Tell me a bit about how Jam + Rico began.

This is my first year, I just launched. I already was designing apparel, and I wanted to create something on my own, not under a brand. So, I thought I’d go to my first love, which is making jewelry. It’s called Jam + Rico because that’s me, I’m Jamaican and Puerto Rican and I wanted to emphasize what I love, what I love to create and what I love to design. I wanted to provide that for my customers.

How do you go about finding the materials to make your pieces?

I source multiple places. I design the earrings in-house, but I get them hand made in India. The necklaces and bracelets, I source multiple places in the city to find different pieces like wood, horn, turquoise, just to get a multitude of materials.

Typically how long does it take to make a piece of jewelry?

On average, the design process takes too long because I get excited and I love finding inspiration from everywhere, to get my ideas all together, it takes a little bit. But, to make handmade, simple pieces like a necklace, it takes about 30 minutes.

Out of the style that you’ve seen on people passing by today, what do you see that stands out and what do you hope catches on for fall?

I definitely love color, right now I’m in love with salmon and dark, natural hues. I hope people embrace color in the fall. Don’t shy!

-Lisette Ffolkes, designer, Jam + Rico

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