Privileged: from Marie Claire to designer

One minute you’re working in marketing at Marie Claire, next thing you’re launching your own jewellery label. How did that happen?

Jen Ondyak was doing precisely that. After graduating from university, Jen moved to New York to work at Marie Claire in the marketing and special events department. She then went on to work at Calvin Klein, working with the press and celebrities on upcoming collections and she later joined John Hardy Jewelry in sales. It was in fall 2008 that Jen’s dream of creating her own jewellery line was realised.

Privileged Jewelry is about finding delight in the details. The collection is comprised of gold-plated charms, colourful stones and timeless design. Bold aquamarine stones are paired with dainty gold accents. Simple chains are embellished with whimsical details like dragonflies and acorns. Two of her most popular pieces feature dinosaurs and handcuffs. Privileged’s jewellery is elegant and sexy with a tinge of sass.

Privileged’s pieces are classy but still quite trendy. This rose gold ring is simple but it could be worn season after season and still be on trend.

This butterfly cuff is chunky but a great piece for the summer.

Jen’s handcuff pieces are really popular and it’s easy to understand why when you see this bracelet. Again, it’s simple but the handcuffs just add that bit of something to the piece.

If you like a bit of colour in your jewellery then you’ll like these branch stone earrings. The green really sets off the earrings.

Privileged Jewelry’s collection is quite diverse and there is something for everyone on the site. What inspires such a diverse range though? “I would say that my inspiration for the collections comes from all the women in my life. Living in NYC makes it easy to become inspired every day.” Different personalities clearly play a big part in the pieces within the range.

Some people would think that going from a marketing background into a designing background wouldn’t work. However, Jen Ondyak has proved that that just isn’t true.

Jenny Rodgers

Head over to her website to explore her full range.