Rising Stars: Meet Elissa Sommers of San Gabriel Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elissa Sommers

Hi Elissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Elissa and I am a forth generation jeweler. We immigrated here from Lebanon and my father moved his jewelry manufacturing business and restarted it all in Los Angeles. I have learned all about fine jewelry manufacturing and what makes a good and dependable jeweler. After working side by side with him in our family jewelry store, I have developed a passion for creating and design. I started my own jewelry line, Elissar Couture in 2017. I wanted to create a jewelry line of quality jewelry that was made and designed well for jewelry lovers who want to bring a little fun and style into their everyday lives.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to start my own fine jewelry collection has had its ups and downs. I am learning everyday how to properly build a brand and how that the brand is not only me, but its about my dream client. Even with a business degree and over 15 years of jewelry design experience, I have probably learned the most when i started this business journey. I had to learn the hard way who I really want to design for and who will actually buy my jewelry. Also, the reason why people buy jewelry and their thought process. With the growth of TikTok and all other social media, I have learned that people are more interested in my brand when they know me and my story. I have been putting myself out there, showing my design process, teaching others about gemstones and the best way to shop for jewelry.

Currently, I am a one woman show. I do have the support of my father’s jewelry manufacturing company, but all the back-end work is done by me. I build the website, take the photos (if you have ever tried to take a good photo of diamond jewelry, then you know how much fun that can be), record and post my social media, run ads, and do industry research. Oh! Of course, I design all my jewelry! I think the biggest lesson I have learned is time management and that not everything has to be done and perfect to be posted. I also learned that the smartest thing to do is to invest in something you don’t know how to do.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would like to say that I am known for my love of putting a twist on traditional designs, like making my own version of a halo diamond ring by using baguettes or the design of a crown. What I am most known for is my evil side eye collection. As a very popular style of jewelry found in Lebanon, Greece, and all through out the Middle East, I wanted to create my own twist on an evil eye. I always found that when someone if jealous of you and giving you the “eye”, its best to look past it, give them the side eye, and move on to more positive things. I made sure that our eye was fierce and was rocking a flawless cat eye. This design is so popular I make bracelets, necklaces, earrings and even an anklet! I have made different versions with enamel and some with diamonds.

One of my favorite collections is my Royal Bridal collection. Like any self respecting millennial, I have a strong love for Princess Diana. So naturally I created a engagement ring and wedding band selection that is inspired by tiaras and crowns worn by Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth and other famous crowns. From taking small details from the tiaras to using beautiful sapphires as the center stones, this collection is equal parts romantic and will stand out from all other engagement rings.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The way a ring, or any piece of jewelry, is designed and made plays a giant role in how long it will last. I was fed up with seeing poorly made jewelry, hollowed out rings that bend and break in a matter of days, and priced at a ridiculous rate. I know what it takes to make jewelry and I wanted to share that with the world. Making sure every piece can be worn everyday but all be passed down generations. I know that to create a legacy brand, I need to create legacy jewelry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elissarcouture.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissarcouture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElissarCoutureCA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elissarcouture