The Design Questionnaire with Jen Oliak, Ounce of Salt Jewelry

ounce of salt jewelry luxury jewelers los angeles ca jen oliak designs

In this edition of Love Happens’ Proust-style Design Questionnaire, join us for a peek inside the creative design mind of Jen Oliak third-generation jeweler and founder of Ounce of Salt. Based out of Los Angeles, CA, Ounce of Salt is a full-service virtual jewelry store, offering an in-house designed collection, curated selections, and custom designs.

Shopping for fine jewelry online can be overwhelming, to say the least. This is where Jen Oliak and Ounce of Salt come in.

“As someone who understands quality, I wanted the best,” says Jen. “But even while shopping in the jewelry districts of New York and Los Angeles, it was hard to find. I came to realize that sourcing the very best in jewelry depends on having the right relationships. So, using my financial and business audit background, I did my research, shook a lot of hands, and eventually formed the network that opened doors to discovering the very best quality in every area; workmanship for custom work, diamond and gemstone suppliers, as well as imported fashion pieces.”

Noted for sophisticated pieces that are a modern twist on timeless classics, Ounce of Salt offers easy-to-wear styles made of the finest materials, each designed and crafted to last the test of time. Read on for a peek inside the fabulous and inspiring mind of Jen and discover the beauty of Ounce of Salt!


The Lh Design Questionnaire with Jen Oliak founder of Ounce of Salt Jewlery


Jen Oliak, Jeweler and Founder of Ounce of Salt Jewelry
Jen Oliak, Jeweler and Founder of Ounce of Salt Jewelry

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness is when I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or doing anything else—simply content! 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Shaping my life to be where I am now with a well-rounded career history, and realizing my passion for designing jewelry with the support of my husband and 2 teen boys despite my difficult childhood.

What profession does your alter ego have?

Talk show host—I love asking questions and learning about people’s lives!

The design you will never forget.

My Ounce of Salt Jewelry Diamond Butterfly Eternity Band is the design that I’ll never forget. It holds symbolism for me in my own life and reflects my journey to become who I am today. Motto “Let’s Fly”. Women go through a metamorphosis as we pass through different stages of life. The butterfly represents renewal, strength, elegance, and freedom. Speaking to my Butterfly Eternity Band in particular, the ring features a continuous pattern of the highest quality marquis, round and princess cut diamonds, specially cut in Germany. Set in a low profile with just enough metal to keep the diamonds secure, this statement ring is made to be comfortable enough to wear every day. It is a symbol of “becoming”, and its brilliant sparkle does not go unnoticed.

Your favorite business tool or resource.

Computer aided design renderings to refine my designs before creating them.

The most timeless design.

Diamond eternity band in any shape in a U-setting to feature the sparkle of the stones from all angles.

The biggest jewelry design faux pas.

Jewelry that isn’t comfortable. Jewelry should feel like second skin!

Your jewelry design motto.

Sophisticated classics with clean lines.

If you were to design a piece of jewelry inspired by one of our publisher KOKET’s statement décor pieces, which would it be, and why?

The Eternity Chandelier inspires me to make an eternity band with a similar design of varying size diamonds in a low profile, bezel setting. This chandelier is ornate but has an elegance I love. I also love how the top tech is not lined up on the chandelier.

eternity chandelier by koket gold and crystal jewelry lighting
Eternity Chandelier by KOKET

Love happens when…

You are living with a full heart, whole within yourself, and open to receiving it.

Explore Ounce of Salt at www.ounceofsaltjewelry.com.


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