The M Jewelers Founder Mark Shami Interview
Meet the Jewellery Designer Behind Bella Hadid's Go-To Nameplate Necklace
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The M Jewelers may not be a brand name you immediately recognise, but it should be. The jewellery company is behind many of the celebrity-loved pieces shoppers have been coveting for years. The label's famous clients include everyone from Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski to rapper Gunna. And it's partnered with such brands as Nike, Kith, and MLB — yes, as in Major League Baseball.
The M Jewelers came to life pretty organically, as CEO and founder
Mark Shami was exposed to the jewellery industry early on in life. "I grew up learning the process and making these styles as a kid in the diamond district while working at my father's jewellery store," he tells POPSUGAR, adding, "We have a vintage collection that's coming out that is reminiscent of the pieces I used to make at my dad's jewellery store in the diamond district."
Alongside that vintage collection, fans clamor for its personalized pieces. In fact, the Butterfly Flower Nameplate Necklace is one of Hadid's favourite pieces to style with model-off-duty outfits. "Personalization and custom jewellery is definitely what we're known for," Shami says. "It's the core ethos of The M Jewelers. Our company's goal from day one has always been about being the best in personalized jewellery."
Now that he's conquered that goal, Shami is setting his sights on retail expansion. The company, which was born and bred in New York City, is opening up shop in Los Angeles with a brick-and-mortar store on one of the city's most famous streets: 8445 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood. "LA has always been in our mind," Shami reveals. "It's our second biggest market. and as far as buildout, it's such a great in-store experience. We love our NY community, and we're really excited to build and meet our LA community."
Keep scrolling for the full interview and to shop some of our favourite The M Jewelers pieces.
On What Makes The M Jewelers Unique
POPSUGAR: What do you want customers — both potential as well as existing — to know about The M Jewelers brand?
Mark Shami: We're a small team of passionate people who operate and produce everything we put out from content, product, logistics and customer service. We live and breathe jewellery and are always looking to be better.
On Their Viral Personalized Pieces
POPSUGAR: While you clearly sell a large amount of ready-made jewellery, would you say that personalization is where you stand out from the rest?
MS: Personalized and custom jewellery is definitely what we're known for and the core ethos of The M Jewelers. Our company's goal from day one has always been about being the best in personalized jewellery.
PS: Did you begin your business in 2013 with personalization in mind? Or did that develop after you designed ready-made pieces first?
MS: Yes, our first product on our website was The Nameplate Necklace, which is still one of our biggest styles today. I grew up learning the process and making these styles as a kid in the diamond district while working at my fathers jewellery store. We have a vintage collection that's coming out that is reminiscent of the pieces I used to make at my dad's jewellery store in the diamond district.
On Favourite Celebrity-Worn Moments
PS: What have been some of your favourite celebrity-worn moments? What made them so exciting and special?
MS: We created a diamond encrusted "ledger" pendant for Gunna. It was one of the first times we mixed tech and jewellery.
On Their Most Popular Item
PS: Which item would you say is your most popular?
MS: Our Flower Cut Ring is my favourite style. It's a piece I grew up making and once we introduced it to our customer, everyone was super receptive towards it. I love how it's worn and love when I'm out and I see someone wearing it.
On Their New LA Store
PS: You are a company born and bred in NYC, but how long have you had this new LA store in the works? What are you most excited for when it comes to opening your newest brick-and-mortar?
MS: LA has always been in our mind. It's our second biggest market and as far as build out it's such a great in-store experience. We love our NY community and we're really excited to build and meet our LA community.
Keep scrolling to shop select pieces from the brand.
