Inspired by the cherished heirlooms of her family, Jenny Cipoletti’s jewelry line blends personal storytelling with timeless elegance. In a recent Q&A, Jenny shares how her grandmother’s vintage jewelry collection and love for art shaped her creative vision, leading to the launch of her own brand. She discusses the balance between crafting pieces that reflect her own narrative while allowing space for each wearer’s personal expression. From sustainability and ethical sourcing to the evolution of her designs, Jenny’s insights reveal how each piece she creates is infused with meaning, beauty, and universal appeal.
What inspired you to create your own jewelry line, and how did the concept for Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry evolve over time?
My strongest creative influences stem from my grandmother, who romanticized life in the most beautiful way. My earliest memories are playing dress-up in her wardrobe, adorned with her expensive collection of costume jewelry – she had a brief stint in Vegas during the golden era (1950’s) to paint a picture. Each piece held a story, and she would lovingly recount where she discovered it and the memories attached to it as I twirled around in her vintage dresses. I was captivated by the little intricacies and the way each piece of jewelry seemed to hold a world of its own. This experience instilled in me an innate attention to detail, especially when it comes to design. When we weren’t in her closet playing dress up, we were in her studio painting with watercolor – her preferred medium and one I came to love. This experience eventually led to my enrollment in fashion design school and let me to where I am today.
I’ve held onto these experiences because it connects me to a place of nostalgia and cherished memories. Over time, this passion grew into a desire to create pieces and collection that evoke those same feelings of wonder and personal connection. The concept for Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry evolved from this deep-seated love for the artistry of jewelry and the stories it can tell. My goal was to create a collection that transcends mere adornment, offering pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, reflecting the timeless elegance and personal expression that have always inspired me.
How do you balance personal storytelling with creating jewelry that resonates universally with your audience?
Balancing personal storytelling with universal appeal is a delicate dance. For me, it starts with designing pieces that are inspired by my own experiences and the timeless elegance I’ve admired in the women who surround me in my life. But while each piece carries a piece of my story, it’s designed to be a canvas for the wearer’s own narrative.
Over the past decade, I’ve honed my ability to create content and tell stories that resonate with a broad audience. Through years of experience and an intimate understanding of my followers, I’ve developed a keen knowledge of what my audience loves and expects and my storytelling – in a way – is directed by this. I also have a decade’s worth of analytics to draw from, which drives not only our design choices but also how we price and position each piece in the collection.
The materials, the craftsmanship, and the design elements are all meticulously chosen to evoke a sense of nostalgia and personal connection. Each detail is thoughtfully considered, allowing every woman to see herself in the jewelry and make it uniquely hers. By blending personal storytelling with a deep understanding of my audience’s desires, I strive to create pieces that are both universally appealing and deeply personal, offering a timeless connection that transcends trends.
How has your family’s connection to jewelry shaped your approach to designing this collection?
My family’s connection to jewelry has profoundly influenced my approach to designing this collection, but it goes beyond the jewelry itself—it’s their connection to art, creativity, and the beauty in everyday life that truly lies at the heart of my designs. Growing up, I was enveloped in a world where art was not just appreciated, but celebrated in every form. My grandmother, in particular, had an incredible eye for the artistic potential in everything around her, from the way she arranged flowers to the jewelry she carefully selected and cherished.
Jewelry in my family was never just about adornment; it was about storytelling, tradition, and emotional resonance. Each piece my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed down held a deeper meaning—it was a symbol of a milestone, a memory, or a personal triumph. They taught me to see jewelry not as an accessory, but as a form of personal expression and a tangible connection to the past.
This deep-seated appreciation for the artistry and emotional significance of jewelry is what drives my design process. When I create, I’m not just thinking about fashion or trends; I’m thinking about how each piece can become a part of someone’s story, just as the pieces in my family became part of ours.
With sustainability and ethical sourcing being key concerns in today’s fashion industry, how are these values reflected in the materials and craftsmanship of your jewelry pieces?
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are at the heart of Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry. I believe that luxury should never come at the expense of our planet or its people. That’s why each piece is crafted with the highest quality materials, including 18K gold vermeil on sterling silver, responsibly sourced semiprecious stones, and freshwater pearls. We work closely with artisans who share our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every piece is not only beautiful but also created with respect for the environment and the communities involved in its production.
Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry blends nostalgia with modern sensibilities. How do you envision women incorporating these pieces into both their everyday lives and special moments?
