Podcast Summary: Pop Apologists - Episode 285: How to Curate Your Dream Jewelry Collection ft. Jade Trau
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Pop Apologists by PodcastOne
Guest: Jade Trau, Founder of Jade Trau Jewelry Collection
Introduction to Jade Trau and Her Journey (00:38 - 04:26)
The episode kicks off with hosts Chandler and Kaitlyn introducing their special guest, Jade Trau, the visionary founder behind the Jade Trau Jewelry Collection. Kaitlyn shares her personal admiration for Jade's work, mentioning how she discovered Jade's pieces on Shopbop, leading to an "irrational obsession" that even involved frequent recommendations to friends [00:44].
Notable Quote:
Kaitlyn: "I just kind of like became irrationally obsessed. And I don't know how many times I've mentioned or I've said the two words Jade Trau to Chandler." [00:27]
Jade elaborates on her deep-rooted connection to jewelry design, tracing her passion back to her grandfather, a diamond manufacturer. Despite her family's involvement in the diamond industry, transitioning to jewelry design was a significant shift for Jade. She shares the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of diverging from her family's legacy [01:49 - 04:26].
Notable Quote:
Jade Trau: "I have to add value. I have to do something else." [04:07]
Developing a Unique Design Philosophy (04:26 - 11:35)
Jade discusses her design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of individuality in her pieces. She observed a "sameness" in classic diamond jewelry from luxury houses and sought to create designs that stand out while maintaining a classic essence. This led to the creation of her signature "Alchemy" collection, which pays homage to traditional diamond shapes like marquise and pear but introduces unique framing to differentiate her pieces [05:06 - 07:17].
Notable Quote:
Jade Trau: "If you can feel from six feet away that it's different, but it still stays in the world of classic." [05:55]
Kaitlyn praises Jade's ability to blend femininity with edginess, resulting in versatile and unique jewelry pieces that are anything but standard [08:17].
The Emotional Investment in Jewelry (11:35 - 24:25)
The conversation delves into the emotional significance of jewelry. Jade compares purchasing jewelry to buying a first car—an intimate and personal investment. She shares anecdotes about clients who buy pieces not just for aesthetics but as symbols of personal achievements and milestones. Kaitlyn echoes this sentiment, noting how meaningful jewelry can be compared to other investments like watches.
Notable Quote:
Jade Trau: "Jewelry is a part of your face. When I think about my closest friends, I can imagine what earrings they wear every day." [10:07]
Jade also touches on the sustainability aspect of her business, highlighting her use of vintage diamonds and ethical sourcing practices [14:25 - 15:30].
Building a Jewelry Collection: Tips and Insights (24:25 - 41:49)
Jade offers practical advice for those new to purchasing fine jewelry. She emphasizes starting with pieces that enhance one's natural features, such as diamond earrings or versatile necklaces. Jade encourages a gradual approach to building a collection, advising against impulsive stacking and instead recommending a thoughtful selection that aligns with one's lifestyle and personal style [18:23 - 39:27].
Notable Quote:
Jade Trau: "If you put something on and you don't feel that instinctual, 'Please don't make me take this off,' take it off and try something else." [20:32]
She shares creative styling tips, such as mixing different chain gauges to prevent tangling and layering necklaces with adjustable clasps for versatile looks. Jade also highlights the importance of authenticity over trends, urging listeners to choose jewelry that truly reflects their personality and makes them feel empowered [37:37 - 41:49].
Notable Quote:
Jade Trau: "Be authentic to yourself. Don't fall into the trends. I think trends are the biggest mistake when buying fine jewelry." [41:34]
Conclusion and Final Insights (41:49 - 47:57)
In the concluding segment, Jade advises listeners to remain vigilant against common pitfalls when purchasing jewelry, such as inconsistent quality and superficial aesthetics. She underscores the value of real gold and the enduring beauty of vintage pieces [46:28 - 47:34].
Notable Quote:
Jade Trau: "If it's flipping, if it's catching on your clothing, if there seems inconsistent... those are things that I would say are pitfalls." [46:28]
Kaitlyn and Chandler express their appreciation for Jade's insights and her commitment to making women feel amazing through her jewelry. Jade reciprocates the sentiment, highlighting the joy she finds in her work and the meaningful connections she builds with her clients [47:50 - 47:58].
Notable Quote:
Kaitlyn: "You are making women feel amazing." [47:50]
Key Takeaways
- Personal Connection: Jewelry is more than accessories; they are personal symbols of achievement, milestones, and self-expression.
- Unique Design Philosophy: Strive for individuality in jewelry design while maintaining timeless elements.
- Sustainable Practices: Ethical sourcing and the use of vintage materials contribute to sustainability in the jewelry industry.
- Thoughtful Collection Building: Start with versatile pieces, build gradually, and ensure each piece aligns with your lifestyle and personal style.
- Authenticity Over Trends: Choose jewelry that genuinely reflects your personality rather than following fleeting trends.
Exclusive Offer: Jade Trau generously provided listeners with a 10% discount code: POPAPOLOGISTS. To invest in your first piece or expand your collection, visit jadetrau.com and apply the code at checkout.
This episode of Pop Apologists offers a deep dive into the world of fine jewelry, blending personal anecdotes with expert advice. Whether you're new to investing in jewelry or looking to curate a more meaningful collection, Jade Trau's insights provide valuable guidance for making enduring and stylish choices.