Casa Chameleon - A Home Store / Gifts - Browsing Jay Strongwater

The Jay Strongwater Story

In 1981, Jay and his mother were shopping at the illustrious Bonwitt Teller in New York City, when his mother became enamored with a necklace. She wished to purchase it, but Jay persuaded her to refrain, as he would make her his own creation. Armed with craft beads, some black paint, and some twine, he produced his first Jay Feinberg jewelry. His mother was thrilled and wore his jewelry proudly around town. A local owner of a boutique inquired into its origin and his mother booked his first sale. As the interest in his product grew, he learned of "open days", were one could present their jewelry to the likes of Saks, Henri Bendel, and Bergdorf Goodman. After each presentation, he came away with orders and was pleased to see his designs paired with such designers as Oscar de la Renta. After much success and little time for school, he drops out and opens his shop in New Jersey, where he becomes acquainted with Oscar de la Renta and is then noticed in such major fashion magazines as Vogue and WWD. Unfortunately, he decides to pair up with a partner and within a month the deal goes sour. He is unable to retain the name Jay Feinberg for his business and decides to take his mother's maiden name, Strongwater. In 1994, he manipulates some jewelry components and makes his first frame-which he gives as gifts to his co-workers- and thus "Jewels for the Home" is born.