I didn’t grow up with polki in my family. I found it in New York.

At a little antique show downtown, a dealer showed me an old ring. Uncut stone, soft gold around it, not perfect-shiny like new jewelry. He said “That’s polki style — uncut, old-world.” I held it up to the light and it didn’t sparkle like a new diamond. It glowed. Warm, a little imperfect. I was hooked.

That’s what this edit is about. That old-world glow — but made light enough that I can wear it with jeans and a white tee, not just for a big event.

What I mean by Polki, the CORINAA way:

Real antique polki is uncut diamond set by hand. I’m not making that. What I make is polki-inspired — same soft setting, same warm light, same old-soul feel — but in a small batch, lightweight, so you actually keep it in your everyday box.

What I kept from the old technique is how the stone sits a little high, and how the gold around it is not high-shine. It’s soft. Brushed, almost. Like it already has a little history. That’s the part I fell in love with.

The celebrity-inspired looks I keep saving on my mood board:

1. The Red Carpet Stud — Zendaya / Hailey kind of minimal
You’ve seen it on red carpets — tiny glowing stud, hair tucked behind the ear, simple dress. It’s not loud, it just glows in photos. I made our Polki Bloom Studs for this. That uncut look, but light. I wear these when I want to look put-together without trying too hard. If your ears are sensitive, start here — they are the lightest pair we make.

2. The Dinner Hoop — Gigi / Kendall off-duty model look
Medium hoop with a little vintage detail. They wear it with a blazer during the day and with a slip dress at night. That’s why I call it a future heirloom — it goes both ways. Our Old Soul Polki Hoops are my version. Soft gold edge, little polki dots that catch light when you turn your head. They make a t-shirt look intentional.

3. The Everyday Stack — Rihanna / Sienna layering
I love how they mix old and new — 2 plain thin bangles + 1 with a story. Not 20 bangles clanking. Just 3 that sit. I wear mine exactly like that: 2 plain CORINAA bangles every day, plus 1 polki bangle when I want that old-world touch. For work it’s quiet, for dinner you add one more and it feels festive without being costume.

How I wear polki without it looking too much:

• One old-world piece at a time. If earrings are polki-inspired, keep bangles plain. Let one piece be the story.
• Keep the rest modern. Polki with jeans and a blazer is what makes it feel New York, not dress-up.
• If it hurts by 8pm, you won’t keep it. That’s my test. Every polki piece in this edit is made to be light on the ear and wrist. That’s why my customers keep it in their little dish by the sink, not in a safe.

This edit is not about copying anyone. It’s about that feeling — something old in soul, but made for now. Something you will still love when your daughter borrows it.

If you want me to pick for your outfit, DM me on @corinaa.jewelry with a photo of what you’re wearing. I answer myself and I will tell you which one I’d wear.

— Cory, CORINAA | Future Heirloom Jewelry with an Old-World Soul | New York, NY