Kaitlyn Elizabeth Moves Honey by Kait Founder Into Fine Jewelry

By Karen Dybis | June 23, 2026

Kaitlyn O’Neill has expanded from the demi-fine jewelry of Honey by Kait to fine jewelry with her new Kaitlyn Elizabeth brand.

The inaugural pieces in Kaitlyn Elizabeth’s Motif collection, which debuted this month, are two 18k gold bangles—the Classic model and one with natural diamond pavé. O’Neill tells JCK the bracelets’ twist design came about as she was playing with a piece of envelope paper she found on her desk.

“From that moment onward, the design clicked and I knew I needed to use the concept for a collection,” she says. “I built a full collection in my sketchpad using this twisted-paper concept and began developing it into a real jewelry piece. I didn’t realize how pivotal this design would be in Kaitlyn Elizabeth’s signature collection.”

O’Neill says she has dreamed of building a fine jewelry brand since a couple of viral posts about pieces she had made helped launch Honey by Kait. Both companies are based in her hometown of Newport Beach, Calif.

kaitlyn elizabeth launch — *Kaitlyn O’Neill says she spent three years developing ideas for her fine jewelry brand Kaitlyn Elizabeth, which she introduced this week.*

When it came to turning her “twisted-paper” idea into jewelry, O’Neill envisioned the piece as continuous, with no lock or hinge mechanism interrupting its elegant lines. The final design does have a lock, but it took months to develop the concept so it would be practical yet aligned with her design principles, says O’Neill.

“Each lock is meticulously made by hand—perfectly secure, yet subtle,” she explains. “I want it to be visually appealing as well as having the highest standards of craftsmanship.… Every touchpoint of the brand is important, and that’s why I’m taking my time.”

O’Neill also worked diligently to create hallmarks for Kaitlyn Elizabeth, such as the KE monogram inside the Motif bangles as well as branded packaging that is navy and gold with a textured finish.

Kaitlyn Elizabeth offers a private concierge service for custom designs. O’Neill also says she is sourcing gemstones for a Kaitlyn Elizabeth summer jewelry drop as well as a bridal collection.

kaitlyn elizabeth packaging — *Navy and gold are the colors of Kaitlyn Elizabeth packaging.*

The new brand will focus solely on natural gemstones, as O’Neill aspires to the same standards and quality of traditional fine jewelry houses—her guides as she thought about expanding beyond Honey by Kait.

“I want Kaitlyn Elizabeth to reflect my love for the arts,” she adds. “I grew up doing every kind of art, from drawing to painting to learning to play instruments, and studied art and European history, frequently traveling there.”

Kaitlyn Elizabeth will operate side-by-side with Honey by Kait, O’Neill says. She imagines Honey clients discovering the fine jewelry of Kaitlyn Elizabeth as they begin shopping for engagement rings and self-purchases.

“That crossover between the two works because they’ll still love Honey by Kait but they may need something for a special occasion,” O’Neill says.

“I have a very specific vision: I can see where I will be after three years, five years, 10 years. The ideas are flowing so naturally. It’s coming together, and I’m ready to soar.”

Top: Kaitlyn Elizabeth’s 18k gold Motif pavé bracelet ($11,700) has 0.27 ct. t.w. brilliant-cut diamonds. (Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Elizabeth)