By Judy Carmack Bross
Jewelry designer Jorie Grassie at the recent Safari World in Nashville.
When internationally famed jewelry designer Jorie Grassie was a little girl in Lake Forest, she searched the beach for smooth and bright colored sea glass.
“On my daily excursions to the beach with my dogs. I would find the glass, then paint it with clear nail polish and then display it in a huge glass jar. One day I found a perfectly shaped rounded heart, made of RED sea glass. About the size of a 3D nickel, it was unreal how perfect and pretty it was. My mother had it set in a pendant on silver chain. It was just lovely and I wore it proudly. Soon after, very sadly, it was lost and I was heartbroken… and still am in a way. This was my first experience of ‘jewelry grief’. I describe this feeling as ‘a deep level of gut wrenching loss knowing it possibly could have been prevented’. We’ve all been there at one time or another for sure,” Grassie said.
“The Scotland Rainbow Necklace, I love this design so much I cried when I sold it,” Grassie said.
Today, Grassie, her husband Colin and four sons call Culachy, their Scottish Highlands estate on the shores of Loch Ness, home. She travels the world collecting stones: “In particular India for Tourmalines, Tanzania for Spinels, Tsavorites and of course Tanzanites. Sapphires and Rubellites from Sri Lanka and Turquoise from USA. I am always on the lookout for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Turquoise as the mine in Arizona has now closed,” she told us.
Culachy, Grassie’s estate and inspiration in the Scottish Highlands
Most recently her jewelry travels took her to Nashville for “the Super Bowl of Hunting Shows,” Safari Show World. where she had been invited to exhibit her work. Founded in 1972, Safari Club International (SCI) has a mandate to promote wildlife conservation worldwide.
“Hunting Barbie is beautiful, charismatic and a very successful business woman, I love seeing her every year at SCI,” Grassie told us
“The event welcomes nearly 900 exhibitors, from 80 countries, that present their companies to 20,000 attendees during the four-day show. Exhibitors are ‘Best in Class’ and range from top safari outfitters, to the finest equipment, spectacular artists displaying sculptures, paintings and wild taxidermy as well as beautiful clothing and fine jewelry. There is something for everyone, even if you’re a non-hunter.”
“Several years ago, Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn introduced me to Justine de la Rue, “Boots,” a Zimbabwean luxury leather goods designer, specializing in animal prints. We instantly became friends with our common love for Africa, hunting and design. She explained to me all about the Safari Show World and how she thought my jewelry would do well there. Fast forward to 2025, she had great instincts as I will be going on my 8th year of exhibiting in 2026. SCI has a very long waiting list for exhibitors, about 5-7 years for a booth. My Culachy tweed inspired booth with salmon pink accents is always packed and buzzing with people. Our team is uniformed in Culachy tweed and it is also my packaging.
“I share the booth with my oldest friend Lindsey Swift, besties since first grade starting at Lake Forest Country Day School. Lindsey collects fine vintage scarves and displays them in Perspex frames. A true art from and such a chic way to decorate any wall. Her scarves really compliment the jewelry and elevate the booth. Lindsey is also a creative director of Jorie LLC. Her input is invaluable.”
“It was a pleasure having Chicagoans Julie Harron and Michelle Kubala visit the booth this year, Grassie said. Here, Julie Harron with Grassie
Julie Harron told us:
“The Nashville SCI Show did not disappoint – an incredible weekend surrounded by the best of sporting traditions, fine craftsmanship, and great friends. Seeing Jorie’s beautiful jewelry booth was a highlight, her pieces as stunning as ever. But the real treasure was catching up, reminiscing, and sharing laughter, and of course meeting many new friends!”
Grassie, center with friends, including Chicagoans Julie Harron and Michelle Kubala, both in black
Jewels in the Nashville show
We asked Grassie to describe her design path:
“March 2016, I launched my Jewelry collection at Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh, Scotland’s leading Jeweler and Silversmith. Dating back to 1866, this beautiful store has held a Royal Warrant for over 120 years,” Grassie commented.
“I was fortunate enough to be a guest jewelry designer at Harvey Nichols in London. Founded in 1831, this leading fine goods store has a reputation for cutting edge fashion,” Grassie said.
“I’ve been designing jewelry with my manufacturer for self, family and friends for about 30 years as a serious hobby. In 2016 I started Jorie LLC formally and launched at Hamilton and Inches in Edinburgh, it was splendid I then moved to Harvey Nichols in London as a guest designer, very exciting. In 2017, found my niche at Beretta and have been with them ever since. Beretta, the oldest industrial dynasty in the world. Family owned since 1526.
