While in university studying commerce, I performed a number of case studies on jewelry brands and (naively?) thought, "I could do that!"
Once I graduated, I decided to take a 2 year metal-smithing program to understand the production-side of jewelry making. It was 2013, I had just finished the metal-smithing program and felt confident, prepared, and determined to start my own brand. I dropped in to local retailers to sell wholesale and get my designs out in the world. Some liked my pieces and others not so much—either way, I gained so much insight through this process that consistently pushed me to create more. What that would be, I didn't know, I enjoyed the process of discovering.
In 2015, we were picked up by a large retailer, which was an incredible feat and created a lot of business for us! At the time, we shifted our focus on making more accessible pieces, keeping the price point low. However, that limited what we could create.
Now, after more than 10 years in the jewelry design business, I have been able to alter my collections to reflect my personal identity, creating pieces I would want to wear.
At Kara Yoo, I focus on creating transitional jewelry that fits seamlessly into everyday life. These are pieces designed to move with you, from casual moments to special occasions, from the workplace to faraway travels, all while being made to last and meant to be cherished for years to come.
We’re proud to be planet-conscious, working with recycled metals, lab-created gemstones, and partnering with Responsible Jewelry Council–certified manufacturers.
Each collection reflects my growth as a designer, businesswoman, and collaborator. Thank you for tagging along as we continue to explore, experiment, and create at Kara Yoo.
We have an extensive sourcing program, receiving sustainable materials from local and global partners.
