Spotlight: J. Garcia Designs

Jan 24, 2012 No Comments by Vanessa Gyan

Emerging from Brooklyn, New York, Jonathan Garcia is the mastermind behind custom made, one of a kind jewelry called J. Garcia Designs. Garcia always had the drive of one day becoming the “go to” designer and with his creativity, extensive knowledge and passion, that aspiration is becoming a reality.

SheSoMajor recently caught up with the Brooklyn native to learn about his growing brand, J. Garcia Designs.

What made you want to launch a jewelry line? As a child, my dad sold commercial jewelry for extra cash. So, I’ve always been around it. One night, flipping through his jewelry catalogue, I found a huge gold cross that I desired to own. Of course we didn’t have that kind of luxury… so I thought, “Can I make this?.” I started searching for schools that offered a course in jewelry until I found FIT. I enrolled in a 2-year course. I finished a cross at end of my first semester and showed it to my dad and boy was he impressed. After graduating from FIT, I worked for a designer as a jeweler/production manager’s assistant for several years while I produced some of my own work on the side. After resigning from their company, I worked for a jewelry gallery that carried some of my work. As they witnessed the successful sales, I decided to build a jewelry line. Thankfully, it’s still selling there today.

What is the process when designing? I start off with a sketch or a detailed drawing of a piece of jewelry. Next i began to build it out of a piece of carving wax. Once the wax is in perfect detail to the drawing, then it goes into a casting process that turns it into metal (like gold or silver). Finally I clean it, set any stones necessary and polish it. Now it’s ready to be worn to the next special event.

What gives you the most pleasure in your career as a jewelry designer? I would have to say a person’s admiration of my work. I always appreciate someone’s feedback, wether it’s positive or negative.

What inspires your collection? Definitely, architecture. It’s one of the reason why I started naming each collection after streets in Bushwick, my hometown. I apply the names of the streets to each collection based on the design which inspired me on that block. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that group that puts their neighborhood “on the map”.

What can be found in your collection? Simplicity, comfort, elegancy, and quality. That pretty much covers it. Lol

Where can your jewelry be purchased? J. Garcia Designs is exclusively sold at Works Gallery at 1250 Madison Ave in New York City. I’m hoping it will be available at other locations in the near future.

What is the price range? Prices vary depending on the piece but roughly between $150-$3500+. Custom work is based on the complexity of the design.

If you could choose any celebrity to wear your J. Garcia Designs who would it be and why? Tough one. I would go with Mila Kunis. Her beauty and grace would definitely compliment the jewelry perfectly.

What’s next for your brand? I’ve noticed that I’ve developed a fetish for women’s shoes. I admire women in heels and I think they’re absolutely sexy and stunning. The women in shoes, that is. I’d like to apply some of my jewelry concepts into women’s shoes to create some kind of hybrid between shoes and accessories.