Kindred Lubeck, a New York-based jewelry designer specializing in jewelry engraving, credits her father, Jay Lubeck, for teaching her the craft of goldsmithing.
She is in the spotlight for designing an Old Mine Brilliant cut diamond engagement ring for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Kindred Lubeck is a talented goldsmith, hand engraver, and vintage jewelry collector known for her incredible attention to detail.
She was once told that she wouldn’t be a jewelry designer. Later, she turned her moment of doubt into her best motivation, which started her career in goldsmithing.
Kindred described her specialty in hand engraving as ring tattooing. She carefully cuts intricate designs into the metal of rings using small, sharp tools, creating unique and personal works of art.
Her mesmerizing process has captivated a vast online audience. She has over 275,000 followers on TikTok, and her videos of engraving jewelry have been watched millions of times.
Her passion and dedication have led her to a significant milestone. In June 2024, she moved to New York City to open her own jewelry shop, Artifex Fine Jewelry.
Real talk, pursuing my passion has cost me my social life. But real real talk, my social life was holding me back from ever reaching my fullest potential. And nerve endings are overrated.
Kindred Lubeck
Kindred Lubeck Found Her Hidden Passion in Her Father’s Workshop
Kindred Lubeck grew up surrounded by the tools of a master goldsmith in her father Jay Lubeck’s Neptune Beach studio. Yet, a career in jewelry never crossed her mind.
Initially on a pre-med track, she earned a degree in psychology and tried corporate work, which she quickly realized she disliked.
Kindred began working part-time at her father’s shop in October 2019, at the age of 25.
A spare workbench in the back room caught her eye. After cleaning out the unused space, she claimed it as her own.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed their showroom in 2020, but she utilized the quiet time to learn the intricate craft of goldsmithing from her father.
She began crafting with the silver but soon advanced to working with gold. She began sharing her creations on social media and soon received requests for custom engagement rings.
I didn’t expect to find my passion in a room I had walked through a thousand times.
Kindred Lubeck
Furthermore, Kindred reflects on her past sometimes but has no regrets about leaving medicine behind.
Her choices led her to her passion, and she expresses immense gratitude for the chance to learn from her father every day in a kind and encouraging environment.
Jay Lubeck’s Lifelong Passion for Crafting
Jay Lubeck was first exposed to the art of metal smithing at the age of 17 and immediately fell in love.
His passion quickly became his profession, and he established himself as one of the region’s first goldsmiths, moving to the Jacksonville Beaches area.
Jay built his business not just on skill, but on a foundation of quality and integrity, earning a loyal clientele that trusted him with their most important possessions.
He has achieved a notable milestone after more than fifty years in the craft.
His original clients are now bringing in their own children, creating a new generation of customers. It’s a full-circle moment for Jay, as he crafts heirloom-quality jewelry for the families of those he first served decades ago.
His work is truly built to last. In 1998, he had made a necklace for his daughter, Kindred Lubeck, when she was only 3 years old, which she still wears and cherishes.
To the man who was cool before cool was cool, thank you for teaching me the things you’ve taught yourself. I’m beyond grateful to wake up everyday with excitement and the opportunity to learn something new while carrying on your legacy. I’m thankful for the friends we’ve made along the way and to many more in years to come! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Kindred Lubeck
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kindred Lubeck’s jewelry icon is Kent Raible, a silversmith and goldsmith who has been crafting jewelry since 1971.
- Her jewelry ranges from a 14-carat yellow gold ring with a 3-millimeter diamond at $4,300 to an 18-carat yellow gold ring with a 5.33-carat Montana sapphire at $33,650.
