Three key things made Jessica Alba perfect for a jewelry design partnership: Her eye for design, her already on-point style and her longtime friendship with Hollywood jewelry guru Jennifer Meyer. So when Meyer approached Alba about creating a Gilt-exclusive piece to benefit AIDS charity (RED) and its beneficiary The Global Fund, she was on board — and the finished product reflects both of their impeccable taste. Read on for our interview with the actress and designer, and get all the scoop on the necklaces below.
Courtesy Gilt
PEOPLE: How did you two meet?
Jessica: Jen and I have known each other for a really long time. Our husbands went to high school together, and they have a strong bond from having shared those formidable years together. And Jen and I had babies at around the same, and that made us all grow even closer. Our kids like to play together.
Jennifer: It’s been so long I can’t even remember the first time we met. I think it was at a Lakers game — I remember Jessica was sitting next to me with her dad.
PEOPLE: How many Jennifer Meyer jewelry pieces do you have at this point, Jessica?
Jessica: A lot! I of course want to support her as a friend, but I’m genuinely obsessed with her jewelry. Her designs are so versatile. I can wear them to a nice event or to the grocery store with my kids. I can layer them or wear them separately. One of my favorite Jennifer Meyer pieces is a nameplate necklace engraved with my daughters’ names. Maybe that’s what I love most about her jewelry. Her designs feel so personal.
PEOPLE: How did the collaboration come about?
Jessica: Last spring Jen told me that she was talking to (RED) about designing a collection for them, and I absolutely loved the idea. I’ve worked with (RED) on various projects over the years, and a few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Africa and see their work on the ground. The experience was powerful and transformative.
Jennifer: A good friend of mine is close to someone who works at (RED), so he put us in touch. After I learned more about (RED)’s work, I called Jessica, because I knew she would feel just as passionate about the project as I did. We’re both moms, and the thought of transferring any kind of illness, disease or ailment to your child has got to be the worst feeling any mother could ever have. It’s hard to believe but every day, 650 babies are born with HIV simply because their moms didn’t have access to preventative medication during pregnancy. We want to help.
PEOPLE: With your busy schedules, how did you find the time to work together?
Jennifer: Jessica is a natural designer, which made the process really easy! First we talked on the phone about it, and then she came over to my office with a bunch of ideas already written down.
Jessica: The design process was really fun. I had never been to Jen’s office or even spent time with her while she’s in her professional zone. Her office was like a home. I actually felt like we were designing on the kitchen counter, albeit one that’s super stylish and chic. I had brought a few ideas and concepts with me, and after we both shared our initial thoughts, we quickly settled on creating two heart shaped necklaces. It didn’t feel like work.
PEOPLE: Jess, what did you find surprising about designing jewelry? What did you learn from Jen that you didn’t know before?
Jessica: Before we collaborated on these necklaces, I knew nothing about jewelry designing. Jen is a master at simplicity. She knows how to translate a meaningful idea into something that’s simple, delicate, bold, and beautiful. What struck me during the process was how many choices go into each piece: the selection of base metals, the color palette, the precise placement of the claps on both sides of the pendants, the width and length of the chain. Just slightly adjusting of any of these can completely change the look and feel of the piece.
PEOPLE: How would you style this necklace?
Jennifer: It really depends on my mood! Each necklace was designed so that you never have to take it off. I love wearing them alone and other times layered with some of my other favorite pieces!
PEOPLE: Any chance you’ll work together again?
Jessica: I hope so! Jewelry designing is addictive.
Want one of your own? The ruby-studded version is $980, and the plain gold version is $280 — both available at Gilt.com today. Tell us which