I personally feel incomplete leaving the house without my jewelry—it truly finishes an outfit for me. Whether I’m wearing a simple pair of jeans and loafers with a crisp white button-down or a t-shirt, these standout pieces are designed to elevate a look that might otherwise feel basic. They’re also crafted to perfectly complement the dress you plan to wear for your upcoming event!
Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry is all about versatility and timelessness. The collection is meant to be layered and mixed, allowing women to express their style in a way that feels both effortless and intentional. The piece that feels most true to this vision is the Antionette Necklace. This is the first collection I am launching with a mainstay necklace that will always be available to customers, as it has quickly become one of our top sellers. Each season, I plan to introduce a new pendant that can be worn on the Antionette, allowing for endless customization. These pendants can also be worn on the wearer’s own chains and layered with the Antionette—my personal favorite way to style it. This approach ensures that every woman can create a look that feels uniquely hers, whether for everyday wear or a special occasion.
In previous collaborations, like with Jennifer Behr and Sarah Flint, you’ve explored different creative avenues. How does launching your own jewelry line differ from those past experiences, and what did you learn from them?
I am so grateful to both Sarah and Jennifer for giving me those incredible design opportunities. Collaborating with them allowed me to believe in myself as a designer, especially as both collections sold out so quickly, reaffirming that my creative instincts resonate with my audience. I learned so much from both Jennifer and Sarah, particularly on the technical design and business side—insights that were crucial before launching my own brand.
Launching Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry has been a deeply personal and fulfilling experience, quite different from my past collaborations. With Jennifer Behr and Sarah Flint, I had the opportunity to explore my creativity within the framework of their established brands, learning invaluable lessons about design, craftsmanship, and the importance of storytelling in fashion. However, creating my own line has allowed me to fully express my vision and bring to life a collection that is a true reflection of my aesthetic and values. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and ultimately, realizing a dream that has been years in the making. With Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry, I’ve been able to take everything I’ve learned and channel it into a brand that is not only a reflection of who I am but also a deeply meaningful venture that connects with others on a personal level.
You’ve also launched Cucina Cipoletti—how does the brand reflect your personal style, and how does it align with and complement the ethos of Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry?
Family! Cucina Cipoletti is a celebration of the same values that define Jenny Cipoletti Jewelry: elegance, tradition, and the beauty of life’s simple pleasures. Just as my jewelry collection is inspired by the timelessness of heirloom pieces, Cucina Cipoletti is rooted in the tradition of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and creating memories through food. Both brands reflect my love for curating experiences that are both meaningful and beautifully crafted, whether it’s through a piece of jewelry that tells a story or a meal that brings people together.
What are some of your favorite spots to visit in the Hamptons, whether for inspiration, relaxation, or a perfect day out?
The Hamptons is such a special place for me, filled with endless sources of inspiration. I’ve been frequenting the Hamptons for a little over six years now, and what I love most is how much more I discover with each visit. I first fell in love with Sag Harbor—there’s something magical about driving through the quaint neighborhoods, taking in the beautiful architecture and lush gardens. It’s one of my guilty pleasures to gather home inspiration during these drives, from the charming historical references to the picturesque landscapes.
For relaxation, I often visit the serene gardens at Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, where the blend of art and nature is truly inspiring. There’s a tranquility there that’s hard to find anywhere else, and it never fails to recharge my creativity.
Amagansett is another favorite spot of mine. A trip to the Hamptons isn’t complete without a family visit to Amber Waves Farm. It’s such a delightful experience, especially with its focus on sustainable farming and community. The farmers’ markets there are a highlight for me, where I love to pick up the freshest ingredients for a cozy dinner at home. And, of course, ending the day with a peaceful walk on the beaches of East Hampton, where the serenity of the ocean always sparks creativity, is a must.
Do you have any favorite restaurants or gems in the Hamptons that you love to frequent for a great meal or a special night out?
There are so many amazing places we love and frequent in the Hamptons! For a great family meal, we always enjoy Bostwick’s patio. Duryea’s is our go-to spot for boujie seafood towers and rosé at sunset. When it comes to lobster rolls, Stuart’s Seafood Market is a must. It’s such a local gem, and their lobster rolls are absolutely to die for. For date nights, LDV by The Maidstone Garden is a favorite—the ambiance is so romantic and intimate. Il Buco Al Mare is another spot we love for its exquisite Italian cuisine, and when we’re in the mood for pizza, Fini Pizza in Amagansett never disappoints. We just recently tried Wayan & Madé Out East at Dopo La Spiaggia, and it was amazing! The flavors were incredible, and it’s definitely a new favorite on our list.