Janna Appelstein: The Modern Egyptian Goddess

Janna Appelstein is the "eye" behind the Eye of JA, an incredible modern jewelry brand she created herself "by accident".

Janna was a natural born creative, she sat in her room cutting up old tshirts to make all different designs. When she ran out of tshirts she found an old box of buttons and charms while rummaging through her sister’s room, alas she was creating little masterpieces again. It was when she decided to hook fabric through some beads; she then stumbled upon a new style of ring making. She was gaining attention fast from her classmates at school when next thing she knew she was making them and giving them away. She started frequenting Bazaar Star Beadery in Ridgewood, NJ and found inspiration to take it up a notch with her signature hand chains.

Janna walked into Gypsy Warrior’s original tiny boutique in October 2011 wearing her very own hand chain, she caught the attention of both owners in which they asked where she purchased such an amazing piece in which she replied, “I made it”. Instantly, she began reproducing for Gypsy,  shortly after her designs were being sold and currently making about 50 custom pieces for them at a time.

After meeting with Janna, I fell in love with all of her creativity. in every single piece she creates, she adds a special touch; a tiny detail to make it more personable..like a small feather or evil eye perfectly etched into or dangling from a clasp. Janna loves the concept of a "modern goddess" playing up the ancient Egyptian timeless art while still remaining contemporary. Eye of JA is actually a play on the Egyptian sun god Ra, using her initials in place. 

Her jewelry is incredible from every single piece I had the privilege to try on (and purchase) I fell in love. The body and head chains are what I tended to gravitate to because it made me feel like I was Cleopatra or at least a distant cousin. Eye of JA jewels are a summer must-have for me, nothing dresses up tanned skin and a bikini more than some gorgeous body pieces not to mention all of the metals she uses are perfect for all different hair colors and skin tones. 

As for new collections, Janna says "she's making it up as she goes along" her free-spirit and creative brilliance is etched into every piece she makes. She currently is making bridal pieces for Kleinfeld's in Manhattan as well as appearing in the Henri Bendel trunk show this July. Janna Appelstein is the next big thing, you can find her pieces here at Eye of JA also her instagram @eyeofja