Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Thomas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I have been in the jewelry space since 2004 with my costume jewelry line- Luv Aj. I founded Aprés Jewelry in 2017 after many years in the fast-fashion world. My foray into fine jewelry was sparked when I engaged in 2014, and me and my husband designed my ring together, a unique hexagon-halo set rose gold ring, that made some waves on the internet after our wedding and accompanying jewelry was featured on Refinery 29. An influx of emails came to me with requests for custom engagement rings, and from there the concept of Aprés Jewelry was born!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new brand 15 years after you started your first one is a total mind trip. You forgot how hard it is to get it all up and running and all your ducks in a row. But I feel lucky to have so many years of experience in the jewelry industry to be able to draw back on.
Just getting my brand launched took two years alone- life kept getting in the way, but I ultimately set a launch date and planned a launch party so I knew that would light a fire under my ass to get it live. 🙂
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about APRÉS JEWELRY – what should we know?
Aprés Jewelry is a fine jewelry line that specializes in alternative bridal- from engagement rings to wedding bands, to men’s rings, to bridesmaids gifts. After getting engaged and really searching the market for chic and affordable fine jewelry for my wedding, I was shocked at how scarce the options were.
I really wanted to fill the gap and create amazing engagement rings and wedding bands that were substantial and didn’t break the bank. I’m excited to be able to offer brides-to-be a ‘build your own’ ring experience through our site. We offer 12+ engagement ring styles that you can mix and match together with your stone of choice.
In addition, we carry over 35 wedding bands for the bride and groom and a range of necklaces and earrings under $500 that are perfect gifts for bridesmaids too. Aprés Jewelry should be your one-stop-shop for all things bridal, and just great fine jewelry in general- pieces you put on once and never take off.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Number one is being resourceful. In this modern era, we have SO MANY TOOLS at our fingertips. Whether it’s as basic as our iPhone and all the wonderful apps we can use to shoot jewelry on the stop (shout out to KIRA KIRA, best app ever).
Also, Instagram- we now have a free platform we can use to promote our products and connect with celebrities and influencers with just a DM. I am mindful too of all that Los Angeles has to offer and utilize my friends and peers to help me make connections, and even just my proximity to the Jewelry District in Downtown LA to source amazing diamonds and materials.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.apresjewelry.com
- Instagram: @apresjewelry
Image Credit:
Bryan Carr @brcarr
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