FASHION: Stunning jewelry designed expressly for men

By Ken Abrams

James Felix Jewelry occupies a distinct place in the men’s jewelry market. “I felt like there was a niche in men’s jewelry; between costume and luxury, there was a gap,” says founder James Paolucci. So the Providence-based designer decided to create his own brand, featuring gender-neutral designs with price points from $300-$800, aimed “to be used as gifts for themselves, partners, friends, or colleagues.”

Paolucci has spent much of his career in the jewelry industry, beginning with his family business, Scorpio Accessories, which he joined after graduating from college. “I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years. The family business was costume jewelry… fashionable, trendy products, and we sold to stores like Target, Walmart, Forever 21, mass merchants, and specialty retailers,” he explains.

“I decided to pursue a life-long dream of creating my own lifestyle brand focusing on men’s luxury jewelry and accessories,” says Paolucci, who, while vice president at Scorpio, was responsible for developing relationships with overseas suppliers, design, and sales. “That allowed for frequent travel to both Europe and Asia on a regular basis. I would seek out the latest jewelry trends and overseas suppliers to manufacture the product. My experience working with suppliers has taught me a lot about sourcing the product, design, price negotiations, and production,” he adds.

Paolucci is currently a one-man show, designing bracelets and other products in his Providence home. His designs are classic with a modern flair, intended to accessorize any wardrobe, formal or casual. His goal is to develop a lifestyle brand that will appeal to various consumers. “I’ve always had a passion for jewelry and accessories and saw a lack of options for luxury men’s jewelry at moderate pricing,” says Paolucci. “All of my designs include genuine black diamonds set in sterling silver. My goal is to bring wearers a sense of confidence and empowerment along with the feeling of luxury through jewelry.”

As he builds the brand, Paolucci is focused on networking, social media, fashion events, and pop-up shops to market and sell the product; his experience in the industry allows him to respond rapidly to developing fashion trends. “The target market is 25-to-60-year-olds whose lifestyle embraces jewelry as a form of self-expression. With

unique and distinguishable designs, excellent quality, and comfortable fit, I see each piece as a conversation starter. I made every style to be worn anywhere – to the office, to a wedding, out to dinner. Fit is very important and I’ve been doing a lot of custom sizing.”

Currently, Paolucci’s products consist of silver and gold vermeil bracelets, necklaces, and rings, all accented with black diamond gemstones. All products are available on the website, designed in Providence, and responsibly sourced and manufactured in Thailand. Given the start-up nature of his business, some items are in stock, but most are made to order, with delivery taking approximately four to six weeks. Look for James Felix Jewelry in retail stores soon. Learn more at JamesFelixCo.Com DJS • GAME SHOWS

MUSIC BINGO • TRIVIA KARAOKE • PHOTO BOOTHS