Conversations with Stephanie Fields

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Fields.

Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
What started out as a fun hobby turned off into two jewelry brands, with the newest being Saint K.

Six years ago, I was a graphic designer, creative director for hire, and running my own freelancing business. I had climbed the ladder through corporate, boutique firms, and interactive agencies, and was feeling a little over it. I longed to get back to making with my hands again, and I was already dabbling in assembling DIY jewelry projects.

My husband suggested jewelry school, and with a slight nudge, I enrolled in one of two metalsmithing schools that Denver had at the time. I learned quickly and fell in love with the process.

Right around this time, my mother became sick, really sick. Her nine-years battle with ovarian cancer was coming to an end. She passed away the week of my wedding, and it took a toll on me. One night, while in my basement studio at the time, I sat down and created my first mountain ring. I think I knew I would have a heavy hill to climb, and this was kind of my symbol. Little did I know, that small ring would launch my career into the world of jewelry.

Fast forward almost six years, and I saw the success of wholesale for my mountain line, Lovely Baubles. I also saw the beginning of Saint K, which is a tribute to my mother. She was always so put together, and had a love of fine jewelry. I don’t think there was ever a finger that didn’t have a ring on it!

Saint K marries her love of jewelry and bright personality, with my graphic design background and unique style. It’s been so fulfilling to find my niche of repurposing rings and reimagining family heirlooms. Creating pieces that have meaning has always been at the forefront of both brands.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first entered the world of fine jewelry, I had no idea what I was up against. My first line had a price point that customers didn’t have to think about – a little impulsive. Fine jewelry also comes with a fine high price! I had to learn to really network with my peers, make connections in the industry, and learn some heavy marketing skills.

I also have to compete with fast fashion, and low price points that customers (unfairly, at times) expect. Early on, I priced myself so low I wasn’t making much from a profit standpoint. While I love creating, I couldn’t do it for free. I’ve learned how to value my work, and while that’s been challenging, I’ve had a great response from customers.

It’s also been an uphill climb competing with local, more established jewelry designers in Denver, but I finally feel like I’ve found my niche. I can offer a more personalized experience, and guide my customers through the process of custom jewelry creation from start to finish.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in reimagined family heirlooms and repurposing old rings and jewelry. I love being able to take old memories and turn them into new ones for my customers. The goal is to get those old pieces that your grandmother gave you that are sitting in an old box, and get you wearing them!

Each piece of jewelry comes with a story. I love reimagining those, creating something that matches my customer’s style, and bringing joy to people!

I have a very hands-on approach and create the rings all here in the US from start to finish. I create the CAD here in my Denver studio, and have USA partners for casting. I also partner with US gemstone dealers, and when I need a gemstone from overseas, I have respected companies I’ve already vetted and use frequently. I’m the designer who sketches, creates models, sets, and finishes the ring. I take great pride in my pieces.

And throughout the entire process, I make sure my customers are involved!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not sure I fully believe in luck, per se, but hard work always pays off! I received my first wholesale order from an Instagram post about the Teton mountain ring I created. From there, my wholesale took off, and you could consider that lucky!

I’ve learned to put myself out there more, be open to striking new conversations, and network in my industry. That’s really helped grow my jewelry business.

Pricing:

• Custom Pendants start at $200. Final price based on metal (sterling silver, 14k & 18kt gold) and gemstones used.
• Custom Engagement Rings start at $1500. Final price based on metal (sterling silver, 14k & 18kt gold) and gemstones used.
• Reimagined Heirloom pricing varies.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@lovesaintk.com
• Website: www.lovesaintk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesaintk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovesaintk