Our Story
J By Design is a boutique jewellery brand founded by Jess, on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. With a background in photography and interior design, Jess has infused her love for beauty and craftsmanship into each collection. Her designs are inspired by the joy of self-expression, combining elements of happiness, elegance, and authenticity.
Each piece of jewellery tells a story of thoughtful, handcrafted care that has come from a place of being true to oneself and setting our own guide on how to express ourselves through what we wear.
Whether you’re drawn to timeless, delicate styles or bold, playful pieces, Jess creates bespoke jewellery that allows you to embrace and express your unique personality.
Quality is at the heart of J By Design. Jess carefully selects materials for their durability and beauty, ranging from the perfectly imperfect semi-precious stones to the flawlessly uniform Miyuki beads. Every piece is made with the intention of bringing long-lasting joy and refinement to your collection.
Above all, J By Design is about embracing self-love and having fun with your style. Wear your jewellery with confidence and remember to always celebrate who you are.
About Jess Shepherd
Jess Shepherd is an Australian designer, photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Avalon Beach, New South Wales.
With formal training in interior design and years spent working behind the camera as a wedding photographer, Jess developed a deep appreciation for composition, colour, texture and storytelling, principles that continue to shape every collection created through JBD Studio.
Rather than following seasonal trends, Jess designs instinctively, creating jewellery that encourages individuality and self-expression.
Her work celebrates craftsmanship, thoughtful design and the beauty found around us.
Every piece is designed and handcrafted by Jess in her Northern Beaches studio, where creativity begins with one simple question:
Would I love wearing this?
About JBD Studio
JBD Studio is an independent Australian design studio creating handcrafted jewellery with a focus on colour, craftsmanship and individuality.
Designed and made to order in Avalon Beach, New South Wales, each piece combines premium materials, including 14K gold-filled and sterling silver hardware, freshwater pearls, natural stones and Japanese and Czech glass beads, with a distinctly artistic approach to design.
The studio believes jewellery should be collected slowly, worn often and loved for years.
Guided by an ethos of creating out of joy, for joy, JBD Studio produces contemporary objects designed to express personality, inspire confidence and become part of the stories people wear every day.
Materials
14k Gold Filled Jewellery
At J By Design, we are committed to providing high-quality, long-lasting jewellery that looks beautiful and stands the test of time. That’s why we exclusively use 14k gold-filled findings, wire and chains in our designs. Gold-filled jewellery offers the luxurious appearance of solid gold at a more accessible price point while ensuring durability and resistance to tarnish.
14k gold-filled jewellery consists of a thick layer of 14k gold bonded to a base metal, making it a substantial and reliable option for everyday wear. Unlike gold-plated items, where the gold can wear off quickly, gold-filled pieces contain a much thicker layer of gold—up to 100 times more than standard gold plating. This means you can enjoy the timeless elegance of gold at a more affordable price, without worrying about the finish fading, chipping, or tarnishing over time.
By choosing 14k gold-filled findings, we ensure that our pieces are hypoallergenic, durable, and require minimal maintenance. With proper care, your gold-filled jewellery will retain its shine and lustre for many years to come, offering both beauty and value for our customers.
Semi-Precious Stone Beads
Semi-precious stone beads bring a natural beauty and unique character to every piece of jewellery. Formed over thousands of years, each stone holds its own patterns, colours, and textures, making every bead one-of-a-kind. From the calming blues of aquamarine to the rich greens of malachite, semi-precious stones are celebrated not only for their visual appeal but also for the unique qualities each is believed to hold, like promoting balance, calm, or positivity. These natural gems add a touch of elegance and meaning to jewellery, enhancing each piece with organic beauty and timeless charm.
Japanese Miyuki Seed Beads
We choose to use Japanese Miyuki seed beads in our designs because they are renowned for their exceptional quality and consistency. Miyuki beads are considered the gold standard in the world of seed beads, known for their uniform shape, precise size, and vibrant colours. This consistency allows us to create intricate, balanced designs that have a refined finish.
Czech Glass Beads
We choose to use Czech glass beads in our jewellery because of their exceptional quality, vibrant colours, and rich heritage. Crafted by artisans in the Czech Republic using techniques passed down through generations, these beads are renowned for their durability and precision. Their diverse range of shapes, sizes, and finishes allows the creation of unique designs that stand out. Czech glass beads offer both beauty and resilience, ensuring that each piece of jewellery is not only visually stunning but also built to last.
