Though he was enamored by the ethereal beauty of cinema, he felt compelled to express his inherent sense of creativity in tangible works of art that can be touched and seen, and that can serve to elevate and enhance the beauty of those who wear it.

Other than a stint studying at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, Jared’s profound knowledge of the materials with which he works is largely self-taught. With acting behind him, Jared joined his visionary-designer-father, Sam Lehr, as Creative Director. It was there, working in close collaboration with his dad, that Jared gained hands-on experience on all aspects of the design and fabrication process.

He also began to develop his lifelong passion for rare and exceptional gemstones, which he reveres for both their material characteristics and their metaphysical properties.

Traveling with his dad to procure stones directly from the source, Jared forged relationships with stone dealers from the farthest reaches of the earth. It was these relationships, as well as the connections he’d made over the years with likeminded artisans, that Jared leaned into when he launched his eponymous brand.

With nothing but an entrepreneurial spirit, the soul of an artist, his characteristic grit and determination, and a sketchbook full of design ideas, Jared officially opened his business in December of 2015. Just six months later, after working with his team 24/7, his collections were being carried in an enviable roster of luxury department stores and boutiques.

Infinitely inspired by architecture, many of the concepts for his designs originate from the shapes captured by his own hand during the months of travel to which he attributes his extensive archive of drawings. Informed by a range of motifs, from 17^th Century Baroque to 18^th Century Neo-Classical to Mid-Century Modern, his pieces convey both the confidence of geometric arrangements and a sculptural fluidity that pays homage to femininity.

Jared’s ability to identify and highlight the most esoteric attributes of each hand-selected stone in his designs is drawn from the organic kinship he feels with these gifts of nature, resulting in breathtaking combinations of colors. His foundational understanding of design and engineering allows for the seamless execution of his signature mosaic setting, which requires complex and time-consuming techniques. With a deeply romantic sensibility, Jared uses gemstones as building blocks to forge sensual silhouettes that accentuate the female form.

While he speaks openly about the celebrities-turned-clients-turned-friends with whom he works, which includes a heavy weight list of the biggest names in Hollywood, and he is an archetypal man-about-town on a global scale, Jared maintains a stalwart sense of discretion in other areas of his life.

On the stage of Encore Theater to receive the top prize for the Design Award in the Best in Colored Gemstones category during his 2026 COUTURE debut, Jared said, “I’m accepting this award on behalf of my best friend who passed away last Friday, Mo, and my father, Sam Lehr, who always wanted to be here; I’m bringing this home for you. And also, Madalina in Milan…I’m bringing this home!”

When asked about “Madalina,” Jared refused to answer, even when pushed, and instead reminds me, “I’m a feminist at heart, I love everything about women, and I want to build beautiful things for them.”