Since Faye Kim first took up her goldsmith tools, she’s amassed a shelf full of awards, established a reputation for producing highly wearable, heirloom-quality jewels and acquired a devoted following of collectors, many of whom have purchased her work from the beginning.
As an undergrad, Kim dutifully pursued an economics degree to meet the expectations of her immigrant parents, and she worked for her father’s accounting office for a time. But she quickly found herself “restless,” she says, yearning to do something more creative.
Kim’s mother, having always supported her daughter’s creativity, encouraged her to attend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York as a way to address her impulse for change.
As a newly minted graduate, Kim hopscotched from a job at a jewelry wholesaler to become a pearl buyer for Tiffany & Co. She eventually became a jewelry buyer at the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, where she was exposed to the work of modern masters like Angela Cummings and Barry Kielselstein-Cord and to antique treasures from Kentshire.
Kim enrolled in classes as a hobby. The process enthralled her. “I loved being at the bench. I could sit there for hours on end,” she says. “I fell in love with the granulation process and making everything by hand.”
Kim immediately gravitated to working with 18-karat gold, especially in an alloy with a subtle green cast. When she decided to return to work, in 2003, she opened an eponymous boutique in downtown Westport, Connecticut, a bedroom community outside New York City, and it became her livelihood.
Kim established her stylistic signatures early on. Single pieces are weighty enough to hold their own but not too big to stack with others for a more imposing look, modern silhouettes are combined with old-world techniques like granulation and bezel setting, and virtually everything bearing her name is made entirely by artisans in her studio.
Sizable dome rings are much loved. And a stack composed of a gemstone ring flanked by gold bands is another mainstay for Kim’s true believers. Earrings dangling perfectly proportioned baroque-pearl or diamond drops that softly sway from hinged mountings are bestsellers.
Today, Kim is setting the groundwork for focusing on designs that challenge and excite her.
Find Faye Kim jewelry on 1stDibs.
Faye Kim 18K Gold Knife Edge Link Bracelet, Contemporary Design, USA
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A one-of-a-kind stunner, Faye Kim's handcrafted 18k Gold Knife Edge Link Bracelet is substantial in weight and style. Each matte-finished link has been masterfully designed to connec...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18K Green Gold Chain Link Bracelet, Contemporary Design, USA
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Handmade in 18K Green Gold, Faye Kim's chain link is bracelet is planished and matte-finished for a fresh, modern feel. The safety clasp adds extra security and can be used to display a variety of charms to help personalize your look. Photographed with 18K Gold & Diamond Dog Charm...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18K Gold Handmade Double Loop Chain Necklace, Unisex, USA
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18k Gold Handmade Double Loop Chain, in her signature green gold matte finish, is a striking statement piece that can be worn on its own, together suspending a pendant, or...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Planished Double Round Paperclip Chain - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Planished Double Round Paperclip Link Chain, hand-crafted in her signature matte-finished green gold, embodies understated elegance and versatility. This sta...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Paperclip Chain - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in Faye Kim's handcrafted 18 Karat Gold Paperclip Chain. Completely versatile - the elongated matte-finished links allow for a variety of adjustable length...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Paperclip Chain - 32"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in Faye Kim's handcrafted 18 Karat Gold Paperclip Chain. Completely versatile - the elongated matte-finished links allow for a variety of adjustable length...
Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Link Paperclip Chain Bracelet 1.7 g
Located in Great neck, NY
EFFORTLESSLY CHIC - Wrap your wrist in this dainty 14k Yellow Gold link bracelet. Crafted in Italy, the paperclip look creates an organic design with brilliant shine. This chain bracelet opens up making it simple to close lobster lock clasp. Whether casual or dressy, this elegant bracelet takes you from day to night with effortless style. Wear alone or as a stackable bracelet with other favorites for a cool fashion...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Joelle Gold Paperclip Link Chain Bracelet 14K Gold for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
EFFORTLESSLY CHIC - Wrap your wrist in this dainty 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold link bracelet. Crafted in Italy, the paperclip look creates an organic design with brilliant shine. This chain bracelet opens up making it simple to close lobster lock clasp. Whether casual or dressy, this elegant bracelet takes you from day to night with effortless style. Wear alone or as a stackable bracelet with other favorites for a cool fashion...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Link Paperclip Chain Link Bracelet 1.7 g
Located in Great neck, NY
EFFORTLESSLY CHIC - Wrap your wrist in this dainty 14k Yellow Gold link bracelet. Crafted in Italy, the paperclip look creates an organic design with brilliant shine. This chain bracelet opens up making it simple to close lobster lock clasp. Whether casual or dressy, this elegant bracelet takes you from day to night with effortless style. Wear alone or as a stackable bracelet with other favorites for a cool fashion...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Paperclip Link Chain Bracelet 14K Gold for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
EFFORTLESSLY CHIC - Wrap your wrist in this dainty 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold link bracelet. Crafted in Italy, the paperclip look creates an organic design with brilliant shine. This chain bracelet opens up making it simple to close lobster lock clasp. Whether casual or dressy, this elegant bracelet takes you from day to night with effortless style. Wear alone or as a stackable bracelet with other favorites for a cool fashion...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Paper Clip Link Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, this contemporary paper clip link bracelet offers a clean, versatile design that transitions effortlessly from everyday wear to layered styling. The ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold chain bracelet. Dimension : L 7.68 in X W 0.29 in L 19.5 cm X W 7.36 mm Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Centering a luminous golden South Sea pearl, this majestic piece is a hot commodity in any season.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
