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n the third edition of our “Three Questions” story, we continue to explore what drives our designers to create. The brands featured here share a passion with the previously featured designers for bringing an idea to life and are delighted when their work connects with collectors. They also call out their appreciation of the community that helps make their creativity a tangible reality as one of their greatest joys in doing what they do.
Header image courtesy of Campbell + Charlotte
They also call out their appreciation of the community that helps make their creativity a tangible reality as one of their greatest joys in doing what they do.
Buddha Mama
Image courtesy of Saboo Fine Jewels
Whether it’s the agencies that represent them, the craftspeople that lovingly shepherd their pieces through each step of the manufacturing process, the miners and cutters that uncover extraordinary gems and all of the industry and designer friends they’ve made throughout their journey, these designers pay tribute to the ecosystem that continues to bolster their success.
Image courtesy of Buddha Mama
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand?
Nancy & Dakota Badia: Authentic. Mindful. Expressive.
Image courtesy of Buddha Mama
C: What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer/being in the industry?
NDB: Certainly, and most importantly, it’s about working together as a mother and daughter. But the gift and privilege to create what’s in your heart and mind’s eye and bring that to fruition, and then have it loved by others…that joy is almost something that cannot be expressed. And the community: gem dealers, retailers, sales associates, other designers and the people who work with them, our agency, other agencies, our manufacturer – the COUTURE family, it’s endless. It’s a beautiful thing.
Image courtesy of Buddha Mama
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
NDB: Maybe it’s too obvious to say 20k yellow gold? LOL! But that is certainly a favorite. We love what enamel brings to a piece and have been using it for over 14 years in our jewelry and, of course, beautiful and unusual gemstones and diamonds.
Image courtesy of Campbell + Charlotte
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand DNA?
Jenny Crane McHuugh: Happy, color and motherhood
Image courtesy of Campbell + Charlotte
C: What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?
JCM: I love working in an industry that is centered on beautiful things – what a privilege it is to be surrounded by some of the most precious materials and most talented designers every day. I always say it is a privilege to do what you love and, after working in the corporate world for 15 years in many jobs I didn’t love, I remind myself of that every day. However, I think my most favorite part is the people. Ultimately, we work in the business of making people happy and helping them build memories. That is the stuff that gets me really excited – being a small part of some epic story or everlasting memory. Seeing the joy when you deliver a piece or when a customer finds something they absolutely love is really rewarding.
Image courtesy of Campbell + Charlotte
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
JCM: I LOVE working in color. Color makes me happy; color sparks joy and has endless ways to play with. I would say colored stones are my favorite.
Image courtesy of For Future Reference Vintage
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand DNA?
Randi Molofsky: Vintage, rare, unique
Image courtesy of For Future Reference Vintage
C: What is your favorite part about being in the jewelry business?
RM: Connecting people with the perfect piece that to celebrate life’s milestones and special moments. And of course, the incredible community of colleagues that honestly makes every day fun. Retail partners, designers, editors, gem dealers, industry insiders…it’s truly a close-knit family of “gem besties.” How lucky are we that we are surrounded by beautiful things and people every day?!
Image courtesy of For Future Reference Vintage
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
RM: I’m a sucker for antique diamonds — the understated sparkle, the warmth, and the chunky facets.
Image courtesy of Jewelmer
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand DNA?
Gaëlle Branellect: Heritage, craftsmanship, respect.
Image courtesy of Jewelmer
C: What is your favorite part about being a Creative Director & High Jewelry Workshop Manager in jewelry?
GB: What I love most is seeing an idea come to life through the hands and hearts of our team. There is joy in that shared journey in finding a solution together, patiently refining a detail, and seeing a craftsman’s pride when a piece finally feels right.
Watching our master craftsmen pass their knowledge to the next generation is especially meaningful to me. We are creating jewels, but we are also nurturing people and keeping a precious heritage alive. That gives our work a purpose beyond the finished piece.
Image courtesy of Jewelmer
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
GB: The golden South Sea pearl. Each one has its own warmth, light, and personality. I love discovering what makes it special, then imagining the forms and volumes around this gem from our Philippine seas. It is a joy to create a jewel that embraces its character and allows its beauty to shine.
It is also a beautiful reminder of patience. Nature has taken years to create it, and our responsibility is to honor that gift with the finest creations, shaped by careful hands. Even after all these years, that meeting between nature and craftsmanship continues to inspire me.
Image courtesy of Miseno
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand DNA?
Antonio Cardamuro: Italian, bold, and timeless
Image courtesy of Miseno
C: What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?
AC: My favorite part is turning inspiration from my Italian heritage into meaningful jewelry, but I also love the industry itself—the relationships and friendships I’ve built over the years
Image courtesy of Miseno
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
AC: Coral or turquoise. Their natural colors remind me of my hometown, Miseno, and bring vibrancy and uniqueness to each piece they are in.
Image courtesy of Piranesi
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand DNA?
Mimi Hajibay: Timeless, Luxury, and Color.
Image courtesy of Piranesi
C: What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?
P: I feel privileged to be part of the designer community, expressing my vision through the art of color, creating emotions and memories that last from generation to generation.
Image courtesy of Piranesi
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
P: Natural colored precious gemstones- rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds.
Image courtesy of Saboo Fine Jewels
COUTURE: What three words describe your brand DNA?
Surendra Saboo: Craftsmanship, Innovation, Authenticity
Image courtesy of Saboo Fine Jewels
C: What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?
SS: The most rewarding part is building lasting relationships with the people behind every piece. From the miners and cutters who uncover extraordinary gemstones to the collectors and clients who eventually wear them. Jewelry has a unique ability to connect people across generations and cultures. Building meaningful relationships with clients who become part of the Saboo family.
Image courtesy of Saboo Fine Jewels
C: What is your favorite material to work with?
SS: Exceptional colored gemstones. They are the heart of every Saboo creation. Whether it’s a vivid sapphire, emerald, ruby, spinel, tourmaline, or another rare gemstone, each one inspires the design from the very beginning. We pair these extraordinary stones with the finest precious metals and master craftsmanship to create jewelry that is timeless, collectible, and completely unique.
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