My Jewels My Way
Conversations with jewelry designers, providing an insider perspective into the designers' lives and minds, creating another avenue to connect with not only the jewelry, but the creators of said pieces.
“What’s not to love? I think you’d be pushed to find another luxury good that holds both emotional and material value; a value that grows and deepens over time. Jewelry is transient, it’s a thread that connects generations and it’s a way for us to speak and communicate without words.”
“Shapes, textures and infinite possibilities. The idea that one piece can be a reflection of your mood, your personality. I love that jewelry always tells a story.”
“It’s an extension of you and your identity. It’s your armor that you put on for your day. It’s beautiful, it speaks and it’s more personal than clothing or anything else. I’m also a massive magpie and I love anything sparkly.”
“I’m a diamond expert, ex diamond wholesaler, tools designer (yes I also have a patent) and jewelry designer. You can very well say that I love it ALL!”
“I love the complexity of the object, the poetry, the strength and the craftsmanship infused into each piece. Every piece of jewelry is a small miracle.”
“I love how emotional of a purchase it is for people. You compliment people on their jewelry, and they’ll tell you a whole story about it. I also love its place throughout history and its significance.”
“Jewelry is the best industry to work in – you make people smile. It’s a very emotional and rewarding experience to make someone happy.”
“Jewelry, and more specifically the process of sketching three-dimensional structures, has always allowed me to communicate concepts in my mind which are, perhaps, too complex to communicate in other forms. I find jewelry to be the most personal and meaningful medium. The representation of color through gemstones and the combination of all the elements is so alchemical.”
“I see jewelry as art and I see myself as an artist with a painting, being moved and inspired by the stones and the pieces as they come together. I also absolutely love it when a client looks at my piece, gets compliments and tells me the next day.”
“I feel strongest when I'm swimming. Being surrounded by water gets me completely immersed in my thoughts. It's my way to meditate.”
This New York-based British-Italian designer describes her jewelry as both ancient and futuristic. “With every piece I try to commemorate a present moment with the idea it will be survive long into the future - like a cabinet of curiosity or a time capsule.”
This New York-based jewelry designer feels strongest after making a major decision and happiest when she is at home with her whole family.
To this Tuscaloosa-based jewelry designer, her vintage coin pendants are the jewelry pieces that make her the happiest, “I like to imagine stories about where they went and who they belonged to! For instance, a Nigerian coin and what it was used to purchase.”
“Freedom, options and dancing,” is how this New York-based jewelry designer defines joy.
To this San Francisco-based fine jewelry designer, empower means “giving someone power or authority to do something. As a woman of color in the jewelry industry I hope to inspire and empower other women of color who want to be a part of this world.”
According to this Capetonian artist, "I like empowerment because it comes from within, you don’t have to study or get a degree to feel empowered. It is free for everyone to take on, it doesn’t cost them anything."
“Enjoying life and not taking yourself too seriously,” is how Kentucky native Brittany and co-founder of the Bay Area based husband and wife jewelry company define joy.
Celebrating a year in business! Mirta feels strongest after overcoming an obstacle or conquering a fear.
Self-accomplishment and a sense of self-worth give this LA-based jewelry designer more confidence than anything else.
The creative energy of the Bay Area motivated this Moscow native to start her own jewelry company.
"Not overthinking and trusting yourself," is how this LA-based jewelry designer defines confidence.
Empowered means independence and running your own business to this LA-based sister power duo.
According to this San Francisco-based jewelry designer, "Empowered means that confidence, intelligence and fierce determination are the only tools I need to achieve anything I set my mind too."
This New York-based fine jewelry power duo feels strongest when wearing rings and bold statement earrings.
The London-based fine jewelry designer, hailing from Belgium, is a trained goldsmith who firmly believes that in order to understand what is viable in jewelry design, you need to properly understand metal.
This San Sebastian-based third generation jeweler feels strongest when he is armed with this solitaire rings and surrounded by his husband.
"Pinky rings add confidence and ear cuffs give you an edge," says Turkish native and co-founder of fine jewelry brand, Jezebel London.
Confidence to this Italian fine jewelry designer is an attitude towards life and how you feel about yourself.
The New York-based fine jewelry designer, hailing from Iran, feels strongest when she is surrounded by her family and her pinkies are armed with her rings.
Rings are this London-based fine jewelry designer's armor of choice, making her feel empowered and ready to take on whatever the world is going to throw at her.
Israeli native and New York-based fine jewelry designer feels strongest when she is armed with her grandmother's diamond studs and is surrounded by her loved ones.