Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Calvert
Hi Isabel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in the jewelry industry in 2014, right out of college, as an assistant planner at Signet Jewelers, the largest jewelry retailer in the U.S. Over the next several years, I worked my way up the ranks, from assistant planner to senior merchant, gaining deep expertise in merchandising, product development, and understanding the fine jewelry market. I learned to anticipate what customers wanted while balancing design, quality, and storytelling.
Eventually, I became Head of Merchandising and Product Development at Jean Dousset, where I worked in the luxury jewelry space. There, I was heavily involved in operations, including website building, marketing, and understanding how to position high-end products for an elite clientele. This experience gave me a 360-degree perspective on what it takes to successfully run a fine jewelry brand.
After nearly a decade in the industry, I launched SETTE Jewelry to fill a gap I saw in the market. While many brands leaned into simplicity, I wanted to create bold, timeless designs for women who define their own rules. SETTE quickly gained traction—our Coquette Pinky Ring became a cult favorite, and we went viral on social media. Within months, I was honored with the Texas Jewelry Designer of the Year title in 2024.
SETTE’s ethos is about empowerment: every finger is a ring finger, and diamonds aren’t reserved for special occasions—they’re made to be lived in. My goal is to create jewelry that resonates deeply, helping women express their individuality with designs that feel bold yet enduring.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles in fine jewelry is the longer sales cycle compared to typical fashion brands. Managing expectations and evolving the brand based on customer feedback has been essential to staying nimble. Additionally, the fine jewelry space is highly competitive, so standing out with bold, distinctive designs has been crucial.
Another challenge has been selling high-price-point pieces online. Customers can’t touch or feel the jewelry, which is a key part of understanding its quality and craftsmanship. To overcome this, I regularly host trunk shows to give clients the opportunity to experience the pieces firsthand. These events have been instrumental in building trust and demonstrating the level of detail and artistry in every piece.
Despite these challenges, they’ve driven me to refine my approach and better connect with my audience, ensuring SETTE Jewelry stands out as a brand that resonates deeply with bold, confident women.
We’ve been impressed with SETTE Jewelry, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SETTE Jewelry is a fine jewelry brand founded on the belief that bold, timeless designs should be as individual as the women who wear them. Specializing in 14K and 18K gold pieces crafted with high-quality lab-grown diamonds, SETTE is known for its daring yet timeless designs that challenge the norms of traditional fine jewelry.
Although lab-grown diamonds may not be rare, our jewelry becomes rare by design. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to stand out and stand the test of time, ensuring bold creativity is balanced with timeless sophistication. SETTE’s ethos is clear: every finger is a ring finger, and diamonds aren’t reserved for special occasions—they’re meant to be lived in.
One of the brand’s signature pieces, the Coquette Pinky Ring, has become a cult favorite, earning viral recognition among influencers and setting a new standard for statement rings. What I’m most proud of is how quickly SETTE has gained traction, including being honored with Texas Jewelry Designer of the Year in 2024, just months after launch.
SETTE continues to grow as a brand that speaks to bold, confident women, offering jewelry that is not only beautifully crafted but also resonates deeply with its wearers.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
While many know me as a creative—I even grew up playing the trumpet and training as a ballerina—what might surprise them is that I thrive in problem-solving and love doing math. My analytical side has been just as essential in balancing creativity with strategy in my career and business. After all, there’s a lot of logistics involved in creating the perfect ring, from balancing the cost and weight of the gold to the size of the diamond, ensuring every piece has the integrity to stand the test of time.
Pricing:
- Sterling Silver + Lab Diamond Jewelry starting at $300
- 14K + Lab Diamond Jewelry starting at $400
- Coquette Pinky Ring 18K $850
Contact Info:
- Website: https://settejewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/settejewelry/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sette_jewelry
