Bold, elegant, and a little bit cheeky. Lauren K’s collections embody the spirit of “luxury, but make it fun.” The spotlight always belongs to the gemstones, they’re the true stars of the show. The New York–based brand is all about unexpected color combinations. Think necklaces, rings, and earrings that shimmer like fruity cocktails. These jewels are made to shine 24/7, from coffee runs to the red carpet. They pair just as beautifully with a white T-shirt as with a ball gown. We at Blingsis have been longtime fans of Lauren’s work, it’s time to catch up!
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What have you been working on lately? Any exciting new pieces recently added to your collection?
We are continuously creating new designs, each one imbued with individuality and character. Because nearly all of our pieces are one of a kind, no two are ever the same—the unique beauty of each colored stone defines its own story. Our current focus is on expanding our bolder collections—Revival, Griffen, and Kindle—with the introduction of new charms and earrings. We’ve also reimagined our signature Blossom ring, crafting smaller versions alongside a complementary necklace and charm. In addition, we are developing beaded chains and refining several existing collections, continuing our pursuit of pieces that feel both timeless and distinctly modern.
Jewelry truly runs in your veins. Your family has been in the business for generations. Do you have any special memories with your grandfather or parents working with jewelry?
My parents were never involved in the jewelry business. I grew up in Florida, while my great-grandfather and grandfather built their business in New York City. In many ways, the trade skipped a generation—but when I moved to New York after college, I had the privilege of working alongside my grandfather for a year. That time was profoundly meaningful to me. He became like a second father, and we truly looked after one another. I cherished every moment with him. He was kind, dignified, and deeply human—someone who believed in relationships, integrity, and the simple joy of making people happy. Working with him taught me that success in this business is built not just on craftsmanship, but on character.
Even now, years later, I often meet people who light up when they speak about him—customers, colleagues, and peers who tell me how much they admired his decency, his fairness, his grace. At trade shows, people still stop by to share a story or introduce themselves as someone who once knew and respected him. Those encounters mean everything to me. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about his legacy, and how differently my path might look had he not been the honorable, generous man that he was. His example continues to guide me—in work and in life.
Did you always know the jewelry world was your calling, or did it take time to discover that passion?
My path to the jewelry world was anything but conventional. Growing up in Florida, I was far removed from the family business in New York, and never imagined I would one day be part of it. After college in Boston, I moved to New York City with plans to attend law school a year later. During that gap year, I decided to work with my grandfather—a choice made out of love more than ambition, knowing it would allow us to share meaningful time together.
Once I applied to schools, I chose to remain in New York rather than pursue opportunities out of state. For the next three years, I balanced my studies with helping my grandfather whenever I could. After taking the bar exam, I found myself at a crossroads. My grandfather asked if I might assist him as I considered my next steps. It was during that time that I reached a defining moment—a choice between building a career in law or continuing the family legacy.
Ultimately, I chose the business. While my legal training continues to serve me, I realized that a life in law offered little room for creativity. Jewelry, on the other hand, opened a door to imagination—to design, storytelling, and the opportunity to build something that was both personal and enduring. In that moment, the path became clear, and what began as a practical decision became a true calling.
You’re such a gem geek AND I LOOOVE IT. How did you first dive into learning about precious stones, and where did that fascination begin?
My introduction to colored stones began with the fundamentals. My great-grandfather and grandfather were esteemed stone importers, working with star sapphires, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Early on, I learned firsthand from them, and once I began working in the business, I became intimately involved with these classic stones—and with opals, which captivated me early on. With overseas suppliers always just a phone call away, the office was a window into a world of color and possibility.
After acquiring the business and beginning to design my own pieces, I felt compelled to explore beyond the stones I had known. A trip to the Tucson gem shows became a turning point. It was there that my eyes were opened to the extraordinary diversity of materials, colors, and forms—an entire universe of stones I had never imagined. That first visit ignited a passion that continues to this day. Every year, I return, driven by the thrill of discovery: What’s unusual? What’s different? What haven’t I seen before?
For me, that pursuit—the search for the unexpected, the rare, the extraordinary—is the heart of working with colored stones. And the real magic comes when I bring these treasures home, translating them into designs that capture their unique beauty and spirit. It is that alchemy—turning a remarkable stone into a piece of jewelry that feels alive—that continues to inspire me, season after season.
Has your vision for the Lauren K brand evolved over time, or have you stayed true to a consistent aesthetic since the beginning?
