Theresa Harper Bruno, the designer behind Jordan Alexander, is an artist. She is a Juilliard trained musician, an educator, a philanthropist and a visionary who makes jewelry that represents her own elegant but free-spirited style.
Inspired by heritage pieces, such as her grandmother’s pearls, Theresa takes the accepted classics and adds a feminine and contemporary twist; a touch of contrast, a pop of color, an unexpected reimagining of gold. Each twist demonstrates Theresa’s ability to create her own lines instead of drawing within the accepted ones, to push boundaries, to explore the depths of beauty.
Her designs have captured the attention of First Lady Michelle Obama, Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart, Pink, and more. Most recently and nearest to her heart, Theresa has aligned the brand with A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization. After traveling with the group to work personally alongside victims in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, she has collaborated to launch a line of jewelry with 100% of proceeds going directly to A21.
Theresa’s eye-catching pieces are unapologetically beautiful, challenge the norms of classic jewelry, and bring something a little less ordinary to what are certain to be future heirlooms.
Be sure to check out Jordan Alexander Jewelry on its website, Instagram, and Facebook page!
November 5, 2018
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R&S
What led you to start Jordan Alexander:
Theresa
I was designing for myself. I grew up in an arts world, and jewelry design was a natural addition to music and visual arts. I got started on a dare when a friend dared me to go to a showroom in NY and see if I was any good. I met with Rachel Baritz and Janet Goldman at Fragments and the rest is history.
R&S
What do you love most about your work:
Theresa
I love to design. It’s absolutely the heart and soul of why I’m in this business.
View Theresa's Essentials
R&S
What inspires your designs:
Theresa
My clients are my biggest muse. I think it’s about having a practicality and a reality of who the market is—almost splitting your head like that.
R&S
What is one of the biggest obstacles you’ve been faced with throughout your career and how did you overcome this challenge:
Theresa
In order to grow a business, it takes funding. In order to grow a fine jewelry business, it takes a large amount of funding and investment which can be challenging in any stage. Bankers, investors, stores, clients all want someone who is unequivocally sure that she has something unique. In an industry filled with creatives, it comes down to believing in yourself when no one else does. That belief-in-self creates success. A deep reservoir of resiliency has served me well—I have had to draw on it many times!
R&S
Favorite piece of jewelry you’ve designed:
Theresa
The Cremé De La Cuff in 18K Gold & Diamonds: I distinctly remember my mother wearing a cuff on her right arm. It was a statement for the time and as a child I felt the energy that exuded every time she put it on. I wanted to recreate a piece that evoked that superhuman feeling in the most nostalgic way.
R&S
You decompress each day by:
Theresa
I intentionally take 15-30 minutes every day for meditation and refocus no matter what is going on around me. It’s a maintenance component on most days and saving grace on others.
R&S
Skincare product you can’t live without:
Theresa
Alastin tinted moisturizer. It gives me a dewy glow and provides enough coverage that I don’t worry with foundation.
R&S
What’s the most exciting thing in your life right now:
Theresa
Opening a store in Houston this fall!!
R&S
Share your biggest guilty pleasures:
Theresa
Champagne and Cheetos.
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