I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa Jenik about a year ago because we live in the same town and she sells her wares at a boutique I love. She’s a fabulous lady, and also an awesome jewelry designer. Her pieces are earthy and sparkly, classic and modern.  I was lucky enough to recieve my very own Vanessa Jenik for my recent birthday, and I love it and wear it almost every day. It’s the perfect piece to wear alone, or layered up. And that’s one of the things I love about Vanessa’s jewelry – it looks so fabulous layered. The more the merrier!!

My Vanessa Jenik black diamond necklace

JewelryWhore: How long have you been designing jewelry?

Vanessa Jenik: I have had my business for 12 years now, but have been designing jewelry since I was in middle school. By the time I was in high school I was taking metal classes at the local art center. It’s always captivated my interest, even from a young age.

JW: What drew you to the world of jewelry?

VJ: The idea of having this image in your mind and then being able to use you hands and create this piece of jewelry has always been fascinating to me. It’s this endless world of learning and designing new things. Plus, what girl doesn’t like a little bling?

JW: Is this your full-time job? If so, when did you make the leap?

VJ: Yes, it has been my full time job for the last 12 years. I was working as a costumer in the film business where I met my now husband. When I decided to make the move from NC to Los Angeles so that I could be closer to him I thought why not. New city, new life, why not new job?

JW: What do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

VJ: Macrame leather bracelets w/ diamond pieces!! I am in love w/ the oxidized sterling silver feather w/ the row of diamonds on brown leather macrame. It’s summer, it’s winter…..just love it!

JW: What do you think of Chanel’s famous quote, “Always take one thing off before leaving the house”? 

VJ: I think everyone has their own unique style and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. I keep things pretty simple, yet I have a couple friends that can layer and layer jewelry and it looks fabulous.

Vanessa’s Studio

JW: What three words would you use to describe Vanessa Jenik jewelry?

VJ: ethereal, beautiful, timeless

 JW: What is your most treasured piece of jewelry that you did not create?

VJ: It’s a black coral and gold bracelet with a diamond set in the coral. Special because it was made by my good friend Renee Garvey and it just reminds me of the Caribbean, where I was born and grew up.

Vanessa’s jewelry is available at Ylang23, The Sundance Catalog, and lots of other stockists listed here.