so we met the lovely and talented jewelry artist Jené DeSpain in NYC at the Capsule show.

her talent was obvious at first glance.  gorgously delicate rods of tourmaline set with fine gold chains and tiny silver slivers.  ugh. who could resist!  but my inner researcher just had to start asking her about her stones and her inspiration and Jené enthusiastically told us all about the small family of miners in the middle east who take care to ethically and sustainably choose each gem for her.  and how she's gotten to know them in person.  and what a lovely fulfilling relationship it's become, and so inspirational to her art!  we just loved chatting with jené and can't wait for you to see the amazing jewelry we have purchased for you from her!  

EACH PIECE FROM THE MINOR PLANETS COLLECTION IS HAND MADE BY BROOKLYN ARTIST JENÉ DESPAIN WITH ATTENTIVE DETAIL. SHE CAREFULLY SELECTS TOURMALINE CRYSTALS, SOURCED DIRECTLY FROM THE FAMILY WHO SUSTAINABLY MINES THEM, AND PAIRS THESE CRYSTALS WITH RECYCLED FINE METALS. FOR CENTURIES, VARIOUS CULTURES HAVE HAD DIFFERENT BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT VIRTUES TOURMALINE CAN BRING TO THE WEARER. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GEMS FOR METAPHYSICAL USE IN ITS' WIDE VARIETY OF FORMS, COLORS, AND ENERGY SPECTRUMS. TOURMALINE IS BELIEVED TO STRENGTHEN THE BODY AND SPIRIT, INSPIRE CREATIVITY, AND PROMOTE HARMONY AND A STRONGER ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE. WORN INDIVIDUALLY OR STACKED TO CULTIVATE YOUR OWN POWERFUL STATEMENT, JENÉ HOPES YOU ENCOUNTER LOVE AND BEAUTY IN THE MINOR PLANETS JEWELRY SHE CREATES FOR YOU.

ABOUT JENÉ:

Growing up in the creative environment of Portland, Oregon, Jené DeSpain began shaping her sense of style as a young girl. The daughter of a craftsman and an artist, her understanding of design and construction was strongly encouraged. Working next to her father in his woodshop honed her love for tools, while sketching with her mother developed her visual aesthetic. Jené moved to NYC in 1997 to enrich her artistic, urban lifestyle and worked many years as a fashion photographer, deepening her admiration for the many fine professionals and artists who work in the fashion industry. Drawn to a number of mediums to express her interest in raw material, tangible artifact, and multifaceted design, she eventually discovered a new satisfaction in jewelry design.   

Completely self-taught, Jené DeSpain launched her first jewelry collection in early 2010, at the dawn of our new decade. Its immediate success led to a fast-growing, loyal clientele, and her jewelry is now carried by fine retailers in multiple cities worldwide. Working in her Brooklyn studio, Jené personally crafts each piece of jewelry by hand with a dedication to quality from materials made entirely within the United States.

With each collection, Jené broadens her exploration of design and her devotion to creating striking pieces of jewelry outside the confines of momentary trends. Cultivating a constantly evolving community of fellow designers, artists, musicians, stylists, and patrons of her work, is Jené’s greatest source of inspiration. Her collaboration with the expanse of talent in NYC and beyond connects Jené to the pulse of fashion while she creates bold, distinct jewelry for those who respond to innovative design. This love of culture is revealed in each piece of her jewelry and remains at the heart of her brand.

xoxo for now!

drea & the lusso girls