GWYNN’S: What compelled you to start ONDYN?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: The first inspiration, really, was water, movement. So a lot of the pieces are articulated diamonds. The pieces are designed to really move and take shape as you wear it.
GWYNN’S: What made you feel like ONDYN needed to exist?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: ONDYN is really the perfect balance of modern meets classic, so they're meant to have a bit of an edge, but also something you can have forever.
GWYNN’S: How did your story begin?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: I went to college for jewelry design. I've been in the industry for just over 20 years. ONDYN is really a culmination of all that I've ever learned in my years of designing for larger brands.
GWYNN’S: In the world of jewelry, what felt overdone for you?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: Something that was really out there was color. ONDYN is all diamonds and gold. Sometimes if you have something so colorful, it might clash with your clothing — that's not really my style.
GWYNN’S: What does your best piece do for a women's wardrobe?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: Our best seller would be our Simone Y Lariat. It is on a chain that's adjustable, so you can wear it higher up at the nape of the neck, or have it kind of more sexy and dip lower.
GWYNN’S: What are some things that you refused to compromise on when you launched six years ago?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: One thing we did not compromise on at all is the integrity of the piece. I worked with the factory for almost a year on really making the connections. These pieces are not breaking. I want these pieces to be around for a really long time.
GWYNN’S: Where do you think jewelry trends start?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: I try not to follow trends. I want these pieces to be timeless. They'll always be super cool, but they're not a trend.
GWYNN’S: Where did the name ONDYN come from?
TARA MARIA FAMIGLIETTI: Oh, that's a good one. ONDYN — I kind of messed with the spelling a bit. It is from a French fable, and ONDYN was the water goddess. I thought it was really beautiful.
