BY Mimi Lombardo
As a child, Sheryl Jones loved digging up fossils and minerals in her Cincinnati, Ohio backyard. She collected shells and stones from seaside family vacations and admired and played dress-up with the pieces in her Great Grandmother’s jewelry box. Jones recalls being fascinated by the facets in her mother’s diamond ring. So, after 10-year stint as an MTV executive, she made a hard turn out of media to pursue her childhood love of creating jewelry—the kind of pieces that become the diary of one’s life. Her designs incorporate vibrantly colored gemstones, sometimes boldly clustering them to create dynamic pieces. Jones loves to help brides-to-be design their dream engagement ring but has a standing collection of rings for others to choose from. Her childhood love of minerals and stones has transformed into a thriving business using rare gems to artfully craft jewelry in the Sheryl Jones sharp, bold style. You can find her collection at New York’s midtown jewelry district.
How and why did you make the transition from MTV management to jewelry designer and retailer?
I made a career change after working at MTV: Music Television as Vice President of Communications because I wanted to pursue a career in something that I was passionate about and could do for the rest of my life. I had a passion for diamonds and gemstones, even as a child, so I took a course at GIA— The Gemological Institute of America and fell in love. I got a job working as a diamond sorter at a Belgian diamond manufacturer after graduating. This began my career in the industry.
What influences your designs?
I am inspired by nature and the city’s architecture and that is reflected in many of my designs. I learned how to transform my ideas into finished pieces by working with the skilled jewelers, model makers, setters, and manufacturers on 47th Street.
How long have you had your business and was it difficult to infiltrate New York’s jewelry district?
Most of the diamond and gemstone companies along with jewelry retailers and manufacturing companies are third and fourth generation family owned and run by men. As an outsider with no connections and family in the business it was hard to generate trust and relationships. But I had mentors and they helped. Also, working for diamond manufacturers helped me make connections and garner trust.
Who are your customers? Do your customers have to make appointments? Are all the pieces custom or do you have collections?
My customers are first time and second time couples looking to have a custom engagement ring and wedding bands made. My clients are also women who would like a special piece for a milestone or event. I do mostly custom work but I do have a small collection of finished diamond and gemstone jewelry.
Where do you source your gemstones and what do you look for?
I source my gemstones from around the world. I love to go to the Tucson gem show where my miners, manufactures, cutters and wholesalers from every country converge. It’s a great opportunity to buy and to meet new suppliers. I buy from manufacturers in Nigeria, Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Canada, Ethiopia, and Madagascar etc.
Most of the diamond and gemstone companies along with jewelry retailers and manufacturing companies are third and fourth generation family owned and run by men. As an outsider with no connections and family in the business it was hard to generate trust and relationships. But I had mentors and they helped. Also, working for diamond manufacturers helped me make connections and garner trust.
