Our History
Jose Hess dedicated the majority of his life to following his passion for jewelry design, a journey that stems back to his early teens when he worked as a goldsmith’s apprentice. His adoration for the art form was born and following a desire to learn more, he studied at the Gemological Institute of America and the Mechanics Institute of New York, where he ultimately earned his Jewelry Design degree.
Hess’ professional accomplishments include numerous prestigious awards from the likes of DeBeers Diamonds International, American Gem Trade Association, and Japan Jewelry Designers Association. He served as president of both The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and he is a founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council. Additionally, the designer has shared his wealth of knowledge with students as an instructor at New York’s acclaimed Fashion Institute of Technology.
Magdalena Hess
Today, Magdalena Hess — wife and long-time creative partner, Author, A DeBeers Award Winner, Women’s Jewelry Association Award Winner—Educated at the Gemological Institute of America, continues to maintain the integrity and quality the brand has become synonymous with while opening it up to a new generation concerned with timeless style.
Our Mission
Glamour has always been a cornerstone of our designs, as exemplified by the chic women who have worn them — a list that includes celebrities like Arianna Grande, Demi Moore, and Cindy Crawford. Today the brand is focused on creating sophisticated simplicity with delicate, feminine pieces can be paired with red carpet gowns as easily as with jeans and a t-shirt, making them versatile and accessible for a variety of stylish contemporary women.
Just as our jewelry is designed to be timeless, it’s also built to last a lifetime. We utilize the finest materials, and each piece is handmade to order. It has always been our personal belief that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated, and our brand continues to hold that philosophy sacred.
"Elegance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated.”
SIMPLE GLAMOUR has always been a cornerstone of our designs,
as exemplified by those who have worn them. Today the brand is focused on
creating sophisticated simplicity with delicate pieces that can be paired with
red carpet gowns as easily as with jeans and a t-shirt, making them versatile
and accessible for a variety of styles.
Our jewelry is designed to be timeless. It has always been our
personal belief that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated, and our brand
continues to hold that philosophy sacred.
We strive to ignore the constant demand for novelty,
creating designs that possess an elevated character and a quality that conveys
a sense of permanence. The sea, a photograph, a movie, or simply a walk in the
evening can trigger creativity. We help people refine their style through our
designs by following three golden rules:
Eliminate the superfluous. Emphasize comfort. Acknowledge the elegance of the uncomplicated.