Judith Bright: Nashville Jeweler

My head is spinning.  All that Judith Bright has accomplished since graduating from Vanderbilt in 1987 is astounding.  Not only does she have three adorable boys, she holds a nursing degree, worked for Quincy Jones for 12 years, and has created an amazingly successful jewelry line with pieces showing up at Henri Bendal trunk shows, Sundance Online Catalog and Vivre.  Add on a stint in Italy and you just want to hate her but she’s nice to boot.  So, as Nashvillians, we all need to embrace her and add her to our proud collection of talent that this city can boast.

Here’s a bit of what I learned a couple weeks ago when we got to sit down, with six kids running around, Judith’s two lovely assistants and me shooting questions her way…..oh, did I mention the tasty freshly baked cookies that were awaiting our arrival?  Remember, we love her.

Here is a condensed version of our conversation:

Background:

I grew up in D.C. and graduated from Vanderbilt in 1987 with a nursing degree. I landed in L.A. working at Cedars Sinai with Aids patients literally holding the hands of dying men whose families had abandoned them.  Fast forward a few years and I was heading up Quincy Jones’ music publishing company.  I worked for him for 12 years.  I gave him a full years notice when I quit.  He’s fabulous.

How did you get into Jewelry design?

During the year when I prepared to leave my music production job, I took some jewelry making classes at Barnsdall Art Center.  My husband and I decided that we were pulling up and moving somewhere away for a year.  We choose Florence, Italy.  While there, I had private instruction at Le Arti Orafe School of Jewelry in both silver smithing and wax carving.  We came back to Nashville, where my husband was raised, and I honed my skill and style.  Three years ago I launched my first collection.

What are you most known for?

My rings

Primarily, how do you sell your line?

A few ways: Henri Bendal Trunk shows, trunk shows at homes throughout the country, my home during Salon hours (Fridays from 10-4), and online at www.judithbright.com.  I’ve also been flattered with Sundance Online Catalog having picked up my collection.

Anything new coming out?

Sandalwood bead bracelets.  You can find knockoff sandalwood beads around.  They loose their scent.  These are pure sandalwood beads that will smell good forever.  They are modeled after Mala beads: traditional Buddhist prayer beads.  I’ve added some of my stones to them.  Most are under $100.  The scent is very comforting.

Biggest kick since starting the line?

Seeing my jewelry on Christina Applegate in “Samantha Who.”  The whole cast seems to have worn something from my line.  Julia Dryfuss has worn some on “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”  Portia De Rossi can also be seen wearing my designs in “Better Off Ted.”  It’s a thrill to see my designs on T.V.

Three things you can’t live without (excluding family and friends):

• Travel
• Red wine
• Belly laughing

You can contact Judith from her website www.judithbright.com and then drop by and see her collection.  She will have a trunk show at her home/studio on June 19th & 20th.  Also to note is that 15% of the proceeds of any Ametrine pieces are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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