Famous Jewelry Designers who are Women
Ironically enough, an industry that caters primarily to the sophisticated taste of women is predominately run by men. Whenever I walk through the Diamond District in NYC, the majority of diamond dealers are men. If you look back at some of the most noted jewelry designers in history, most of them are men. Every facet of the jewelry industry, like many other types of industries, have female jewelry designers are the minority.
To me, though, it seems that for every ten average men in the jewelry business, there is one sensational female. Women that have carved a name for themselves in the jewelry industry have faced no small task in doing so. Fine jewelry designers need knowledge, talent, connections, and capital to have a chance at success. The women I am showcasing here highlight some industry favorites you need to know. They have each offered consumers jewelry that is so awesome that you can’t help but take notice.
Irene Neuwirth
Irene Neuwirth‘s one-of-a-kind style has made her a household name since she started designing jewelry in her early 20’s. In 2003, she put a small collection of her work at Barney’s that sold out almost immediately. To this day, her jewelry is one of Barney’s top-selling jewelry lines. As a native Californian, Neuwirth’s main inspiration is the ocean. This inspiration is apparent in Neuwirth’s use of a broad range of large and colorful gemstones, many of which are underutilized by the rest of the jewelry world.
Her design style is so widely loved, she has become a favorite among celebrities and is now a red carpet staple in Hollywood.
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott is one of the most inspirational entrepreneurs to make this list. With just $500 and no college degree, Scott launched a high-end costume jewelry line in 2002. Now her jewelry designs are part of a multi-million dollar brand that is sold in high-end retailers like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and specialty boutiques across the world.
Eva Zuckerman
Eva Zuckerman’s jewelry is part of the growing jewelry line EvaFehren. Zuckerman was trained in fine arts and draws inspiration from architecture and other geometric elements found around her. The combination of feminine and modern design elements makes this an attractive jewelry collection among young city dwellers.
Paloma Picasso
Paloma Picasso is the daughter of Pablo Picasso. She began her jewelry career fashioning costume jewelry out of old parts she found at flea markets. After going to design school, Picasso created pieces for Yves Saint Laurent. From there she was invited to create a collection for Tiffany & Co, where she has remained a household name for the past 30 years. An artist in her own right, Picasso’s unique style embodies a blend of colorful gemstones and modern form that draws inspiration from the world around her.
Farah Khan Ali
Farah Khan Ali is a well-regarded jewelry designer and gemologist that graduated at the top of her class. Her work is exotic and luxurious, with many of her designs being worn by Bollywood’s most famed actresses.
“I view the world around us from a different perspective,” Ali reflects. “What necessarily is to others is not what I see it as. I am captivated by our natural environment, and any form, shape that catches my fancy stimulates me to translate that inanimate thought into an animate object of beauty and art.”
Jennifer Meyer Maguire
Jennifer Meyer Maguire has gained industry fame with her simple yet elegant designs. She began her career after working in the public relations department at Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. Seeing firsthand what it took to be in the fashion industry, Maguire then launched a jewelry collection for the everyday woman. Her pieces embody jewelry that is timeless and personal, as well as creative and inspired.
“Ask any woman where they received or bought a certain piece of jewelry, and they will tell you a story,” Maguire emphasizes, knowing full well the sentimental impact jewelry can have.
Coreen Simpson
Coreen Simpson began her career as a famed photojournalist. In the early 1980s, Simpson began designing jewelry she couldn’t find in stores. In 1994, Avon licensed her to design jewelry aimed at the African-American market. Her famed Black Cameo Collection launched after a client had requested a cameo depicting a woman of color which is incredibly rare in the antique jewelry world. Simpson’s work has received many awards over the years and has become a valuable addition to the jewelry design world.
Bai Jingyi
Bai Jingyi is an incredible artisan and filigree designer for Zhaoyi, a luxury jade jewelry brand in China. Her craft was passed down to her through generations and taught to her by other filigree masters, giving her work an heirloom-quality feel that is breathtaking. She speaks of her filigree designs as only a master could. “Ornament design knows no bounds but must have certain ethnic connotations inside.
Appropriate use of the local culture, combined with your own wisdom and creative ideas, naturally leads to good designs. Works that can reflect the East-West collision present the most beautiful spark.”
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Q&A With the Founder of The Smith Jewelry & Living
Ironically enough, an industry that caters primarily to the sophisticated taste of women is predominately run by men. Whenever I walk through the Diamond District in NYC, the majority of diamond dealers are men. If you look back at some of the most noted jewelry designers in history, most of them are men. Every facet of the jewelry industry, like many other types of industries, have female jewelry designers are the minority.
To me, though, it seems that for every ten average men in the jewelry business, there is one sensational female. Women that have carved a name for themselves in the jewelry industry have faced no small task in doing so. Fine jewelry designers need knowledge, talent, connections, and capital to have a chance at success. The woman I am showcasing here highlights some industry favorites you need to know. She has offered consumers jewelry that is so awesome that you can’t help but take notice.
