About the Artist
Jerry "Jay" Sharpe is a notable figure in the world of jewelry design, particularly renowned for his sleek and classic designs. He began making waves during his time as a junior at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University), where he sold seven of his jewelry designs to the luxury department store Nordstrom. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies, focusing on metalsmithing and fine jewelry, he furthered his career by working with emerging designers at the Hand Workshop, now known as the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.
In 1990, Sharpe officially launched his own brand, the Jay Sharpe Collection, which became the foundation for his success in the industry. Ten years later, he opened his own shop in Richmond's Carytown district, which he managed for two decades. His clientele included celebrities like Queen Latifah, Brandy, Monica, and Pam Grier ("Foxy Brown").
Additionally, Sharpe expanded his repertoire with the creation of his eco-friendly costume jewelry line, Henleava. This eco-friendly line gained attention through features on Bravo TV's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and in publications such as Essence, Richmond Magazine, and Southern Living Magazine.
Sharpe's influence extends beyond his designs; he has contributed to significant projects such as designing an ornament for the White House Christmas tree (Blue Room) and custom cufflinks for Lexus of Richmond and crafting a Texas pendant for the late Jimmy Dean.
Throughout Sharpe's career, his commitment to education is evident through his teaching at VisArts, where he was honored with the Master Teacher award in 2014.
You can find more about his work and stay updated on his creations by following Jay's Instagram accounts: @jay_sharpellc and @artist_jaysharpe.
Gallery Collection
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Wave Series
Introducing the Wave Series Collection: an exhilarating ensemble of 10 distinct paintings...
