TV Star Lauren Bedford Russell’s Jewelry More Than Just Pretty Little Things

Lauren Bedford Russell is many things: icon, advocate, star of season 3 of The Real L Word, and multiple sclerosis (MS) fighter.

Now, add jewelry designer to that list.

While most stars are better known for being the “face” of a brand than actually running it, Russell has bucked the trend ever since launching Lyon Fine Jewelry in 2011. Since then, the brand has become one of the hottest around, sought after by stars and starlets across the globe and landing features in Style, Curve, People and Riviera Magazine, among others.

The jewelry line includes high-end rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and even custom cocktail and engagement rings — all of which are produced in New York or Los Angeles and include only conflict-free gemstones. Centering on black diamonds, black jade and black rhodium-plated silver and gold, the inventive yet sophisticated designs are meant for all genders.

But Russell’s designs also carry important messages, too. Her “Equality, Rock the Vote” bracelets (sported by the likes of Jason Mraz, Perez Hilton, Patti Stanger, Cyndi Lauper, Judd Nelson and Kevin Jonas, to name a few) as well as her “Forward” bracelets are meant to show support for President Barack Obama’s commitment to LGBT rights/Equality. Most recently, Russell’s “Positivity” bracelet — released in February, when she publicly announced she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis — supports the National MS Society with 15 percent of proceeds from sales donated to the New York Chapter of the organization.

Russell recently took some time out of her hectic schedule to be interviewed by GALO. Here’s what she had to say.

GALO: Could you describe your beginnings? How did you get involved with the jewelry industry?

Lauren Bedford Russell: I first started designing jewelry when I was working for Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry. At the time, I had just opened up her Trump Tower store and was working there. I had so many ideas of the type of jewelry I would wear, and I kept sketching them out and feeling like this was really something I could do.

GALO: When did your interest in jewelry first develop?

LBR: My interest started at a very young age, [specifically] when my father began teaching me about fine gemstones and metals. He taught me a lot over the years and I read a lot of books. I have a passion for not only jewelry, but for fine stones.

GALO: Why jewelry instead of, say, fashion design or fragrances?

LBR: When I was younger, I did actually design clothing for fun. I did an internship once for a clothing line, and after seeing the process, it wasn’t all that great for me anymore. Jewelry is just a completely different passion. You can’t compare the two really.

GALO: What is designing a piece of jewelry like for you? Is it a complicated process?

LBR: Sometimes it’s really simple, an idea I sketch and hand to my jewelry casting company. Sometimes it’s more complicated and it takes me a few months to add finishing touches.

GALO: Is there a favorite piece you’ve created? Why that piece?

LBR: My La Nouvelle-Orléans Ring is my favorite because it was one of the ones that took me a few months and took different turns, but in the end I got it right and I love it.

GALO: What inspires you to create jewelry: certain people, things, or ideas?

LBR: I get inspiration anywhere from clothing, to shoes, to buildings, to bodies! I like to fit the jewelry to a personality and a lifestyle.

GALO: What jewelry trends do you see being popular later this year?

LBR: I see earrings making a comeback. I think for a while now people have been focusing on bracelets. I may start getting back into the big rock and roll earring.

GALO: How would you describe your approach to design in three words?

LBR: Style. Function. Charity.

GALO: Has the large amount of media coverage you’ve received from past endeavors, such as the TV show The Real L Word, added pressure for your jewelry line to succeed?

LBR: No, it has added a lot of motivation! I am so lucky to have been able to have my jewelry reach so many people around the world.

GALO: How is working with jewelry different than working in television?

LBR: Well, it is a solo effort for the most part with my jewelry company. The television show was a collaboration of many, many people!

GALO: Your brand is highly regarded. What do you think sets you apart from other jewelry designers?

LBR: I think I get what the modern edgy person wants to wear. My jewelry is mostly unisex, and I think that is very unique.

GALO: You’re also very involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) activism. Could you talk a little about that?

LBR: Yes, I was diagnosed with MS last July, and since then I have learned a lot about this complicated disease. My “Positivity” bracelet has taken a huge turn, and people keep telling me [that] even if they don’t have MS, the bracelet is reminding them to be positive every day.

GALO: How does your activism relate to your jewelry?

LBR: It is now so important to me, and a huge part of my business. I love giving back, and it is so vital to our world. I feel very blessed.

GALO: What can people expect of your jewelry in the future?

LBR: Next up is a charity bracelet for animals. I just haven’t decided which charity to donate to. [It’s a] very difficult decision.

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Featured image: Jewelry designer and star of season 3 of “The Real L Word,” Lauren Bedford Russell. Photo Courtesy of: ILDK Media.