The lawyer-turned-designer is doing her great-grandfather proud
If things had gone differently, Lauren Kessler might have ended up a lawyer. Selfishly, we’re glad she went into the family business. A fourth-generation jeweler, Kessler debuted her Lauren K line in 1997. Characterized by her veritable rainbow of colored-stone selections and pavé diamond accents, the pieces are beautifully unfussy—low-key enough for everyday wear, yet attention-grabbing in their own way. (They’re also affordable: A yellow gold ring featuring a 12 ct. blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds recently sold for less than $3,000.) Though we’re particularly partial to her rainbow moonstones and multicolored sapphires, even when pressed, the designer can’t pick a favorite: “I like them all—with a lot of interesting flaws or unique markings, characteristics, and inclusions,” she says. And as you might expect, Kessler’s collection incorporates just about every gem you can imagine. Keep an eye out for her—and her newest pieces—at the JCK Las Vegas show. We bet you won’t be able to choose your favorite colored stone either.
Ernie the Havanese
Age: 43
Number of years in the biz: 19
Number of employees you oversee: 5, and a lot of talented subcontractors
Family/pets: Two kids, Sam and Carly, 13 and 10, respectively; Ernie, our Havanese
Describe your personal style: Casual chic
Lauren K 2012 collection rings
First piece you ever designed: Pavé stacking bands in different colors
The single piece of jewelry you’re most proud of: Our signature hand-hammered Helena link chain, either plain or with moonstones
Best piece of advice you ever received: “Do the right thing.”
Worst piece of advice: “Don’t close any doors.” Not true—some are meant to be closed, and then a window unexpectedly opens!
Helena link chain and earrings
First job ever: Telemarketing for a local newspaper
How did you get started designing jewelry? I worked for my grandfather, who worked for my great-grandfather. I am still in the same office they both worked out of!
If you weren’t designing jewelry, what would you be doing? I would be a child advocate or an entertainment lawyer/agent.
Jewelry you’re wearing right now: Labradorite ring, moonstone Isabella pendant, Helena chain, and blackened silver Sprinkle bangles
Rainbow moonstone Layla earrings
Are there any lessons from law school that helped you in the jewelry business? How to read and think critically—and be very quick on my feet
Five items on your desk right now: A ceramic penguin pencil holder my daughter and I painted together, my iPad, jewelry models, checks I just signed, pictures of my kids
Five songs on your playlist: “Gravity,” Sara Bareilles; “Can I Get A…,” Jay-Z; “The Anthem,” Pit Bull; “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Sheryl Crow; “Turning Tables,” Adele
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Exercise regimen: Tennis, Zumba, walking
What did you have for breakfast? Chobani yogurt and iced coffee
Guilty pleasure: Jersey Shore (sad, but honest), Words With Friends
Drink (daytime/evening): Coffee/water/wine
First website you check every day (not your own!): Local news/weather
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Scent: Narciso Rodriguez
How do you unwind? Reading, tennis, movies, traveling
Favorite thing to do in New York City: Theater
Superstitious? Nope
Book you’re reading: The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore, Benjamin Hale (fantastic)
Book you’ve been meaning to get to: The Invisible Bridge, Julie Orringer
Preferred news source: CNN app
Main means of transportation: My car
Favorite movie: Life Is Beautiful (La vita è bella)
Who would play you in your life story? Tina Fey
Personal motto: “Only kindness matters.”
More JCK Asks… on JCKonline.com:
+ JCK Asks…Melissa Joy Manning
+ JCK Asks…Katey Brunini
+ JCK Asks…Michael Beaudry