Designer Berry Brown wearing a one of a kind necklace from her BB Jewels Gramercy Park Summer Collection. (Ann Watt)

New York City - Designer Berry Brown, the creative force behind the unique BB Jewels Gramercy Park Collections, showcased her latest one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and offered guests a sneak preview of her Summer Collection 2011 at a special cocktail reception at the popular Upper East Side boite, Swifty's. A portion of the evening's sales will be donated to Berry's favorite charity, Special Olympics.

In just a few short years, Brown has become well-known to discerning collectors for her unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings that incorporate vintage elements with a contemporary flair. Her company's mission is to create new treasures that are inspired by beautiful antique designs.

Judging by the reaction of the ladies in attendance who tried on numerous pendants, bracelets with bands of antique trimmings and bright summery necklaces, she has clearly tapped into the desire for heritage style jewelry. Adorning themselves in BB Jewels were fashionistas Emma Snowdon Jones, Tia Walker and Princess Okieme.

Selene Martinez and Lia Sanfilippo, owners of the ultra-hot 5 and Diamond Restaurant in Harlem, and who know about all things sparkly were delightedly trying on piece after piece.

Also admiring Brown's work and sampling Chef Stephen Attoe's delectable hors d'oeuvres were Jean Shafiroff, Jane Tucker, Robin Cofer, Cassandra Seidenfeld Lyster, Peachy Deegan, Kari Matz, Robert Caravaggi, Alexa Maria Ryan, Courtney Fog, Lutfi Yilmaz, Daniel Hall, and Katerin Rodriguez.

Selene Martinez and Lia Sanfilippo try on an antique fabric banded bracelet. (Ann Watt)

The designer's love of old world accessories began as a child. Her paternal grandparents collected an eclectic range of jewelry. Her mother and grandmother both have a knack for crafts and she grew up surrounded by homemade baskets, textiles, clothes, pillows and more. Her personal passion for jewelry led her to create BB Jewels Gramercy Park. Her jeweled creations have been featured in O Magazine and actress Brooke Shields sported one of Brown's necklaces in an appearance on "The View."

Extending beyond jewelry to home furnishings, she has recently launched a collection of pillows made with vintage fabrics embellished with antique buttons.

Following a career in journalism, Berry decided to pursue her passion for design full time. Scouring flea markets from Paris to Brooklyn, she is always on the lookout for unusual vintage jewelry and textiles which become the elements for new designs. Her jewelry collections in silver and gold, feature antique elements combined with precious and semi-precious gems, pearls and rare glass beads.

BB Jewels Gramercy Park will be a featured designer at Jill Lynn & Company, 81 Jobs Lane, Southampton for the summer season. Her designs are also available online at www.BBjewels.com.