Where Luxury Meets Sustainability and Convenience

Christian Keesee and Beekman New York

It was only a matter of time, but for the concept to take wing, it required a particular breed of bold entrepreneur. Someone with legendary style and impeccable taste. Someone exactly like Christian Keesee. 

With the growing popularity and convenience of luxury apparel rental services like Rent the Runway and Vivrelle, jewelry seemed predestined to become the next “it rental.” After all, why commit to a few pieces when you can enjoy more than 1,000 from Bucheron, Tiffany, David Webb, Cartier and others?

Keesee, a renaissance man if ever there were one, unsurprisingly brought this idea to fruition last year. Oklahomans will know him from his philanthropy and business endeavors: Among other things, he’s the founder and president of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and a trustee of two charitable foundations, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and the Kirkpatrick Foundation, both of which further causes like arts and arts education. He’s based in New York, where he serves as a board member of the Frick Collection and is Trustee Emeritus of American Ballet Theatre. Keesee also serves on the North American Acquisitions Committee of the Tate in London. 

We love a story of innovation, and if beautiful jewels and sustainability are involved, all the better. Here’s what we learned, from a back-and-forth with Keesee himself:

What was the genesis of Beekman New York? How did this concept originate?

I was out with a group of friends one night. One of my friends, who is always immaculately dressed, was remarking on the prevalence of rental platforms available for clothing and lamenting the lack of a similar option for fine jewelry. This was the original spark. One thing led to another, and we began putting together the logistics and framework to create the extraordinary collection which is at the core of Beekman New York today. 

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS,
gold 'Alhambra' chain

THE ICONIC 'BIRD ON A ROCK,'
by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany

Whose jewels are these? Had someone been amassing a collection already, or are they part of several collections?

These are our jewels to share. Tapping into the circularity of fashion, we have made a concerted effort to obtain jewelry which has been part of someone's collection before​​—sourced from auctions, estate sales, and with the input of friends and specialists in the jewelry industry.

Working with industry leaders has ensured we have timeless pieces worth preserving, and sufficiently varied to feel like a complete collection. There are rare jewels by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co, and Verdura, and representations not only from the high houses—including Harry Winston, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, etc—but also unsigned or antique pieces that have an interesting design aesthetic.

The Beekman collection is now part of that circle of life of jewelry, which is purchased by one person and shared over time and across generations.

AMETHYST AND CITRINE BRACELET,
Bulgari

DIAMOND AND TSAVORITE PANTHERE RING,
by Cartier

How does it work?

In short: Browse, borrow, wear and return! Guests can browse the user-friendly platform to find the perfect piece of jewelry they are looking for. Our concierge is available to provide styling advice or assistance. First-time users can register in order to borrow, and additional membership tiers exist, allowing greater levels of access to the collection.

DIAMOND AND EMERALD 'SERPENTI' BRACELET,
Bulgari

HAMMERED GOLD AND AMBER EARRINGS,
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany circa 1989

What are a couple of the oldest, most important or most intriguing pieces?

All of our jewels—totaling nearly 1,000 pieces—are unique. There are a few in particular that call for special attention, either for the rarity or importance of the gemstones, or the history and cultural significance of the piece.

For example, we have a set of matching Verdura cuffs, made iconic by Diana Vreeland, and one of the Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co “Bird on a Rock” brooches, which have become one of the house's most collectible works.

On the other hand, we have put a lot of effort into having a variety of gemstones and styles so that we can meet the needs of our clients. Addressing the increased interest by men for jewelry, much of the collection is unisex, and we have a selection of cufflinks and studs as well.

Jewels are available to rent as often or infrequently as you like. Visit beekmannyc.com to peruse the collection.