Ceron Silver is a world-class jewelry collector. As the owner of Decades, the country’s foremost purveyor of luxury vintage clothing and accessories, he has access to some of the most substantial and storied jewelry on the market and can instantly recall a piece’s provenance. The larger-than-life fashion authority and philanthropist invited us into his hillside home in Los Angeles for a close-up look at his momentous collection—one that’s been curated throughout a lifetime. From grand masters Boucheron, Cartier, and Gucci to Bulgari, David Webb, and Tiffany & Co., piece after piece is unveiled as if from a dedicated exhibit, yet the collection as a whole is harmonious and remarkably edited. No piece is without meaning or a story to Silver.
"I'm still a performer. Instead of recycling old songs, I'm recycling old clothes." Cameron Silver
Despite sitting in his backyard in a silver Costume National tuxedo with embellished lapels, an innovative black leather t-shirt, and a dramatic alligator-skin superhero mask along with his impeccably curated jewelry, Cameron’s intentions, ironically, were never to work in fashion. He is the MC behind LA’s high-end vintage couture boutique Decades, but also a trained actor and classically trained singer, who toured the country perfoming and is a connoisseur of the greats of American theater, like Porter and Blitzstein. At work, he curates the clothing of the 20th and 21st centuries as collectibles, and says that he is still performing– his store is the performance space, now. When a woman from Texas recently left his store high from how she felt in a ’64 Dior gown, it mirrors, for him, the unmatched adrenaline rush of being on stage.
In a Madman-like emerald green straw hat, cordovan Brooks Brother’s loafers (he calls them “the French black”), an Acne shorts-suit, an Hermes ring – and his signature epic watch, in this case a Cartier, Cameron says that he always asks himself: “Would Cary Grant wear this?” History figures are Cameron’s biggest influences, like Dirk Bogarde, the Baron de Rede and Napolean, but he always throws the most seminal and dramatically contemporary into the mix, like a studded Katharine Hamnett leather jacket that she made for George Michael, his collection of Louboutin studded shoes and a McQueen Botticelli-printed shirt and blazer. Once, Ali McGraw said to him, “It’s all drag– what’s yours today?” Cameron’s only rule is that fashion should be fun. “Anyone who comes into the store must leave us happier than when they arrived, whether they purchased anything or not. Being nice is paramount.” Just like you should feel when you leave the theater.
How did growing up and your background prepare you to be a jewelry lover? My maternal grandmother’s family was in the diamond business. I guess it’s in my blood.
What pieces in your collection are most significant to you, and why? I love the crazy ’60s hedgehog ring because it’s so eccentric and absurd.
What was your first major jewelry purchase or gift? My parents bought me a Cartier Love bracelet. It’s one of those essential and classic pieces, but it sets off security at TSA so I stopped wearing it.
Who are your favorite jewelers and why? I love vintage Codognato, Bulgari, Boucheron, and Tiffany & Co., plus modern jewels of Irene Neuwirth, Kara Ross, Hoorsenbuhs, Daniela Villegas, Holly Dyment, and Delfina Delettrez. The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda jewelry is phenomenal.
On a typical day, what pieces are you wearing? I always wear my Faraone Mennella bracelets. That’s why they aren’t in the photos, because they are always on my arm!
How do watches fit into your collection? I find myself wearing watches less and less, but I favor the Boucheron MEC. It’s a showstopper.
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How does owning Decades impact your collecting? I think being known for loving luxury and unusual things through Decades encourages people to contact me with special pieces.
Where are your favorite places to find rare jewelry? The Original Miami Beach Antique Show is simply an overdose of bling!
What decades or time periods are you most drawn to for jewelry, and why? I love all decades of design. I would wear something as rare as early Egyptian jewelry or something modern designed by Hoorsenbuhs or Daniela Villegas.
Who are your jewelry icons, living or dead, real or fictional? Baron de Redé and any maharaja.
Do you have a mentor or inspiration as you buy and collect? I have friends with amazing jewelry collections, and I often text Jennifer Tilly to ask her advice on purchases.
What’s the story behind your Hermès checkerboard? It’s from the 1960s and was previously owned by a certain talk-show hostess and her wife.
Are there any pieces you dream of adding to your collection? I think I need a crown. Why not?
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