Jeweler Sean Dyer
When you first see a beautiful piece of jewelry, your brain doesn’t necessarily compute the complexity or value of the attraction, but rather it responds instinctively. We take its splendor at face value, without considering the individual characteristics which makes the jewel standout – design, craftsmanship and gemstones with their color, saturation, shape and brilliance – nor the hours spent at the bench or in the workshop. It is the talent and skill of a master jeweler that works behind the scene to create these jewels that brings beauty and life into a concept.
One such designer is Sean Dyer of Imari D Inc., who follows the old school tradition of making jewelry from start to finish. Each setting, clasp, hinged mechanism, he constructs by hand. From a simple solitaire engagement ring to the most elaborate of necklaces, there is no challenge that he won’t accept. In truth, Sean thrives on the more intricate designs and loves the challenge.
Sean has worked as an outsource workshop for jewelry creations that one could find in windows of Harry Winston, Tiffany or Cartier. His journey has been a modern parallel to American jewelry manufactures such as Oscar Heyman Brother’s and Carvin French, whose founders came to this country with a driving force to succeed and live the American dream. What makes Sean exceptional is that he is recognized and respected within the intimate network of his peers.
Associate Jewelry Specialist Anne Mock spoke to Sean about how he began in the industry, the struggles he has faced opening his own workshop and what advice he has for aspiring jewelers.
I love the challenge that goes into making any piece.
A Fancy Sapphire, Colored Diamond and Diamond Ring, by Sean Dyer
ANNE MOCK: How did you get started in the jewelry industry?
SEAN DYER: I grew up in Kingston [Jamaica] and I came to NYC in 1995 after high school, at the age of 19. I actually never saw myself as having a career in jewelry, I just wanted to have a job when I first came to the states.
My career in jewelry began in 1998 when my uncle [also a jeweler], got me a job at KG Creative Design Ltd. The owner, George Kocsis, hired me as a runner, doing whatever odd jobs that needed to be done for the shop – cleaning, purchasing tools and supplies, picking up and dropping off jewelry and materials, etc.
AM: How did you learn the trade?
SD: When I started, I had zero knowledge about jewelry and I actually never went to school to learn the trade. Over time, my position at KG Created Design evolved into an apprenticeship. I learned simply by asking a lot of questions and by doing. George taught me all the skills that were required to become a master jeweler. With time, I just became great at it!
Sitting next to George at the bench is when I fell in love with the whole process of jewelry making. My favorite part of working there was him actually having faith in me that I can get a job done, allowing my talent to flourish. I worked next to him for 17 years until I felt the time was right to open my own workshop.
A Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, by Sean Dyer
AM: Have you had any struggles going out on your own and maintaining your own workshop? And where does your company name come from?
SD: My biggest struggle is getting a steady flow of income in order to maintain the workshop, and life in general. I get my jobs from stores and previous clients of George, but client referrals are really how my business has and will grow. And Imari is my middle name and D stands for my last name ‘Dyer’, hence Imari D Inc.
AM: What’s your favorite part of the jewelry making process?
SD: My favorite part of the jewelry making process is actually before I even start. I visualize the finished product in my head, strategizing and staging the steps I will take in order to complete the piece, from start to finish.
AM: What is your favorite type of piece to make?
SD: I love the challenge that goes into making any piece, which varies on the design, details and materials. I enjoy making necklaces the most because they require the most strategic steps which are very time consuming, so every stage is important. One wrong move can really set you back. But really, I love making it all.
A Colored Diamond and Diamond Necklace, by Sean Dyer
AM: What do you love about your job?
SD: I love completing a piece that was executed perfectly, which in turn is going to bring joy to someone’s life…well at least for a little while.
AM: What advice would you give to young jewelers who look up to you and want to have a career as a master jeweler?
SD: My advice to young jewelers who want to enter the jewelry industry is to just be humble. Respect the knowledge of others who have come before you. With time, your talent will show in your craft.
Learn more about Imari D Inc. >