Q & A with Jewelry Designer of COMMUNION by Joy

I used to spend hours on the Internet searching out the latest “undiscovered” talent in the jewelry world. It is one of my favorite things to do, along with showing my readers who I believe is the next big thing. Fortunately, Instagram has transformed the way we share and even search, with pictures telling stories and becoming a virtual resume or portfolio. I came across COMMUNION by Joy and loved her spiritual aesthetic. The texture that comes from her designs is both modern and vintage-looking at the same time! With COMMUNION having been worn by celebrities like Erin Wasson, Gia Mantenga, Kristina Guerrero and Lily Aldridge, I know I am not the only one who loves this line so much! I especially love that she uses the lost wax carving method to create her pieces.

Want to know more about this new favorite designer of mine?! Check out the interview, with questions she answers just for Gem Gossip!

I am currently working on expanding my fine jewelry line. I love working with hardness gold and precious stones. I wanted to start creating pieces that withstood the test of time and I loved the idea of jewelry being passed on as precious heirlooms from generation to generation.

I have always loved art since I was a child. I studied some art history in college and dabbled in painting and drawing. My calling for jewelry design came when I worked at an art gallery and realized that I wanted to be the artist and not just work for the artist.

After work, I started taking lost-wax carving classes at night in Santa Monica to fill my creative cup and I was hooked! I loved creating each of my pieces by hand using this ancient technique and the idea of being able to sculpt anything I wanted was exciting! When I sit and carve I feel a spirit take over me and I get lost in the process, it is a beautiful meditative experience. I essentially drip and build up wax then carve away at the design with dental tools, files and sandpaper.

I have been designing and making jewelry for over 8 years and my proudest moment was about 3 years ago when I felt I had developed my style and was ready to show the world my art! I did my first trade show 3 years ago and haven’t looked back!

I have a goal to open up a studio/ retail space, where I can curate beautiful hand-crafted artisan high-end jewelry and also have an apothecary inside the store. I am in love with organic oils and perfumes!

My favorite piece of jewelry is my ‘Eternal Love’ band. I hand carved the ring in wax and I made it in 14K rose gold, the diamonds in the band are from my mother’s engagement ring and wedding bands. It’s very special to me and I wear it with my wedding rings. I feel close to my mother when I wear it.