Photo: Stephanie Wynne and Jenny Klatt, designers of Jemma Wynne. Courtesy of B Squared PR.

AMAHZING: When did you start designing jewelry?

JEMMA WYNNE: We both started designing jewelry for our own jewelry collections while we were freshmen in college (Steph- 10 years ago, Jenny- 9 years ago).

AMAHZING: Are you self-taught or you attended a design school?

JEMMA WYNNE: We are both self taught artists. We both were very artistic and creative growing up and while in college we stumbled into the world of jewelry making.  It started as a hobby for both of us, and as we wore our pieces we began to develop small followings.

Stephanie: I graduated from American University with a Bachelors degree in graphic design, I began working in the design department of Judith Ripka as an assistant to the designer.

Jenny: I spent two summers interning at Judith Ripka in the design and product development department.  After I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I was hired full time and that is where Stephanie and I met.

AMAHZING: While working for jewelry designer Judith Ripka, what made you decide to collaborate on designing your own jewelry line?

JEMMA WYNNE: We have a really great balance working together.  We share the same creativity, design sensibility and passion that drove us to start our own company in 2008. We saw a void in the market for fine jewelry with a fresh and modern approach. We define our design aesthetic as the “cashmere hoodie” of jewelry–rich, but comfortable.  The vision of Jemma Wynne is to create versatile jewelry for women who desire a sophisticated look, while still maintaining a casual ease.   Our jewelry epitomizes the concept of everyday luxury.  We feel that fine jewelry should not have to live in a jewelry box, waiting for the perfect occasion to be pulled out and worn.  With this in mind, we create collections to provide our customer with high quality, unique pieces that are comfortable and practical enough to wear with jeans and a t-shirt, yet it is special enough to complement the finest couture.  We believe that there is a story behind every piece of jewelry- it is something that is special and unique.  Whether it is a gift from a loved one for a special occasion or a gift for oneself, it holds some significant meaning or memory to its owner.  We love to be a part of that feeling and process.

AMAHZING: The name of your line, “Jemma Wynne,” how did you come up with it?

JEMMA WYNNE: We wanted to come up with a name that was creative and captures who we are so we decided to go with a play on each of our names. Jemma is a combination of Jenny’s first and middle names- Jennifer Melissa. And Wynne is Stephanie’s middle name.

AMAHZING: What was your inspiration for the collection?

JEMMA WYNNE: As we began designing the jewelry we used a true blend of our personal styles as our inspiration. We combined Jenny’s relaxed femininity and Stephanie’s more tailored and classic polish to create the perfect mix of casual luxury.  Also, as New Yorkers we are inspired by the diversity of the city and the women that inhabit it. This woman is never afraid to express her individuality and she wears many different hats! The jewelry transforms with the woman that has no limits!

AMAHZING: What’s your best-seller item from the collection?

JEMMA WYNNE: The bangles! Our customers really like the flexibility of personalizing their look by mixing and matching the different styles, stones and colors.

Photo: Jemma Wynne’s best-seller bangles. Courtesy of B Squared PR.

AMAHZING: What’s your favorite item from the collection?

JEMMA WYNNE: That is the most difficult question to answer because we are always finding new favorites!  Our favorite (of the moment !) is our new Limited Edition Bicolor Tourmaline earrings.  The colors and cut of the stone gives them a mysterious edge that we just love!!

Photo: Jemma Wynne’s favorite piece, Limited Edition Tourmaline Earrings. Courtesy of B Squared PR and Jemma Wynne.

AMAHZING: Congrats on appearing on an episode of “The City” and being interviewed by Olivia Palermo for Elle.com! Did Olivia herself contact you for the interview?

JEMMA WYNNE: Yes. Olivia has been a huge supporter of our line from day one.  We were thrilled when she contacted us with this amazing opportunity.

AMAHZING: Which celebrities have been seen wearing your collection?

JEMMA WYNNE: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Julianne Hough, Maggie Rizer and of course, Olivia!

AMAHZING: How would you like to expand the collection in the future?

JEMMA WYNNE: We are constantly dreaming up new designs and discovering interesting and unique materials that inspire us.  Currently our focus is on expanding our distribution and growing our brand awareness through the media.

Web Site: www.jemmawynne.com

-Amahzing Blog