Q: What inspires your designs?

A: I have a true affinity for nature, from flowers in the garden or growing wild to rugged mountains. I am also an avid traveler, and I am inspired by the different cultures I encounter — as well as the area’s architecture and scenery. I take all of this in and then begin to sketch. I develop a stylized look for each collection. For example, when I create flowers such as my “Calla Lily” designs, I take everything from the slight tilt of the petals to the shape of the flower stem into consideration and then I add the final touches, such as a brushed finish and diamond accents. This all culminates into a luxurious high-end jewelry look. I do this with all the designs for Jye.

Q: What are the distinguishing attributes of JYE?

A: We strive to be the best in all aspects of the collection from the top quality materials we use to our impeccable workmanship to the designs and the variety of styles we offer. We use top grade G and better color and VVS or VS premium cut diamonds, no matter how small — from accent to larger diamonds. We only use yellow 18K yellow gold, platinum and palladium instead of white gold because it’s more durable and offers a whiter, shinier look that lasts. Our colored gemstones are also handpicked and are of the finest quality. Our goldwork is detailed to perfection in all finishes. For the retailer, we are easy to work with. We have different programs to suit the different needs of our stores and we offer a package in
which you buy a certain amount of opening price point merchandise, and we match that with higher ticket items on consignment.

Q: On what levels does the collection resonate with women?

A: I don’t think that we appeal to a millennial customer. The women we appeal to know their own style, have been around and are well- traveled and cultured. They enjoy fashion and trends but prefer pieces that are high style rather than “of the moment.” They also like to mix what they purchase in with the classics they already own. They are excited about the tactile interest of our design, like our bark, hammered, brushed and rope finishes. They tend to also like to collect Jye jewelry. Once they buy one piece, they can see the intriguing aspects of each design as well as the unparalleled workmanship and they continue to want to add in different styles.

Q: What does the future hold for JYE?

A: We continue to broaden our distribution to different parts of the country and different cities and states where we haven’t sold before. We are also doing many more events to grow sales in different parts of country and to educate the retailers and the end consumers to our brand and all the unique jewelry we offer.

1. 18k white gold and colored sapphire (15.35 TCW) dome ring with 0.36 TCW diamond accents. MSRP: $7,800 (Style RB36968) | 2. Butterfly ring in white, yellow and rose 18K gold with 1.13 TCW diamonds. MSRP: $7,400 (Style RD37810) | 3. Diamond heart link bracelet in 18K white gold with 1.48 TCW round diamonds. MSRP: $9,800 (Style BD34638) | 4. 18k yellow gold diamond flower dangle earrings with 0.37 TCW round diamonds. MSRP: $3,000 (Style ED36454) | 5. Flower earrings set in 18K white gold with round (0.35 TCW), baguette (1.39 TCW) and marquise (0.38 TCW) diamonds. MSRP: $10,811 (Style ED2496)