The jewelry brand founder has seen many recent changes, but her passion for music and philanthropy remains the same.

The past year has been marked by change for Theresa Bruno, founder of the Jordan Alexander Jewelry brand. James Bruno, her husband, a financial services executive, joined the company as a full partner.

The couple moved their base of operation from their home in Birmingham, Alabama, to Houston, Texas, where they have been warmly received by the community. In March, they opened a salon on the ground floor of an office building in Houston.

All of these moves were spurred by the way Theresa Bruno has changed her approach to design, from focusing on collections to doing more bespoke work.

She still produces jewelry collections and shows them annually at the Couture Show in Las Vegas. However, she says she prefers doing pieces personally for clients.

This type of work could range from creating jewels for one-of-a-kind gowns purchased at Paris Couture events, to “turnkey service” for weddings, such as designing jewels for the bride, groom and their entire bridal party.

Jordan Alexander Jewelry peridot ring set in 18-karat yellow gold with signature Jordan Alexander motifs on the sides.
Peridot ring set in 18-karat yellow gold with signature Jordan Alexander motifs on the sides.

Cornerstones of success
She founded her brand, named after her two sons, in 2010 and got off to an impressive start, with her pieces first appearing in the New York Times and then being worn by Michelle Obama, who later named Bruno one of her favorite designers.

Her jewels were soon sold at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Despite this early success she felt she needed to get closer to her clients.

“I began to get more clients who wanted specialty design. You can’t do that in a department store setting,” she says. “Special events, aligning with philanthropic organizations, as well as aligning with fashion designers, has become a cornerstone of how we build our business.”

For example, in October, she organized and largely financed a runway show in the lobby adjacent to her salon where she paired her jewels with clothes from fashion designer Christian Siriano, who was flown in for the event, which attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd.

In May, she held a private dinner in the same space for 25 of Houston’s prominent residents. The brand is also heavily aligned with the global organization, A21, which works to abolish slavery.

“For the past 15 years of my life I’ve been involved on a local, national and global level with the YMCA, homeless mothers and children, and job opportunities for underprivileged women in our world,” she says.

Jordan Alexander Jewelry boutique in Houston, TX.
Jordan Alexander Jewelry boutique in Houston, TX.

Ethical sourcing
She’s also committed to working with sustainably sourced materials and understands the challenges. She produces jewels in 18-karat gold, diamonds and a variety of colored gems in her collections and bespoke pieces.

“I’m very committed to sustainably sourced stones and gold. It’s not easy in the jewelry business to be absolutely sure that the stones you are getting are sustainably sourced, but I have mostly worked with family owned mines where I know the owners. I know that the people who work in the mines are being paid fairly, and that human slavery and trafficking are not happening.”

She continues. “All of my pieces are handmade. For the past ten years I have worked solely with one craftsman to create my designs. Recently, I moved most of my production from Los Angeles [to New York] and expanded to work with three craftsmen to do the production.

“It’s not easy to expand and keep the same ‘hand’ in all of the work, but so far, I’ve been really happy with how things are coming together.”

Jordan Alexander Jewelry morganite earrings set in 18-karat yellow gold on long diamond ear wires.
Morganite earrings set in 18-karat yellow gold on long diamond ear wires.

Love of music
In addition to fashion, art is an important part of Bruno’s work and her life. Bruno’s first love was music. She earned acceptance at the prestigious Juilliard School and was training to be a competitive concert pianist when an injury to her left hand abruptly ended her career. She says her passion for music is reflective in the jewels she creates.

“Music and design are almost interchangeable in the way my creative process works. I’m so deeply steeped in music that it is always running in my head and influencing me,” she says. “For instance, I’m working on three pairs of bespoke earrings right now. They all feel like music to me.

“In my head and heart I probably feel Ravel’s Trois poèmes de Mallarmé in the same way I feel the design of the flower earrings I’m working on. And they are complicated from an engineering standpoint. Trying to work it out feels much like practicing a difficult passage in a particular Chopin ballad I love.”

Jordan Alexander Jewelry bangle bracelet with moonstones wrapped in 18-karat yellow gold chain and signature motifs on the sides.
Bangle bracelet with moonstones wrapped in 18-karat yellow gold chain and signature motifs on the sides.
Jordan Alexander Jewelry Tahitian pearls wrapped in 18-karat yellow gold chain with signature motif at the top.
Tahitian pearls wrapped in 18-karat yellow gold chain with signature motif at the top.

Creative directions
Bruno is currently working in several creative directions for upcoming shows and events.

“I’m expanding the gold collection with a series of designs that springboard from some of the pieces that were well received last year,” she says.

“I’m also working on a collection of French inspired pieces for an upcoming showcase with a French Fashion house.”

Jordan Alexander Jewelry turquoise and aquamarine necklace with a turquoise drop set in 18-karat white gold.
Turquoise and aquamarine necklace with a turquoise drop set in 18-karat white gold.

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