JCK Rising Star Karin Jamieson has mastered the art of jewelry design, even though her first line of fine artisan pieces is less than a year old. She gives life to each hand-selected gemstone by setting them in clean, streamlined designs that are clearly made with a love for the craft. Frankly, her collection had me at “moonstone” (have you ever seen such vibrant orange moonstones?), but the assortment only starts there. For women who love pieces that are out of the ordinary, or have an affinity for earthy, distinctive gemstones, Karin is your girl. And I have a feeling the jewelry industry will want more once they see what she has in store.

 

JCK Marketplace: Briefly, tell me how you got into the jewelry business.

Karin Jamieson: I worked as a financial advisor for Edward Jones for 10 years, and became a graduate gemologist. I’ve always had a passion for jewelry and love to design unique pieces, and most importantly, I found a way to make that love into a career. At the end of 2011, I finished my first collection. Each piece is lovingly made in the U.S.

 

JCK Marketplace: If you could sum up the Karin Jamieson brand in just a few words, which would you choose?

KJ: Fashion-forward, but still classic, with a modern, clean-line, sculptural approach to design.

 

JCK Marketplace: What is your favorite piece from your Marketplace showroom, and why?

KJ: I have a lot of favorites! If I had to choose, probably the Imperial opal ring. I love the uniqueness of the stone.

JCK Marketplace: What sort of inspiration do you look to in your designs?

KJ: Since I handpick each gemstone that I use in my designs, I let the stone dictate the design and let my inspiration run from there.

 

JCK Marketplace: If you could give one piece of advice to jewelry retailers, what would it be?

KJ: Wow! Well, not that it’s my place to give retailers advice, but it probably would be to not be afraid to step out of the box and carry new and unique designers.

 

JCK Marketplace: What are you most looking forward to at JCK Las Vegas?

KJ: This is my first experience at JCK Las Vegas. I am so excited and grateful to have been named a JCK Rising Star, and I’m looking forward to all of the excitement and energy that the show undoubtedly holds. I’m anxious to get reactions from buyers about my line, and very hopeful that I will be fortunate enough to create some great accounts and relationships.

 

JCK Marketplace: It’s happy hour in Las Vegas. What are you drinking?

KJ: It’s got to be a dirty martini!

 

To see more from Karin Jamieson, visit her showroom on JCK Marketplace.

For more of the latest trends and products in the industry, check out JCK Marketplace, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to my blog, On Your Market.

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