Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Ann Jones.
Hi, Lee Ann; please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had taken metal smithing classes for fun with a friend at the Southwest School of Art years ago. It was the one time during the week that I was ultimately able to unwind and not think about anything else, and I fell in love with the process. My friend quit after one class, but I kept taking classes. After making several pieces that were literally purchased off of my neck, I decided I might have a business. I experimented with high-end costume jewelry initially and was still practicing law at the same time. I had always wanted to design fine jewelry but was nervous because of the large investment required. However, I decided to try it in 2017 and established my brand, Lee Jones Collection. When several stores picked up my line, I knew I could no longer practice law and run a new business successfully, so I decided to retire my law license after practicing for over 20 years.
I am driven to design jewelry for real life, which resonates with women like myself. My designs are wearable and elegant, made in 14-karat gold and adorned with diamonds and gemstones. I also design bespoke and custom pieces, from engagement and bridal jewelry to heirloom pieces that tell my customers’ stories. My line can be found at retailers across the state and nationwide, including three retailers in San Antonio: Curio at Hotel Emma, Kelly Wade Jewelers, and Meadow Boutique. The Fairy Dust Collection was my first complete collection, and I received a Design Challenge Award at JCK Tuscon. The essence of Fairy Dust lies in its ability to capture and reflect light from every angle, much like the mesmerizing dance of “fairies.” The collection symbolizes the women who work tirelessly behind the scenes, orchestrating the magic in their families, workplaces, and communities, determined to make the world a little better and brighter.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some parts of my road have been straight and easy, and others have been full of curves. The business side has come relatively easy to me, which I attribute to having practiced law for so many years and working with and in businesses. At the same time, I have learned about an entirely different industry and all that goes with sourcing and purchasing materials, CAD design, manufacturing, marketing, social media, etc., in the fine jewelry world. Most everything I do about manufacturing is outside of San Antonio, so it has taken significant time, energy, and a few failures to land with manufacturing partners who hold the same standards of quality that I demand. Of course, there have been mistakes along the way, but I have become a better designer and business person with each one.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in fine jewelry that is made to wear with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a party dress. I want every piece in my line to work with everything else in my collection but also with everything a customer already owns so that it is a wearable addition to their jewelry box. And I encourage my customers to express individuality with how they wear their jewelry because there is no wrong choice when it comes to jewelry. This past year, I dropped my Paperclip Hoops that I make with diamonds and many combinations of color gemstones. They quickly have become favorites among my retail partners and customers. I also make Gemstone Hearts that “float” on the chain or bracelet of a customer’s choice. They are a favorite for customers who wear multiples of different birthstones and patterns. I have become known for some of my bespoke and custom designs. One of my most memorable was a charm I made for a woman who lost her parents to COVID-19 during the pandemic. The hospital gave her tiny EKG strips of their last heartbeats. I took those strips and designed a charm for her where I matched each of their previous heartbeats together so that she could always wear their hearts close to hers. And that is just one of my many favorites. I have been blessed to make some of the most memorable and significant pieces for my customers, each unique and telling a story; for example, I just designed a custom pearl and aquamarine necklace for a bride and, in the design, was able to bring to the jewelry a part of the chapel where she was getting married. I work hard to capture the uniqueness of each story in my design and believe that the opportunity to create to love others is a gift.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family, of course, is at the backbone of my business. My husband never blinked an eye when I told him I wanted to quit practicing law to give this a try, and he not only encouraged me but gave me wise business counsel. My boys had watched the whole thing unfold as I started taking the metal smithing classes one night a week when they were young. Growing up, they helped me pack boxes, run errands, make deliveries, and even help me with social media. Although they are now both in college, this has been a real-life, hands-on course in entrepreneurship for both of them. I have been a member of various professional organizations that have been invaluable. But the designer friends I have met along the way have been most helpful to me. Almost everyone has been willing to share contacts, assist with problem-solving, and provide advice. It is a super competitive industry, but the designers I have connected with share my philosophy that there is room for everyone. And I am, of course, grateful to my retail partners. They gave me the stage to showcase my art and taught me much.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leejonescollection.com
- Instagram: @leejonescollection
Image Credits
Photograph of me: Lilianna, Story Jewelry Photographs: Ansen Seale, Sketch of Custom Aquamarine Necklace: Mine
