Q&A With Jewelry Designer Elizabeth Locke
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Bracelets designed by Elizabeth Locke. (All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Locke)
Elizabeth Locke brings a wealth of talent and an eclectic background to her coveted jewelry line, which is a favorite of stylish racegoers from coast to coast. A Virginia native, Locke studied at Duke University before earning her degree in Modern Italian Literature at the University of Florence.
Locke was a contributing editor at Town and Country magazine for six years and holds a degree in gemology. She is also a passionate horse lover, fox hunter, business owner and world traveler. Locke took a few moments with us to talk horse racing, charity, style, and more!
ELIZABETH LOCKE
Thank you so much for taking some time to speak with us today! To give our readers an idea of your love of Thoroughbreds and horse racing, can you talk a bit about what drew you to the sport?
I am only very, very peripherally involved with racing and really pretty ignorant about the sport. My dear friends Dell Hancock, D.D. and Michael Matz and Helen Alexander have taken me to many races through the years and it is thanks to them that I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing. I grew up riding and hunting in Virginia and my husband and I live on a farm in Virginia.
I know you’ve worked extensively with the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, a leading non-profit that funds research to allow horses of all breeds to live healthier lives. Can you tell us how you got involved with them?
This was thanks to my friendship with Dell. Grayson does an amazing job and they are very dedicated to horse health in general.
Can you talk a little bit about the recent fundraiser you did for the Research Foundation at the Keeneland September yearling sale?
We held a jewelry showing at Keeneland during the yearling sale and donated 20 percent of the proceeds to Grayson.
PENDANTS DESIGNED BY LOCKE
Your jewelry is a favorite among racegoers; with the Breeders’ Cup coming to Keeneland Race Course this Oct. 30-31, what’s the perfect trend in fall jewelry to wear to horse racing’s World Championships?
Certainly a beautiful pair of earrings would not be amiss and a necklace with a colorful pendant!
What’s the one piece of jewelry you think every woman should own?
I would invest in a gold necklace. You will never tire of it and it won’t go out of fashion. You can then wear different pendants depending on your outfit. It’s an investment that you will wear every day.
Horse racing and fashion go hand in hand. What do you think attracts so many stylish people to the racetrack?
The venues are beautiful, the horses are beyond beautiful and I think people want to honor all the work involved in getting those horses to the starting gate. You as a spectator want to look your best too!
What’s your favorite piece that you’ve ever designed?
I am especially proud of my “re-cycled” pieces — the one-of-a-kind designs featuring 19th century micro mosaics and other antiques.
SOME OF LOCKE'S EARRINGS
Now for a couple of quick-hitters! Below are some rapid-fire queries for you:
My favorite racetrack: Saratoga
What I would like to see more of in Thoroughbred racing: Bigger crowds!
What I would like to see less of in Thoroughbred racing: Negative news stories …
Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me: Excitement, elegance, determination
Favorite all-time Thoroughbred: Claiborne Farm’s Blame
Philosophy on life: Carpe diem!
Best book I recently read: “The Custom of the Country,” by Edith Wharton
Favorite quote or motto: There but for the grace of God …
Favorite animal other than a horse: Dog
Favorite food: Vietnamese Pho
Favorite vacation spot: Mustique
A PEARL LINE DESIGNED BY LOCKE
Favorite city: Vienna
Favorite musician/band: Motown
Favorite TV show: “Better Call Saul”
Favorite hotel: Hotel Sacher, Vienna
Websites I visit daily: WSJ, NYT
Favorite movie about horse racing: “Secretariat”
Favorite memento: My lucky pearl
Favorite dessert: Meringata at Harry’s Bar in Venice
Favorite drink: Gin and tonic with Top Hat Gin
Favorite scent: Eau d'Hadrian
Favorite tech gadget: All of them! I am thoroughly addicted, but I shun social media …
Twitter Handle: Don’t participate
People I follow on Twitter: No one