Design Thinking: Uncommon James

(Image courtesy of Uncommon James. Image depicts the Angel Wings Necklace in gold. This necklace is described as, " A mid-length twisted rope chain holds a pendant embossed with angel wings. Length: 18" - 20", Pendant Diameter: 0.8", Closure: Lobster Clasp, Materials: 14k Gold-Plated Brass. Daily Care: Protect your jewelry and its plating by removing it while swimming, showering, exercising, washing your hands, or applying any products such as perfumes, lotions, or hair products. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above products, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin's natural pH levels.Cleaning Instructions: To keep your jewelry clean, wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner. For full product care instructions, visit uncommonjames.com/care." Price= $62. You can order this necklace at https://uncommonjames.com/collections/fall21/products/angel-wings-necklace )

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking into their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with Colby D., Director of Customer Experience, to learn more about their organization.

(Image courtesy of Uncommon James. Image depicts the Bright Hoops. These earrings are described as," Covered in sparkling stones, our pavé Bright Hoops will be your summer party go-to. Length: 0.6"

Closure: Hinge. Materials: 14k Gold-Plated Brass, Cubic Zirconia. Daily Care: Protect your jewelry and its plating by removing it while swimming, showering, exercising, washing your hands, or applying any products such as perfumes, lotions, or hair products. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above products, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin's natural pH levels.Cleaning Instructions: To keep your jewelry clean, wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner. For full product care instructions, visit uncommonjames.com/care." Price=$48. You can order these earrings at https://uncommonjames.com/collections/jewelry/products/bright-hoops )

1.What makes Uncommon James different from other jewelry brands?

At Uncommon James we are hyper-focused on delivering quality, on-trend jewelry at an always affordable price point and we won't compromise in doing that.

(Image courtesy of Uncommon James. Image depicts the Bound By Love Bracelet. This bracelet is described as, " Let your wrist do the talking with our Bound by Love Bracelet, a chunky cable chain covered in 14k gold. Length: 7" - 9" . Closure: Lobster. Materials: 14K Gold Plated Brass. Daily Care: Protect your jewelry and its plating by removing it while swimming, showering, exercising, washing your hands, or applying any products such as perfumes, lotions, or hair products. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above products, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin's natural pH levels.Cleaning Instructions: To keep your jewelry clean, wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner. For full product care instructions, visit uncommonjames.com/care." Price= 58. You can order this bracelet at https://uncommonjames.com/collections/bracelets/products/bound-by-love-bracelet )

2. How does Uncommon James’s mission and vision influence your product offerings?

Our mission is to equip every woman to feel confident in their jewelry styling. We know picking the perfect single piece or stacking and styling jewelry can feel so overwhelming, so we aim to be an ongoing resource for our customers to confidently style themselves with on-trend looks. Our product offering reflects this effort with pieces designed to stack, pre-made stacks, and monthly looks designed by Kristin.

(Image courtesy of Uncommon James. Image depicts the Zodiac Necklace. This necklace is described as," Celebrate your star sign with our Zodiac Necklace—one for each astrological sign and its individual characteristics. Created with 14k gold plating, our necklaces feature a textured coin pendant with the zodiac’s name, symbol, and a few stars for some celestial magic. Available Signs: Aquarius, Aries, Cancer, Capricorn, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Pisces, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Taurus, Virgo. Length: 16" - 18". Coin Diameter: 1". Closure: Lobster Clasp. Material: 14K Gold-Plated Brass. Daily Care: Protect your jewelry and its plating by removing it while swimming, showering, exercising, washing your hands, or applying any products such as perfumes, lotions, or hair products. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above products, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin's natural pH levels.Cleaning Instructions: To keep your jewelry clean, wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner. For full product care instructions, visit uncommonjames.com/care." Price= $58. You can order this necklace at https://uncommonjames.com/collections/personalization/products/zodiac-necklace )

3.What are the quintessential Uncommon James products anyone should buy?

Our Girl Boss Hoops and Atocha Necklace are for sure must-haves.

(Images courtesy of Uncommon James. Top Row: Girl Boss Hoops. These earrings are described as," Stand out in these geometric hoops, our most popular style! Hoop Diameter: 3", Closure: Hinge, Materials:. Gold: 14k Gold-Plated Brass, Silver: Platinum-Plated Brass. Daily Care: Protect your jewelry and its plating by removing it while swimming, showering, exercising, washing your hands, or applying any products such as perfumes, lotions, or hair products. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above products, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin's natural pH levels.Cleaning Instructions: To keep your jewelry clean, wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner. For full product care instructions, visit uncommonjames.com/care." Price= $58. You can order these earrings at https://uncommonjames.com/products/girl-boss-gold . Bottom Row: Atocha Necklace. This necklace was, " Inspired by sunken treasures from the famous shipwreck of 1622, our 14K gold-plated Atocha Necklace is beautifully intricate – a modern day twist with a historical Spanish flair. Length: 19" - 22", Coin Diameter: 0.78", Closure: Lobster Clasp,. Materials: Gold: 14k Gold-Plated Brass and Silver: Rhodium-Plated Brass. Daily Care: Protect your jewelry and its plating by removing it while swimming, showering, exercising, washing your hands, or applying any products such as perfumes, lotions, or hair products. We pride ourselves on the quality of our product; however, if your jewelry should be exposed to any of the above products, tarnishing may occur. Tarnishing may also be caused by the skin's natural pH levels.Cleaning Instructions: To keep your jewelry clean, wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner. For full product care instructions, visit uncommonjames.com/care." Price= $64. You can order this necklace at https://uncommonjames.com/products/atocha )

4.What is the future of the company?

We just opened a new brick and mortar store in Dallas which is so exciting and are exploring a few other physical locations. We also just launched our new skincare line, Uncommon Beauty. There are always new drops and lots of exciting happenings around every corner, so stay tuned.

(Logo courtesy of Uncommon James)