Meet Aria Thomas | Gemologist & Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aria Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aria, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My path to becoming a jewelry designer was a combination of three things: my first gem show, my cultural background, and growing up in a creative family. The first three years of my life were spent in Tucson, Arizona where I experienced the largest gem show in the world. This single event planted the seed for entering the world of jewelry design. From there, my family moved to Austin, Texas where I spent most of my life. I am of half Indian descent and I attribute a lot of my inspiration to growing up in a mixed culture. India is a country of bright bold colors, patterns, and intricate details. Jewelry is almost never minimal and standing out in an array of jewels is required. Additionally, I grew up in a family where we were always creating something. You would find my father in his office putting paint to canvas and you would find my mother weaving the smallest of beads on a loom to create tapestry-like jewelry. Their artistic interests led me to pursue various mediums of art throughout my upbringing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The way my jewelry is designed is not traditional. Each piece is completely one-of-a-kind, allowing each individual to find the perfect piece of jewelry that speaks to their own personality and style.

I primarily work with rare and eye-catching colored gemstones that are not often seen in fine jewelry. I’m drawn to bold colors, interesting gemstone cuts, and striking patterns within the stone. I am extremely proud of the work I am doing because I am taking a risk and introducing new ideas to high end jewelry.

For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a jewelry designer. Each step I took in my education and career was intentional. I got my bachelor’s degree in business, completed multiple gemstone grading and jewelry design courses at the Gemological Institute of America, and worked in retail jewelry at Tiffany & Co.

My brand, Eleux, is only a few years old and still very new. Building a brand from scratch and getting your brand noticed is no easy feat but I am really proud of how far I’ve come. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to stand out. When I first started my line of jewelry, I thought I needed to appeal to everyone. It took me a couple years to realize that I did not need to make jewelry that’s “trending,” or re-create the same gold hoop earrings that’s in everyone’s jewelry box.

My jewelry isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. That’s what makes me different, what makes my brand different, and the Eleux customer different.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have to give them a taste of the beautiful Colorado mountains/landscape. I’d take them to either Boulder or Golden for an afternoon hike, shopping, and lunch.

I also love a good wine bar or Speakeasy. We would go to Cretans Wine Bar for an incredible food and wine selection, and Williams & Graham for a swanky speakeasy.

We would also need a day to explore the highlands area of Denver which would include Little Man Ice Cream, Confluence park, happy hour at Linger, and dinner at El Five.

Lastly, my husband and I have a second home in Idaho Springs so I would take them up to our mountain house to enjoy an
escape from the city with beautiful views of nothing but trees in sight.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without my art teachers. I would like to thank Mr. Robbins, my high school sculpture teacher, Mr. Glover, my university metalsmithing teacher, and every single instructor at the Gemological Institute of America who taught me gemstone and diamond grading, and the intricacies of jewelry design. Thank you all for your mentorship, for challenging me each day to become a better artist, and for believing in a young girl’s dream. I owe my success to all of you.

Website: www.eleux.com

Instagram: @eleuxjewelry

Facebook: @eleuxjewelry