Breaking The Diamond Ceiling

14k Gold & White and Blue Diamond Engagement Ring

BY BLVD. STAFF

The jewelry industry is known for its multi-generational ties, where traditions and legacies are passed down to children and grandchildren. For centuries the trade was male dominated, with this past century being one of glass ceilings being broken. Founding the first woman-owned jewelry business in the family, Suzy Levian is on a mission to empower, encouraging women to love themselves. Each of her pieces incorporates a hidden diamond within the band—the Suzy Levian signature secret diamond.

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Family Ties

“Growing up on Long Island gave me the opportunity to meet many people from different backgrounds. This opened my perspective and understanding of the world, and the connections I made helped me excel from my personal life to my business endeavors,” Levian says. “I grew up on Long Island, where I married my husband, and raised my six beautiful children. I opened my business there to be able to run back home or go to school plays for them. I love my work as a designer, but wanted to ensure I was close enough to home to also be there for them.”

Creative powerhouse and business owner, Levian inherited her passion for design from her father. She is the youngest of the five children of A. Levian, the founder of Levian Corp.

“I learned the art of jewelry design from my father, who learned from his father. I was only five years old when I knew I loved what my father did and wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Levian says. “At my father’s company, I would come up with unique color combinations that were used in some of his jewelry.”

After working in the family business with her brothers, Levian felt the need for greater creative expression, forging her own path as the first woman in her family to create a branded line.

Suzy Levian is proud of her family’s long history in the jewelry business.

Levian opened her own business, with the goal of empowering women through beautiful, affordable jewelry designs for all.

“I encourage my kids to follow their dreams, whatever they may be,” Levian says. “Most of them became teachers, and a few did come to work with me to learn the trade and how to utilize our tools to create their own jewelry line.”

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Inspiration

“Love is my biggest inspiration,” Levian says. “I am also inspired by my travels around the world and views of nature.”

Beginning with colored pencil sketches, Levian draws her own original concepts, with every design in the collection drawn by Suzy.

“My first passion is a love for inspiring and empowering others, Levian says. “I am an advocate for loving oneself and love others—which is something I creatively express in every piece of jewelry.”

Renowned for her gem intensive compositions, her work is recognized for its boldness and spirited symbolism.

“The Secret Diamond sets my brand apart. The extra diamond, hidden for the wearer’s eyes only, gives a fresh meaning to my jewelry that is not found in any other jewelry brand’s collection. It reminds every woman that there is a secret diamond hidden within themselves. A literal reminder of one’s strength and power hidden in plain sight, everything changed for me as soon as I let my inner secret diamond shine through.”

Her signature collections are renowned for their breathtaking juxtaposition of gemstones and curves. Passionate and energiz- ing, Levian creates provocative, elegant accessories catering to women invigorating their inner power.

“Everything changed for me as soon as I let my inner secret diamond shine through,” Levian says. “The secret diamond is a reminder to face the world with courage and determination, not accepting the limitations of history. It sparkles for each woman as she makes history.”

Initially debuting with high-end, one-of-a-kind jewelry, Levian has expanded her collections in price ranges affordable to all women. Her success pushes the boundaries beyond jewelry, and she has since launched collections of handbags, scarves, sunglasses, and home décor.

Levian continues to honor the family name by incorporating longstanding style and elements of the Levian brand into her own work.

“My creations relate to the Levian family brand by experience and technique taught by our forefathers,” Levian says. “Some styles may seem similar, as they come from those with the same background of design and we travel together often, seeing the same gorgeous views of nature.”

Charity

A commitment to philanthropy is a cornerstone of the Suzy Levian brand. Donating more than 10 percent of the proceeds from each piece to various charities and organizations, Levian is dedicated to partnering with those who give back. She empowers women to buy for themselves, and for each other, celebrating the milestones of life. Visit www.suzyLevian.com to view the Suzy Levian line of jewelry. —Christy Hinko contributed to this article.

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