The Fort Worth, Texas–based designer puts her own colorful twist on modern vintage
Now that all things vintage are hotter than ever, there couldn’t be a better time to get to know Megan Thorne. Whether working with emerald or antique-cut sparklers (favorite diamond cuts) or a dazzling array of sapphires, Thorne is the go-to artist for beautifully embellished but not overdone heirloom-quality rings. In Vegas, she’ll be debuting hand-engraved bridal designs and a fine collection focused on “irreverent color.” Denim- and berry-colored sapphires for everyone!
Age: 36
Number of years in the biz: 10-plus
Family and pets: My husband, Jaz, is also my business partner. Our son, Elwood, is 1½ years old. And our shepherd/Lab mix, Amos (pictured), completes the family.
Describe your personal style: A bit rumpled, hopefully masquerading as kooky-charming.
First piece you ever designed: A hollow ring to hold perfume while in college—it leaked, but it was pretty!
Piece of jewelry you’re most proud of: Our engagement rings. We are sharing in such a special moment—it really is an honor.
Best piece of advice you ever received: “Rip off the Band-Aid.” Stalling when there is something uncomfortable to deal with rarely helps: Have that talk with an employee; call your important account with an issue. In most cases the problem doesn’t fix itself. It just grows, and then you have a bigger mess.
Worst piece of advice: My high school friend in the ’90s: “You’d look awesome with Drew Barrymore brows! I’ll pluck them for you!” I’m still trying to grow them in 20 years later. How come Drew’s have grown back?!?
First job ever: Ear piercer at a cheapy mall accessories store.
Megan Thorne ribbon-frame studs with rose-cut diamonds and round blue sapphires
How did you get started designing jewelry? Metalsmithing class in college taken just for fun.
If you weren’t designing jewelry, what would you be doing? Perfumer.
Jewelry you’re wearing right now: Wedding band and a few sets of yellow gold stud earrings.
Five items on your desk right now: Teacup, digital caliper, pencils/markers, Wacom tablet, photo of my son.
Five songs on your playlist: If I’m listening to something, it’s ESPN Radio or my husband’s record collection. Albums in rotation: Ridin’ High, Jerry Jeff Walker; On the Track, Leon Redbone; Coming Home, Leon Bridges; Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, Elton John; You’re Living All Over Me, Dinosaur Jr.
Exercise regimen: Running with my son to the park.
What did you have for breakfast? Migas taco.
Guilty pleasure: Threadbare concert T-shirts.
Drink (daytime/evening): Green tea/anything with gin.
Scents: “Mississippi Medicine,” DS & Durga; “Douce Amere,” Serge Lutens.
A must-visit for anyone in the DFW area: Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards for campy Texas fun with honky-tonk music, dance lessons, and bull riding.
Favorite movie: Annie (pictured) from the 1980s—I love Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters.
Who would play you in your life story? Juliette Lewis. Because she’d need to meet me for research and we could hang out.
Personal motto: “Bump the lamp.” I think this Who Framed Roger Rabbit philosophy is great for both work and life.
Top: Megan Thorne Calliope Ring with rose-cut diamond, Ceylon sapphire, and trillion pink sapphire
(Martini: Mindstyle/iStock/Getty; Annie: Columbia/Courtesy Everett Collection)