Juliana Krys’ journey into fine jewellery is a fusion of passion and love of accessorising. Raised in suburban Detroit, she was surrounded by art from an early age. With her father deeply involved in the Detroit Institute of Arts, their home was filled with paintings and prints, shaping her appreciation for creativity.
Juliana Krys’ academic path led her to the University of Michigan, where she pursued a degree in Art History. However, it wasn’t without challenges. “I almost didn’t graduate because I had to take a drawing class, and I nearly failed. I passed by the skin of my teeth because the professor didn’t want to fail me,” she shares, with a laugh.
Her love for art deepened, particularly after a transformative summer at the American University of Paris. “Right after my freshman year, I went off to study art history. I felt such freedom living abroad,” she says. This experience inspired her to also study in Madrid for a year, immersing herself in Spain’s artistic heritage.
She also enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Contemporary Art History at Sotheby’s Institute of London. “There were only about 22 of us, and we would go to the galleries, museums, and travel to different cities within Europe, looking at shows, learning — it was all very, very immersive.” The programme exposed her to galleries, museums and European exhibitions. An internship at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago, gave her insight into the auction world.
Although Juliana’s career began at Aspen’s Baldwin Gallery, her transition into jewellery was serendipitous. Living between Aspen and Los Angeles, she started buying beautifully designed jewellery from a jewellery representative. “Every time I returned to Aspen, people would compliment my pieces. Eventually, I started selling for her. That was my first foray into jewellery — from being a client to selling it.”
This experience ignited her passion for accessorizing. “At my core, I’m very casual. My jewellery is about elevating the everyday.”
Juliana’s relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic is shaped by her Aspen upbringing and love for skiing. “I got into jewellery design, when I started beading and then going to the shows. And then I started buying and selling from the shows.”
Her brand, JKJ (Juliana K Jewelry), was born from a desire to create versatile, everyday pieces. “Everything I do is hundred per cent my design,” she asserts. Among her signature collections are the Lacy setting and the Evil Eye motif. “I was in London and saw a marquee diamond set in wood. I don’t work in wood, but I thought, ‘That marquee looks like an evil eye.’ So, I started using marquee diamonds and I set them east-west,” explains Juliana.
Whether it is the Lacy collection tennis bracelet, the Evil Eye pieces or the Baller series, all draw on her philosophy — ‘Elevate Your Everyday.’
“Jewellery has always been more than just an accessory to me — it’s a way to tell a story and elevate the everyday. I believe in the power of small, thoughtful details, and how they can completely transform how you feel in your own skin. My collection is meant to move with you throughout your day, adapting seamlessly to whatever life brings, from casual moments to more polished occasions,” she adds.
Crafted exclusively in 18-karat gold with natural diamonds in New York, Juliana is meticulous about production. “I’m mindful of not over-producing. I keep a curated inventory, making pieces to order rather than stocking excess.”
Her pricing reflects the craftsmanship and materials, with pieces ranging from $1,295 to over $20,000. “It’s gold and diamonds, so there’s always a price for fine jewellery,” she says. Juliana’s brand continues to grow, driven by her dedication to quality.