This week’s VOW can give you the ring of your dreams, no matter how unique that may be! Jewelry by Johan began as a small Etsy Shop in 2008 and has since grown into a full-service design and and manufacturing facility. Our favorite part about Jewelry by Johan is that they can make a wedding band from nearly any material, so dream big when it comes to designing the ring of your dreams. We had the pleasure of speaking with Johan’s daughter, Leanne to find out everything you need to know about Jewelry by Johan.
Q: What does Jewelry by Johan specialize in?
A: We specialize in handcrafted, made-to-order wedding jewelry and accessories.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our design center and manufacturing facility is located in Oakdale, Minn.
Q: What makes Jewelry by Johan stand out compared to other wedding jewelry options?
A: Our ring design and material options are nearly infinite. We work with all precious and alternative metals, gemstones, and many unique materials that you can’t find anywhere else. We can also craft custom jewelry using customer supplied materials and metals.
Q: When and how did Jewelry by Johan begin?
A: My dad, Johan Rust, started Jewelry by Johan as an Etsy shop in 2008. He started making simple, wood rings in his garage and had pretty instant success. He started expanding his design, material and service offerings and the rest is history! Our existing location houses our full-service design and manufacturing facility. My husband and I both play active roles in the company and take pride in Jewelry by Johan being a local, family-owned and operated business.
Q: What’s an average day like for Jewelry by Johan?
A: Very busy and exciting! We receive over 100 inquiries a day from customers around the world. We also have local customers visit our design center where we offer a variety of in stock ring and accessory options as well as free design consultations.
Q: What would you want couples who are searching for a unique engagement ring, wedding band or wedding jewelry piece to know about Jewelry by Johan?
A: Your search is over! Our designers will provide personalized attention to help you find or design the wedding jewelry of your dreams while staying in your budget.
Q: Do you have any stories of couples from Jewelry by Johan that you could share?
A: We have so many great stories from our amazing customers. You can find some published in our blog. We’ve had some well-known customers, too! Chris Hardwick, host of NBC’s The Wall and AMC’s The Talking Dead, has our meteorite, dino bone and antler wedding band.
Q: How far in advance should a guy start planning his ring purchase? When should a bride pick out her wedding day jewels?
A: A good rule of thumb is to place your order 3 months before the need-by date. Our turn-around time for made-to-order items ranges from 4-6 weeks depending on materials and style, so that allows a little wiggle room. If that lead-time becomes a factor, we do have a large selection of pre-made rings and accessories to choose from.
Q: What do you love about working in the wedding industry?
A: I love how creative and personalized it has become! Pinterest, Instagram and Etsy are just some of the many channels that offer brides and grooms inspiration and the means to customize nearly everything about their weddings. From simple to extravagant, to barn weddings, to Harry Potter themes and so much more.
Q: What are some unique materials you can create a ring from?
A: Meteorite, antler, wood, dinosaur bone, and instrument components (e.g. guitar string)…just to name a few!
Jewelry by Johan Lightning Round questions:
Q: Describe yourself in three words:
A: Ambitious, Honest, Customer-Oriented
Q: Gold, Platinum or Rose Gold?
A: Platinum
Q: Red or White?
A: White
Q: Black Tie or Farm to Table?
A: Farm to Table
Q: Chocolate or Vanilla?
A: Chocolate
Q: Milk, Dark or white chocolate?
A: Milk
Q: What’s your go-to comfort food?
A: Chocolate or Pizza
Q: What is your favorite board game?
A: I prefer card games, and my favorite is Rummy.