Dana Blair creates gorgeous jewelry for an array of personalized tastes, and her eponymous line utilizes various gemstones for styles that can range from Coachella to Cannes. Here are a dozen questions for her to illuminate the inspired person behind the brand:
1. How did you get your start as a jewelry designer, and was it always a passion of yours?
As far back as I can remember, I loved making gifts for people and customizing those gifts in a way that was personal to them. Inspired by the enthusiastic response to a necklace I designed for my mom, I began creating jewelry for family and friends. People laughed when I told them their piece was designed with their personality and aura specifically in mind.
2. Where do you sell your jewelry?
In October of 2022, I opened my first brick & mortar boutique at 112 West 17th Street in NYC. Over the years I have worked in shared spaces, pop-up shops, and selling to department stores, boutiques and music festivals. I still work with many of these venues and have had a weekend Pop-Up in Venice Beach since 2013. I decided to open my own store to be able to create and sell my handcrafted, customizable jewelry my way. I always thought, “We have our clothing tailored to our needs, why not our jewelry?”
3. Where do you find your inspiration for designs, and do you have a muse?
I created Dana Blair Designs as a custom business. I imagined how I could create my jewelry in a way that was authentic to me and my clients. I knew then, as I know now, that one size does not fit all. I sell ready-to-wear lines – however, my heart is in the pieces I size to fit. I make rings from size 2-16 and can change necklace and bracelet lengths on the spot. I work with locally sourced, hand-cut gems, and let clients pick out their own stones — they love being part of the process. I am inspired on a daily basis by my clients, art, nature, meaning, and anything that sparks my imagination.
4. Do you work with all gemstones? Do you have personal favorites?
I work with 30 different gemstones that I have in the store in various shapes that I can use in any of my designs. I can also customize with pretty much any gemstone out there. I love them all, but I seem to gravitate to Moonstone, Labradorite, Amethyst and Emerald. I have been into Pearl, Peruvian opal, and Black Tourmaline lately.
5. What is most popular with customers now? What are some jewelry trends that you’re seeing?
Gold and bold Gemstones. Layers are still going strong. I adjust my pieces to layer around what you already have or can create an entire new stack, fit just to you.
6. Can you customize jewelry for clients by preference of design and gemstones, and/or for particular types of support?
Yes, this is one of my favorite things to do. I work with the healing properties of all of the gemstones. Often someone will contact me or come in my boutique looking for a gem with a particular meaning. I go through the large chart I have on the wall and help narrow down the choices for the perfect gemstones.
7. Do you create jewelry for groups, such as bridesmaids, family reunions, etc?
Yes! I create often for bridal parties, birthdays, spa days and many other occasions. I can create in-store or thru a virtual appointment. When I first started in 2002, this was something I did often and still really enjoy creating memorable gifts with meaning.
8. Can you repurpose existing jewelry for a client?
Yes, I can re-purpose any of my designs.
9. What are some of your oddest or most memorable client stories?
I was asked by a regular client of mine in Los Angeles if it would be ok if she purchased one of my V necklaces for her friend who had just passed away. She wanted her to be buried in it. I was honored and it was actually very humbling that she felt my work was so special.
10. What are some of your greatest challenges as a jewelry designer?
Finding the best priced materials. Part of my brand philosophy is creating jewelry for everyday or for something special at an approachable price point.
11. What is the long-range dream for your brand?
To continue to do what I am currently doing, andwith working with more private events. I would like to open a second NYC location along with a brick & mortar shop in Los Angeles
12. What are some of the things that customers don’t understand about the business?
That all of my ready-to-wear pieces are customizable. I customize everything! Many pieces are some that I can create right on the spot in my store. Choose your gemstone, metal, chain, length, size… all of the things you want.
Shop at Dana Blair Designs HERE.
Follow Dana Blair Designs on social media:
Instagram – @danablairdesigns
Facebook– Facebook.com/danablairdesigns
Pinterest-@danablairdesigns
Linkedin- – danablairdesigns
TikTok- – danablairdesigns
Alignable– danablairdesigns