The Smith Jewelry & Living recently announced the launch of its luxury online website dedicated to selling luxury jewelry and lifestyle products. I had the chance to get to know the founder and CEO of this newly thriving website, Christina Catsavis.
Today we are sitting down with Christina Catsavis, owner and founder of The Smith Jewelry & Living, to talk about style, fashion and business.
You can buy Christina’s jewelry directly from Thesmithonline.com. The Web site also lists other sources for Christina’s creations.
How did you get into the fine jewelry industry?
I spent over 8 years in my family business and observed firsthand the daily struggles customers encountered both online and offline, trying to not only find the right items that suited their needs but a fair shopping experience that made them feel good about their purchase knowing they are receiving an authentic item at a fair price. Based on the principle that luxury shopping and selling should be a fully enjoyable experience rather than an intimidating one, I wanted to offer individuals the transparent experience they deserve.
Why buy designer jewelry?
Purchasing designer items is about a statement and style. Many consumers are loyal to their favorite brands and choose to purchase these brands repeatedly. Also, designer items have always had a price premium vs. similarly made unsigned pieces, which has made them difficult to purchase for the mass audience who have a brand affinity. Having the capability of purchasing pre-owned certified designer jewelry allows a much larger audience to afford the brands they’ve always wanted.
What would you say is your personal style, and how does that influence your product selection?
I have always favored really simple and classic pieces that are timeless. When I select jewelry for my store or when I create a custom piece, it is always with the idea that in ten years or twenty years the piece will be just as beautiful and relevant as it is today.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I always feel really inspired when I travel and draw a lot of ideas from that.
In a word, concept. For me, it’s the flash of an idea, beginning with a memory, a place, a name from ancient Rome, a swatch of fabric. The challenge and passion for me is to create something tangible from that concept that can be touched, seen, emotionally ‘felt,’ and ultimately become part of wearable art or a sculptural piece of art in jewelry.
Who are your favorite jewelry designers?
My favorite ones are Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. I love the color combinations and intricate design of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry that truly shines when it’s worn.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a woman in business?
I do feel that being a woman presents its own unique set of expectations to overcome. I had to work really hard to be taken seriously, especially trying to move through the very male-dominated industry of jewelry. I’m a working mom, so in the beginning, I was running around New York with a baby strapped to my chest, begging people to take meetings with me. It was not “professional” by most standards, but I knew I had to make it work, and eventually, it did.
So, you have to be relentless?
I would say you have to be persistent. There’s no room for hurt feelings; when a door is slammed in your face, you have to knock on the next door and the next one…
I’m sure COVID-19 has presented its own unique set of challenges.
When I was opening my business, I knew it needed to be nimble so that I could pivot quickly if needed. I didn’t realize I would need to completely change things six months in, but I didn’t stop for a second. I found ways to generate business by securing 500 units of hand sanitizer when it was impossible to find, and I sold it all within a weekend. I really poured myself into online sales and have continued to grow that side of the business, along with creating bespoke shopping experiences for my clients through private appointments as well as video and text shopping.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t try to be everything to everyone.”
What advice do you have for other women who may be thinking about opening their own business?
Be very selective about who you seek advice from. Make sure it is people who really understand your vision and keep that circle small. I knew exactly who I wanted to speak with and for what purpose. I didn’t solicit business advice from the creatives, and I didn’t ask for creative input from the tech guys. It’s important to think about both the big picture and the nuances of your business.
What do you feel is important for small retail businesses to be aware of?
Know your market, know your products, and be honest with yourself. I know I’m not a strong salesperson, but I’m great at spotting quality products and curating a selection. I need my products to sell themselves. In politics, they say, “If you’re explaining, you’re losing.” It’s the same way in a retail environment. If the customer has to ask too many questions, it spoils the fun of the shopping experience. You want products that stand out and speak to your customer.
It has endlessly been declared that brick and mortar stores are dead. How do you feel about that?
I actually think people crave a fulfilling in-store experience, but so many brick and mortar stores have lost touch with the basics of customer service. Setting yourself apart with services is key. In the beginning, I asked myself why do people shop online vs. in the store. It’s not just for the convenience of “add to cart.”
I have offered free gift wrapping and free local delivery since the day I opened my doors. I try to make shopping in my store as easy as going online but with the added benefit of personal service. Everyone leaves knowing their business is appreciated, and that is the foundation of building a strong relationship with your customers.
What piece of jewelry should every woman have in her collection?
I think every lady should own a strand of pearls. Pearls are a timeless classic and can be dressed up or down. They’re also great layered with other pieces.
Finally, where do you see your business in five years?
I hope it is still growing; I am extremely interested in product development and would love to have my own jewelry line and products that are unique to The Smith.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
1 Comment
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