GemHunt Interview - The Jewelry You Need To See by Catherine Cason

Original Interview on GemHunt

Relaxed, unique, and un-fussy feminine pieces is how I would describe Everett a brand out of New York City that is a recent indie discovery of mine that I adore. Everett is founded by Alexandra Cole Nelson who is the guiding light behind this lovely brand.

Her cluster designs are my favorite in her line up and have totally captivated me, enticing me to share this brand with you. I encourage you to check out her pieces because while she makes lovely engagement rings there are also some great options for fine jewelry under $1,000 if you are looking for a sparkly bauble to cement a moment in your life.

I am excited to bring you the behind the scenes interview with Alexandra of Everett so we can all get to know about this brand, the woman behind it, and this magical jewelry.

How did you get your current job?

 After working a couple different jobs in fashion in LA, I moved to NYC to study fashion design at Parsons. Upon graduating I met Gillian Conroy, the owner of Gillian Conroy Jewelry (previously Conroy & Wilcox) and I knew I wanted to learn everything I could from her about how to start and run a jewelry company of my own.

From that point on, I immersed myself in things like cleaning castings and polishing in the studio, while taking wax carving and gold/silver-smithing classes on my own time. A little over a year ago I took the leap and started my own fine jewelry line, Everett, and things have been growing ever since.

Where do you get your design inspiration from?

 I find most of my inspiration within things I’m surrounded by that capture my attention or randomly catch my eye. Everything in the world holds the potential for inspiration, I just think how it’s interpreted depends entirely on who the person is and what they love. Most of my inspiration comes from natural light forms, uncommon colors/patterns, textures I’ve never seen before, and, as of lately, galaxies and the negative space found within them.

What do you love about what you do? 

I love that I’m the happiest I’ve been in my entire life because I’m lucky enough to do what I do. I’ve always wanted to run my own business, so being able to do that while creating designs for people all over the world is something I feel very humbled by and fortunate for. My favorite part of my job is meeting with a customer for the first time, becoming inspired by their personalities and ideas, then working with those unique details to design an equally unique piece that they will treasure forever. It doesn’t get better than that.

What are your favorite items to design? 

 I love designing custom engagement rings for new customers, as well as close friends and family. It’s always such a happy, loving, and exciting moment in a couple's life, and in a time where the world needs love, it’s wonderful to see the beautiful beginning of these lifelong relationships.

What’s your best advice for someone shopping for jewelry? 

I think the most rewarding thing about what I’m lucky enough to create is that it’s something that will last a lifetime. So my advice would be to invest in fine jewelry because it’s something you will wear everyday, something that makes you feel good, and something you cherish that you can one day pass along to someone you love so they can cherish it, as well. There’s a magical feeling knowing you’re designing the starting point in a new family heirloom.

Do you have jewelry idol?

 Polly Wales is someone I’ve always admired and looked up to. I eventually want to do a collection with lost wax casting and stones and I find her pieces so creatively inspiring. I love how organic and unique her pieces look, plus she isn’t afraid of mixing a range of colored sapphires and diamonds to create a sense of untamed beauty.

White gold, rose gold, or yellow gold?

 It depends on the color of the center stone, but in terms of my personal favorite, I would have to go with rose gold. The warm, feminine hue looks good on all skin tones, you really can’t go wrong.

Favorite current jewelry trend? 

Clusters. I’m absolutely captivated by vintage cluster jewelry and have loved trying to put my own twist on this trend. My most recent collection, Celestial Creatures, is my modern interpretation and take on the vintage cluster trend.