The Lauren K collection has evolved continuously—and that evolution remains at the heart of the brand. My taste is ever-changing, as are the sources of my inspiration, and that natural progression is reflected in both the designs and the stones we choose.
When I first launched the collection, it was rooted in a love of diamonds—pieces that were intricate, luminous, and intensely focused on that classic brilliance. But as I grew as a designer, I discovered that what truly moved me were the singular, extraordinary stones—the ones that couldn’t be replicated. That realization shaped the brand’s identity. Rather than creating pieces meant for production, I chose to design around each individual stone, allowing its personality and nuances to guide the final form.
Today, that philosophy defines everything we do. I love exploring unexpected color combinations, mixing shapes, textures, and types of stones to create pieces that feel distinctive and alive. Each design is an expression of that ongoing dialogue between inspiration and individuality—an ever-evolving reflection of the world that continues to move me.
Your brand is based in New York, yet your collections have that effortless boho vibe that feels so California. How do those influences come together in your designs?
The aesthetic of my designs is deeply rooted in my own lifestyle. I am inherently casual, yet I appreciate a polished, considered look—never overly formal, and never constrained by convention. Just as I am drawn to handbags that are elegant but relaxed, eschewing anything stiff or overly structured, the jewelry I create embodies a similar ethos: luxury that feels effortless and approachable.
For me, jewelry should be worn, not stored. I design with the intention that each piece seamlessly integrates into everyday life—whether you’re running errands, meeting friends for dinner, or attending a special occasion. It’s this balance of refinement and wearability that defines the Lauren K aesthetic: pieces that exude luxury, yet feel personal, comfortable, and undeniably real.
What’s your absolute favorite gemstone or color palette—and is there a special meaning or story behind it?
I could never choose a single favorite gemstone—any more than I could choose a favorite child. Each possesses its own unique character, its own story, and its own allure. What captivates me most is the boundless variety, the infinite possibilities that continually spark inspiration.
For me, color is deeply emotional and ever-changing. At times, I may find myself captivated by green; at another moment, it may be purple, pink, or orange. The pull of color is instinctive, almost involuntary, guiding not only the pieces I create but the moods and moments they evoke. It is this ever-shifting, emotive quality that makes working with colored stones endlessly thrilling.
Your jewelry feels like a woman’s best friend. It’s perfect for a grocery run as well as a red carpet moment. What’s your personal approach? Do you match your jewelry to the occasion, or do you wear your signature pieces 24/7?
My approach to jewelry is guided by a simple principle: pieces should be practical, joyful, and feel effortlessly good to wear. Jewelry, at its best, sparks happiness the moment you see it and continues to delight every time it is worn. While I am acutely aware that fine jewelry is an investment, I never lose sight of the emotional connection it creates. I want every piece to be loved, worn, and integrated into everyday life—not reserved for a rare occasion.
I strive to design jewelry that is versatile and intuitive, pieces that can be mixed, matched, and layered almost like a personal vision board. By nature, I am a creature of habit, often returning to the same cherished pieces day after day. Yet, every so often, I create a piece specifically for myself—a moment of personal inspiration. When I visit the gem shows, I am always on the lookout for a stone that resonates, that strikes a nerve, knowing it will become a lifelong companion in my collection. It is this blend of practicality, joy, and personal connection that defines the spirit of my work.
Your use of color is so vibrant and unexpected. Where do you find inspiration for those bold and unique combinations?
I delight in exploring color combinations, allowing the stones themselves to guide the design. With so many possibilities, arranging and reimagining them is endlessly fascinating—sometimes my desk resembles a kaleidoscope, and truly, there are few better ways to spend a day. Inspiration is everywhere: a fleeting moment on a journey, the delicate hues of a bouquet, the shifting light across a landscape. Each encounter informs the work, shaping the colors, forms, and spirit of the pieces I create.
With the holiday season just around the corner, what’s your best advice for choosing the perfect jewelry gift for someone special?
The most meaningful advice I can offer when selecting a piece as a gift is to consider how it will be worn and cherished. Will it become a daily favorite, or remain tucked away in a drawer? A truly thoughtful choice is one that can seamlessly integrate with the recipient’s existing collection—pieces that can be layered, paired, and worn effortlessly.
If the gift marks a milestone—a birthday, an anniversary, or another special occasion—it is especially rewarding to select a piece that subtly reflects that moment, whether through color, stone, or design. The ultimate joy comes from giving jewelry that not only delights in the moment it is received but becomes a treasured part of everyday life, carrying meaning and beauty for years to come.