Spotlight: Stephanie Karen Jewels
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewelry
Los Angeles–based designer Stephanie Lee decided to pursue two drastically different fields for her career: science and art. Lee, founder of jewelry company Stephanie Karen Jewels, trained as a pharmacist and majored in Biology University of La Verne, before attending University of Southern California for a Master’s in Regulatory Science, and later going on to pharmacy school. “Initially, I wanted to help with my family’s jewelry business, but I soon discovered that it was an amazing outlet to express my creativity and passion for designing jewelry,” says the L.A. native. “I started small, but had a definite idea of how I wanted my designs to be presented. After receiving positive responses from a few initial pieces, I designed and launched my first full collection shortly thereafter.”
Her designs, consisting of intricate rings, necklaces, and bracelets made with 14-carat gold and precious and semi-precious stones from opals and pearls to white and black diamonds, are largely influenced by geometric shapes, and the California landscape. “I try to be inspired daily,” she says. “I don’t just have a single source of inspiration, instead, I try to draw inspiration from as many sources as possible including my environment, nature, and California’s minimalistic sense of style. The materials themselves will help inspire my new designs. Many of my designs are influenced by geometrical shapes. I like to play with the color and shapes of the gold and stones to find a balance between romantic femininity and edge.”
Busy juggling dual careers as both a pharmacist and jewelry designer, Lee admits she still loves seeing the end result of her jewelry designs. “I love the process of selecting quality stones because it makes me feel like the pieces are coming to life,” she adds. “One of my most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the response from customers when they receive their piece, or randomly encountering someone wearing my designs.”
By Jennie Nunn
Pictured: Stephanie Lee
Photos courtesy of Stephanie Karen Jewels
