Stephanie Gottlieb
Episode 20 Stephanie Gottlieb
On Weddings-ish with Jove, episode 20 features Stephanie Gottlieb, renowned jewelry designer and founder, shares insights from her career journey and discussed the intricacies of her work in fine jewelry. She brakes down for Jove the distinction between fine and regular jewelry, explaining that fine jewelry exclusively uses 14k or 18k gold and natural diamonds, often incorporating platinum for engagement pieces, due to its exceptional quality and durability. This high standard sets her collections apart, using only premium materials that stand the test of time. Stephanie and Jove touch on the industry's recent conversations around lab-grown diamonds. Stephanie notes that when she first started in the field, lab-grown diamonds were practically unheard of. Reflecting on her early years working in NYC’s iconic Diamond District, Stephanie described the fast-paced, high-stakes environment that taught her the ropes of the industry, as well as a deep appreciation for the natural diamonds she would later champion in her own business.
“I gave them the opportunity to reward me more handsomely, and they didn’t take it”
on leaving her first job, and starting her own bussiness
Stephanie shares her love story with husband Brett. She met her future husband, Brett, in fifth grade during a group outing to see Grease in theaters. Despite a popcorn mishap, where he poured popcorn on her head, they remained connected, eventually dating in high school. When the two went to college, Brett transferred from his school in California to join Stephanie at University of Michigan. As Stephanie describes, their bond continued to grow as they built their life in New York City, balancing their shared love for dogs, life goals, and eventually marriage. Stephanie recounts how, in her mid-20s, Brett proposed with a custom engagement ring that she had not so subtly influenced by saving photos of her ideal designs on their shared computer. Brett even went the extra mile for the jewelry lover, engraving the date of their engagement on a rose gold Cartier love bracelet, marking the start of a lifetime together.
Right after she got married, she started her own business. As an expert in engagement and bridal jewelry, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of client education, transparency, and collaboration in her process. With her business model, clients are actively involved in selecting stones, experimenting with designs, and exploring different options—transforming what could be a stressful process into a creative and meaningful journey. Stephanie’s social media presence, established in 2013, initially showcased her projects and gradually evolved to include aspects of her life, drawing clients who felt a personal connection. Her recently viral Martini ring and bespoke designs reflect her belief that jewelry should capture and commemorate life’s milestones, making it a tactile reminder of one’s unique story. Her martini ring was created for her very own Martini themed birthday party.
Stephanie shares with Jove her bridal journey which, included her experience planning her wedding in Mexico. Despite finding wedding planning overwhelming, she was thrilled about curating her wedding wardrobe, opting for a mix of chic and playful looks that extended from bridal attire to fun animal print. With 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen, she remembers being both entertained and occasionally frustrated by the planning details, especially with bridesmaid dress selections.
Stephanie shares with Jove about her personal struggles, including her journey with fertility. After a challenging 18 months of trying to conceive, she felt the weight of societal expectations, which she later felt compelled to share with her followers. Inspired by a woman who openly shared their journey with her at Coachella, Stephanie eventually broke her silence on social media, giving others a peek behind the picture-perfect façade. Her son Jordan was born after this long-awaited journey, and she now embraces an open dialogue around fertility, making space for both the highs and lows of her life on her social channels. This candidness has further strengthened the community around her brand, inviting others to see her not only as a designer but also as a relatable figure navigating life’s challenges.
Finally, Stephanie speaks about a new trend she’s seeing: redesigning client’s engagement rings into divorce rings. For clients looking to transform old pieces into meaningful, fresh designs, Stephanie offers creative solutions, like replacing the original diamond with a black diamond to signify a new chapter. This trend embodies her philosophy that jewelry should evolve with life’s stages and that even pieces tied to past relationships can be reimagined to carry new, positive associations. As she reflects on her career and personal evolution, Stephanie emphasized her enduring passion for helping clients make every piece of jewelry tell a story, reminding listeners that jewelry is more than adornment—it’s a celebration of life’s journey.
In the final segment “Ask Jove” Sloan asks Jove how to include older relatives in their wedding!
Listen HERE!
LISTEN NOW!