Jules Vance
Jewelry DesignerJules Vance is living proof that everything happens for a reason. She overcame an economic crash and a back injury followed by two spinal fusions, only to be laid off when she returned from medical leave. Yet somehow, the ever-optimistic jewelry designer says of her unexpected exit from corporate America: “It was the greatest gift.” It gave her the push she needed to throw herself into her jewelry-making, and now her eponymous label is thriving—she even has a ‘spinal fusion’ necklace inspired by what she’s overcome. Recently married, Jules is launching a line of bridal jewelry—but don’t expect any typical diamonds. “I hope to redefine people’s notion of precious, beyond the mass market wedding designs you see on many fingers.” And on top of running her company and dealing with lifelong back issues (which she manages to make chic by rocking comfortable motorcycle boots no matter the season), Jules still finds time to drink a gallon of water a day—her secret to glowing skin. She dishes more tips for us in this week’s Spotlight.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES>> scent: BEACH BY BOBBI BROWN // moisturizer: ACURE ORGANIC MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL // face: CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACT // mascara: SHU UEMURA LASH CURLER and COVER GIRL LASH BLAST // lips: CHANEL GLOSSIMER ALLEGORIE // nails: SHAWN, DREE and YARA by ZOYA // hair: ORIBE DRY TEXTURIZING SPRAY // brows: BENEFIT BROWS A GO GO
Q: You’re working on bridal jewelry, so what’s your wedding ring like?
A: My husband and I each fabricated wedding bands bearing the other’s name in Morse Code. He made mine extra wide; it says “Brian loves Jules.” There’s something so romantic about a private message.
Q: LOVE that! Besides your wedding ring, what jewelry do you always have on?
A: My grandmother’s diamond ring, midi first knuckle rings, and my ID Tag necklace: it has a rectangle in 14k green gold with my husband’s initial, and 14k rose gold circle with my initial.
Q: Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?
A: I am never short on ideas, and find inspiration everywhere: the countryside, a museum visit, kayaking Lake Charlevoix, a walk on the beach, stargazing. My design and fabrication process is very organic, and a lot of ideas are born from personal experience, like my Spinal Fusion and Nerve Block designs.
Q: Let’s talk beauty. Is your routine as organic as your designs?
A: I think less is more: flawless skin, curled lashes, mascara, a glossy lip, and a big smile. Nutritious food, exercise, and a gallon of water a day are as important as expensive beauty products. I think cultivating health and beauty from the inside out is when you really see that ‘glow’ on a woman.
Q: We couldn’t agree more. Who has given you the best beauty advice in your life?
A: My grandmother and my naturopath [told me] to take care of my skin. It’s the one thing people see and you can’t hide for the rest of your life. Once I changed my diet and started eating really clean, my hair and nails grew uncontrollably and my skin glows.
Q: You seem so zen–but everyone has splurges. What are yours?
A: Champagne, skincare, organic food, and well-aged, flavored vinegars.
Beads, baubles and more at ShopJules.com.