Westport Jeweler Dazzles with Affordable Pieces

Jennifer Lau knows an opportunity when she sees one. The Westport mother of five possesses a rare blend of practicality and style. Her artistic sensibility is tempered with the aptitude for actually getting things done; the logical evolution of her successful past as a Wall Street trader turned fashion stylist.

All of which explains why her new line of fine jewelry is making waves well beyond her zip code.

“I noticed there was a real gap in the jewelry market,” says Lau. “There’s plenty of affordable costume jewelry out there. And there are plenty of fine jewelry pieces available at the three, four or five thousand dollar level. But there’s not much available in the area of fine jewelry for under $1,000. Women should be able to wear fine jewelry at a certain point in their lives,” she says. “But in most cases, it’s just not affordable.”

So Lau set about solving that problem last summer. With all of her five children off to camp or otherwise occupied for the season, she had newfound free time on her hands, she decided to do something a testament to her efficient nature. “I had so much free time and decided to use every second of it to do something I had always wanted to do.”

Lau started sketching out some design ideas. She found a jeweler in the area who was able to bring her designs to life. And her jewelry line, Genevieve Lau, was born. “I sketch it and he makes it happen,” explains Lau. “Everything is made in Westport and New York City. I don’t want to mass produce anything, so there’s a two to four week window on orders. But I think people appreciate the care we put into the pieces we create.”

As for her style, Lau says she likes to keep things clean and simple. “There’s been a messy jewelry trend that’s been popular for a while,” she says. “Women were mixing every kind of metal and texture, overloading on pieces. I tend toward pretty, clean jewelry. I try to stay away from being too trendy, but still keep an edge to what I’m doing.”

Lau’s collection, named for her great-grandmother, Genevieve (which happens to be the French form of the name Jennifer), is comprised of rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings. Most pieces are created from white, yellow or rose gold, and many boast diamond, sapphire or other gem stone embellishments.

Genevieve Lau designs are currently available through her website, by private appointment or area trunk shows. “I really enjoy the personal appointments because I have time to spend with people and talk through what they’re looking for, their style,” says Lau. “Because jewelry isn’t one size fits all. Not everyone fits in a standard size bangle. I like to create something truly personalized.”

Further personalizing what she does, Lau is using the growing popularity of her line to benefit area non-profits and give back to the community. She donates ten percent of Genevieve Lau profits to charities like Near & Far Aid and TeamBrent. For Lau, giving back as much as she can to her community is paramount. “I have made it a goal in life,” she says.

You can see more of Lau’s designs on the Genevieve Lau website. 

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