Jared Lehr shares the vision behind his bold and colorful fine jewelry designs

Jared Lehr transforms wearable art into cherished memories, blending bold artistry, technical precision, and heartfelt inspiration from life.

Jared Lehr, the creative director behind his eponymous fine jewelry brand, has transformed wearable pieces into profound expressions of individuality. In this exclusive interview, he reveals the journey, inspirations, and legacy behind his celebrated creations.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): How did you get your start as an artist?

JARED LEHR: I learned all aspects of jewelry making from my father, who was also a jewelry artist. He was my hero, and spending time with him felt like pure magic. His art was ahead of its time, and his passion for having an artistic voice inspired me to create from the soul. As a child, I spent time in my father’s factories, learning the basics of jewelry making. When I launched my company, it felt like I had been training for that moment my entire life.

HBZVN: Where do you find inspiration for your collections?

JARED LEHR: I find inspiration everywhere in the world! Creativity can emerge from many places—architecture, rock formations, or even something as simple as doodling on a pad. Ultimately, my best creations come when I let go, relax my thoughts, and allow my mind to wander freely. It’s in those moments that my most profound designs and color combinations surface.

HBZVN: What is a defining moment for your work?

JARED LEHR: I take every moment, big or small, very seriously and am deeply grateful for them. One moment that stands out is developing the mosaic setting technique, where I mix different stone sizes and colors to accentuate the design.

HBZVN: Do you participate in any charity work or support any organizations?

JARED LEHR: I do as much as I can to pay my good fortunes forward. In 2024, I raised and donated over half a million dollars to a few charities that have a special place in my heart. As of late, we’ve worked most with the Humane Association, NF Forward, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

HBZVN: Anything exciting coming up in 2025?

JARED LEHR: I’m launching my 10-year anniversary high-jewelry collection, and I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on with my collectors.

HBZVN: How do you unplug?

JARED LEHR: Unplugging? What’s that? I’m always working. I love what I do, so I prefer to always be working in some way.

HBZVN: What celebrities are collectors of the brand?

JARED LEHR: Today’s not a name-dropping day, but we do have many A-listers who trust me with their jewelry needs and desires.

1. Carrie Underwood; 2. Nicky Hilton; 3. Quinta Brunson; 4. Sofia Vergara.

HBZVN: How has your journey as a designer evolved over the years, and what pivotal moments have shaped your identity as a creator?

JARED LEHR: My journey has evolved tremendously since day one. I had a dream and vision but hadn’t fully figured out how to achieve them. At first, I struggled to find my artistic voice, stumbling through fears of judgment, rejection, and the need for acceptance. Then came a pivotal shift—I embraced the mindset of “letting it ride.” With that, I found the freedom to create from the soul without overthinking, and everything changed.

HBZVN: Jewelry is deeply personal and often tied to significant moments in people’s lives. How does it feel to know your creations become part of someone’s most cherished memories?

JARED LEHR: I absolutely love it and feel deeply honored. Those moments become meaningful to me as well—whether it’s celebrating an Emmy or Grammy win, or witnessing an adult child walk down the aisle. Being part of such milestones is truly the pinnacle of my work.

HBZVN: Your designs are often described as wearable art. What drives your creative process, and how do you balance artistic expression with the technical precision required in fine jewelry?

JARED LEHR: Great question! For me, creativity always comes first. I focus on creating the masterpiece, and from there, I make it work technically. Whether it’s adjusting how an earring hangs, repositioning where a necklace sits, or completely reconstructing a piece to suit a collector’s needs, there’s nothing I can’t adapt to ensure perfection.

HBZVN: What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a designer, and how do you want your work to be remembered in the world of fine jewelry?

JARED LEHR: I want to be remembered as a visionary—iconic, bold, and colorful—someone who paid attention to the smallest details. My story is still unfolding, so my dreams for my legacy might evolve. But above all, I want to be remembered for how I treated people and the way I made them feel.

Creative Director: Jared Lehr @jaredlehrjewelry.
Stylist: Posh Mckoy @poshmckoy.
Photographer: Brett Erickson @brettericksonphoto.
Grooming: Chris Chavez @chrisartease.
Agency: Firebird PR Agency @firebirdpragency.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam