Nicole James

Biography

Designer Nicole James began designing and selling jewelry a few years ago. “My mom took me to New York and while in SoHo, I noticed a street vendor selling handmade leather clutches. I was so inspired to see a young person like myself trying to get their art directly into the hands of the public. I knew I could do it too.”

Each piece of Nicole James Jewelry is handcrafted in her studio space in Chicago’s Art District in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. “I love it here. I’m located near all of these really great art galleries and a lot of cool people. It motivates me to keep designing and evolving my aesthetic.”

Using quality gemstones, brass filigrees and charms, and gold-filled and sterling silver chain, Nicole’s work is heavy on earth tones. “There’s something so beautiful about a piece of semi-finished agate or carnelian – it still resembles the natural habitat it came from.”