spot in NYC?
BL: The quaintness and vintage, old-world neighborhood feeling of Greenwich Village is what makes it my favorite spot, since many years of my life were spent there.

M: How would you describe being be a jewelry designer based out of NYC?
BL: There is no other place I could ever imagine being a designer other than NYC, the most cosmopolitan city in the world where any of my ideas can be accomplished and all of the tools are easily accessible.

It’s talent like this that makes me so proud to say that I’m a New Yorker.  You can take a look at the rest of the Blu collection right on Betty Lou’s website:  www.blujewelry.com

Read more from Martha at her blog, Lela Luxe.

Like Haute Living New York? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingNY. Want Haute Living New York delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.