Joy O Designs
Editor’s Pick
For the Joy of Jewelry
Joy O Designs features modern and delicate jewelry that combines luxurious simplicity with edgy innovation that will turn heads whether it is worn with jeans or an evening gown. San Francisco-based jeweler Joy Opfer is the sole designer and owner of Joy O Designs and says, “Modern, minimal and effortlessly chic, I bring an element of handcrafted beauty into everyday life.” Joy is defined by simplicity and is inspired by things with minimal design but material richness. Joy began designing heirloom-quality designer jewelry after she realized how hard it was to find exactly what she was shopping for. She puts all of her passion and soul into her pieces because she doesn’t believe in lifeless jewelry created by machines, but rather the imperfect beauty and sensuality of jewelry that only handcrafting provides. Anne Hathaway and Eva Longoria are big fans and wear their favorite pieces everywhere. Joy O Designs have been featured in magazines such as In Style, Lucky, Star, Daily Candy, Women’s Health, Fitness, Brides, and more.
Joy’s lifelong hobby and passion for stonecutting and jewelry making was grounded in high school. After taking a Geology class, where she learned to cut, polish, set stones, and create pieces cast in metal, Joy knew she found her calling. Joy holds a degree in Fine Arts from Penn State and a Master’s in Graphic Communication from San Francisco State University. As an undergraduate art student, she explored all forms of media from printmaking and sculpture to ceramics and drawing. She was a graphic and interactive web designer during the dot com reign, but shone through as a true jewelry designer when her friends and family began requesting custom pieces.
For Joy, designing jewelry is an intricate art because she lets the materials guide her, and as her pieces show, her meticulous workmanship is also architecturally influenced. Joy says, “Modern architecture is all about minimalism, details and the transition point where materials meet. That’s what my work is about too, on a small and intimate physical scale. When you get into minimal work, clean connections actually become part of the design.” Joy finds inspiration in all forms of visual media from entertainment, design, fashion, and art. She loves the raw beauty of a Herkimer diamond, the rich texture of hammered silver, and the sensuous luster of hand-forged gold.
The Circlet Duster Earrings with Champagne Diamonds are one of Eva Longoria’s favorites as she has been sporting them from Los Angeles to Europe. A strand of delicate 14k gold fill circlets are hammered individually, hung asymmetrically as the links cascade over one another, with tiny sparkling champagne diamond rondelles dangling throughout. These elegant and beautiful earrings are lightweight and classy, and 
sure to be noticed as the shimmering diamonds catch light.Another stunning item is the Arc Drops with Dark Blue Natural Sapphire Nuggets, as seen In Style. These earrings feature rich, glimmering, natural dark blue sapphire nuggets dangling from a hand-formed 14K gold fill ear wire. This piece is striking because of its edgy structure and gorgeous for its blend of sapphire and metal. It is simple enough for the day, but special enough for evening.
For a pair that stands out, our Editor chose the Raw Diamonds and Petal Pearl Mixed Dark Metal Drops, which perfectly compliments its matching necklace. This twist on the classic pearl drops adds a shred of rock 'n roll with its black silver chain links. 14k gold fill and blackened silver 
asymmetrical chain links are adorned with a dangling creamy pearl and four minute lustrous green creme raw diamonds. Also just as edgy are the Solid Silver Crystal Mini Hoops, featuring an original solid sterling silver crystal “rock” that glitters as it suspends from small 14K gold fill hoops. These luxe earrings hang close enough to the ear to draw attention without being gaudy or distracting.
Our editor has also selected some other favorites. The Solid Silver Crystal Necklace pairs with its matching earrings as mentioned above. Dangling from a slim 14K gold fill chain is a solid sterling silver crystal nugget. This crystal nugget has slight weight as it is made of solid metal, and the striking contrast of its silver mass against the simple gold chain is stunning. This 22” necklace is worn longer to draw attention to the pendant and is definitely something special! 
The Hammered Circlet Dangles with Fine Natural Light Blue Sapphire Nuggets are effortlessly chic. These were featured in In Style and seen on Eva Longoria. A delicate hand hammered circlet daintily hanging from a signature earwire holds a glittering, petite light blue sapphire nugget. The soft blue hue of the natural stone gives off just the right amount of twinkle and is a 
one-of-a-kind piece for everyday wear. The Hammered Hand Formed Hairpin in 14k rose gold is classic and a must-have in every girl’s collection as it adds flair in holding a bun or loose knot. This hairpin features the “essence of sensuous minimalism” as it is beautifully hand hammered for comfort with its gentle curves and durable for its strength. The hairpin is also sold in sterling silver and 14k gold fill.
Joy enjoys using sterling silver, gold fill and vermeil along with rough cut precious and semi-precious stones to ensure the durability and heirloom quality of all pieces. Joy’s favorite items are the hammered thin hoops for their light, comfortable, and easy to wear feel and versatility in various sizes, shapes and metals. 
She also wears her simple thin cuffs daily and her long hammered links necklace most of the time. We adore her Simple Thin Cuff Braclets, available in polished or brushed sterling silver, 14k gold, and rose gold. The 14k gold cuff bracelet, as worn by Anne Hathaway at New York Fashion Week, was also featured in “San Francisco’s Best Local Designers.” These handformed and handforged cuffs are elegant and even more stunning when stacked in multiples. Because the cuffs are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and simple, they make the perfect everyday accessory.
Joy O Designs can be found in independent boutiques nationwide. Looking ahead, Joy anticipates even more people recognizing her brand and being proud to wear her designs. Her collection features her classic line, as well as seasonal and limited edition items (based on availability). Joy credits her continued success to the amazing support and love of her husband, family, and friends. Joy’s “green” vision is that every purchase of handmade artisan goods “supports the local economy, and asserts the importance of consuming fewer things, by choosing items that have more enduring, lasting value.” She feels that each individual’s choice is important because it can make a colossal impact on local small business communities. Do your part in helping the community and treating your wardrobe by visiting joyodesigns.com to shop online.
