SHERYL JONES THE NEW REIGNING QUEEN of Gemstones

Sheryl Jones loved digging up fossils and minerals in her Cincinnati, Ohio, backyard as a child.

- MIMI LOMBARDO

She collected shells and stones from seaside family vacations and admired and played dress-up with the pieces in her Great Grandmother's jewelry box. Jones recalls being fascinated by the facets in her mother's diamond ring. So, after a 10-year stint as an MTV executive, she made a hard turn out of media to pursue her childhood love of creating jewelry-the pieces that become the diary of one's life. Her designs incorporate vibrantly colored gemstones, sometimes boldly clustering them to create dynamic compositions. Jones loves to help brides-to-be design their dream engagement ring but has a standing collection of rings for others to choose from. Her childhood love of minerals and stones has transformed into a thriving business using rare gems to craft jewelry in the Sheryl Jones unique and modern style. You can find her collection in New York's famous midtown jewelry district.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU TRANSITION FROM MTV MANAGEMENT TO JEWELRY DESIGNER AND RETAILER?