Stephanie Gottlieb never planned for such a dazzling (pun intended) career. After college, she took an internship at a diamond company while attempting to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. However once her on-the-job diamond-trade education began, she was hooked. A two-month gig turned into five years and, today, she’s not only certified in diamonds and diamond grading, she’s also a jewelry consultant for Material Good and the proprietor of her own online jewelry boutique and concierge engagement ring service, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry, which features pieces by select artisans along with her own designs. “I’m so inspired by other women who are working hard to build their brands and I feel like it’s my job to help the next generation,” she says. “I was brought into the business by a family friend and I feel so fortunate that she took the time to mentor me and introduce me to a world that I absolutely love.” —Jennifer Henderson
Her style story: “My great-grandmother had a box of jewelry with big, heavy strands of pearls, coral, and turquoise. I don’t really remember her (she passed away when I was small), but I remember digging through that box and wrapping myself in her jewels.”
Her work ethic: “I am a type-A through and through. Even when I wasn’t working for myself, I would answer emails at all hours of the night (one of our manufacturers was in Thailand, so they would answer my emails at 1 a.m.). I cannot go to sleep unless every email has been answered and so my ‘work day’ never really ends. And its hardly ‘work’ when you’re playing with jewelry.”
Her process: “I would say my jewelry is dainty and girly, and I try to create classic pieces people will love forever. My design process is really a matter of what my customers are demanding and what I’m personally interested in at the time. Lately, I’ve created a ton of chokers because I’m obsessed with the trend.”
Her signature: “. I got engaged more than five years ago, and no one at the time was wearing rose gold. I think seeing my ring set in rose gold really got other people thinking about rose as an option for an engagement ring.”
Her success secret: “Timing is everything. I started my business around the time that Instagram took off, and I’ve really been able to take full advantage of the network it’s created. I’ve met designers and clients through Instagram—people who never would have found me if we hadn’t met online. I also think our world is changing, and people are looking to work with someone they can connect with. Girls are finding , seeing styles they love, and encouraging their boyfriends to reach out to me because they know that the ring they get will be something they love. When I hit 10,000 followers in 2015, it felt like such a big deal; I couldn’t believe that 10,000 strangers had opted to follow my account. I now have more than 100,000!”
Her look: “My style is flirty, girly, and comfy. I am definitely not the girl strutting around N.Y.C. in heels. I love wearing a pair of jeans with a cute sweater or a T-shirt and blazer, and a pair of flat boots or sneakers. In general, I aim to be ‘casually professional.’”
Her must-haves: “Mascara and my iPhone (it’s practically glued to my hand). My Saint Laurent Court Classic star sneakers, a good pair of ripped jeans, and my oversize, black Goyard tote with my name painted in rainbow colors. And I literally cannot live without my husband and my dogs.”
Her social circle: “I love Something Navy, Sincerely Jules, Olivia Palermo, and I think does an amazing job showcasing accessories.”
Her motto: “I grew up in a family that has always been invested in ‘giving back’ to those in need. If you’re fortunate enough to be in the position to help others, you should.”
Her future: “I’m working on expanding my Bridal Line and building collaborations with like-minded businesswomen. I haven’t opened a brick-and-mortar space yet; I have an office where I take meetings, but I would love to have a beautiful space where people can come and view the jewelry and where I can host events. I’m excited to see what the new year brings!”