If we were writing about Kim Alexis deJong’s jewelry from the South of France—where the designer spends half the year—we might describe it as “très jolie.” But because the founder of Kim Alexis Design spends the other half of the year in Bedford Hills, we’ll simply call it very beautiful, indeed. When in Westchester, deJong works from a home studio, specializing in necklaces and earrings of fine metal—sterling silver and 14-karat gold-filled or a mixture of gold with other metals—and semi-precious stones, like tourmaline, blue topaz, chalcedony, and labrodite, often mixed with pearls.
Early in her peripatetic career, which has spanned art education and interior design in France, Spain, and South Carolina, in addition to Westchester, deJong taught jewelry-making to women who were incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. She returned to the craft in earnest two years ago. While she has taken some classes, she is basically self-taught. “I’ve always been attracted to miniature sculptural pieces and objects,” she says. “I like the idea that they’re decorative, they’re symbolic, and they’re beautiful aesthetically.”
Dejong’s signature pieces are a butterfly pendant and a flower of 14-karat gold, oxidized sterling silver, and pearls. “I am most inspired by nature and travel and the delicacy of life,” she adds. “I love the French aesthetic. The delicate and feminine ironwork of balconies alone can be translated into sterling filagree jewelry designs.” Author Pat Conroy and Julia Roberts are among the designer’s fans, owning several pieces each. Dejong’s collection, which retails between $50 and $175, can be purchased at Beehive Collective in Mount Kisco or online at kimalexisdesign.com. Custom orders start at $150. For more info: (914) 733-2848.