“Whilst on my jewelry journey in October of 2014, I was stalking Red Deer on a nearby estate. After a successful day on the hill, I spotted a tall glass jar of about 250 Red Deer Stag tusks in the larder collecting dust. A male deer has only two upper incisor tusks, if that many so in that jar was about 125 Red Deer. The gamekeeper explained that they are Ivory and ‘no one throws this sort of thing away’. He also told me that in the 1970’s you could sell the tusks for about GBP£7.50 a pair, that’s about US$90 today. Today they are only worth their memory, which is why people like to set them into jewelry, as a memoir of their special day, stalking the beast on the glorious hills in Scotland. The Gamekeeper very kindly gave me the jar of tusks for free.
“I went home and did some research on Deer Tusk Jewelry. Turns out, Queen Victoria wore some pretty spectacular Deer Tusk Jewelry. with every single tusk signed and dated on the day Prince Albert took the Stag. All Stags were taken at Balmoral. Even earlier than that in the Palaeolithic Ages, it was the woman who wore Deer Tusk Jewellery proudly displaying to their people that they were the ‘skilled hunters’ that provided Red Deer meat for their tribes.
“The Lady Falls necklace, my very first design.” Grassie said. “A showstopper with six cascading rows of diamond specked tusks.”
“The wild and tempestuous Lady Falls on our property, every day brings a new view,” Grassie said.
“Out of the jar of 250 tusks and named after the lovely waterfall we have on our property, I created “The Lady Falls Necklace” for myself. For a bit of sparkle I scattered 834 diamonds into the tusks. At 40” in length, this tactile necklace was definitely a conversation starter. A true statement piece, I love wearing it and talking about it. The broader context around this piece is as important. The hours, days and weeks of stalking high grounds in fierce conditions, highlight what a huge effort is behind this piece.
“The event which inspired me to go into business was in 2015 at a friend’s book launch in NYC. An admirer asked me all about my necklace, then asked if I would make her one. That was my lightbulb moment to start a jewelry business.”
We asked Grassie about her new collections:
“This year I launched my Coloured Stone Collection and it was received very well, so in 2025 my focus will be on this line and sourcing colorful cut and tumble shaped stones. Tumble shaped stones are just delicious. Smooth, clear and cheerful, I love working with these stones as each one is unique. What’s ahead, more safaris to new countries with indigenous stones. In particular, Zimbabwe and Eritrea.I am excited that I’ve got a clear picture of how I would like to diversify my jewelry designs. Trophy jewelry is going beyond Red Deer to Elk Tusks, Alligator teeth and Beaver fangs.”
“Natural beauty Gigi has been modelling for Jorie Jewellery from the start in 2016,” Grassie tells us. Photo credit: Harald Altmeir
Gigi modeling
Growing up in Lake Forest and visiting the beach daily are fond memories for Grassie.
“Raised with brothers, so we were always outside either playing sports, riding our bikes, shooting targets with BB guns or swimming in the lake. At home we were always surrounded by animals, especially dogs and birds. We had a beautiful friendly Macaw called Chiquita that spoke quite a few words and used to confuse the dogs by her whistling,” she said.
“My parents entertained nearly every weekend. When they weren’t entertaining at home, they were dressing up for black tie/white tie affairs in the city. My mother’s gowns always matched her jewelry. My favorite were her heirloom pieces from the 30s. Art deco cut stones set in platinum. Elegant and timeless. Her day jewelry was pretty simple, diamond stud earrings, dainty but functional watch and thick polygon shaped wedding band, all in yellow gold. I find it interesting how she wore platinum in the evenings and yellow gold during the day, possibly platinum was viewed more formal than yellow gold?
We asked Grassie about today’s jewelry trends.
“I’m seeing a trend where more people want more versatility in their jewelry. My jewelry can be worn in many different ways. For example, My 40” necklaces can be transformed into a belt or a chunky bracelet. Brooches can be worn in the hair, and bracelets can be linked together into a necklace.
“Another trend is colored stone jewelry gaining more prominence due to the arrival of LAB GROWN diamonds. Personalisation is also important, from engraving to diamonds on the inside of a piece, there should always be some sort of surprise hidden away somewhere. When I design bespoke pieces with clients, I strongly encourage them to engrave their initials or name, date and location on their piece of trophy jewelry. Capturing the moment in time of their wild adventure. Engraving is always free of charge.”
We asked what advice she would you give someone wanting to choose one distinctive piece of jewelry?
“I would say quality. Make certain the stones are certified and workmanship is the best you can find. Sometimes you can tell the quality by inspecting the back or the inside of a piece. It should be very neat and pristine in areas not visible to anyone else. Type of metal. Some metals are soft and dull and can dent easily and loosen any stones. My preference is to work with is 18K gold–yellow, rose or white. Strong and lush I work also a lot with Sterling Silver, which can be divine, but silver can be soft, so a lot of attention and care goes into design.
“And of course, does it fit? Is it comfortable? Are the earrings too heavy? Jewelry that doesn’t fit properly is horribly uncomfortable and dangerous in case of loss; remember ‘jewelry grief’. When wearing jewelry it should feel smooth and warm the skin. If it is at all cumbersome, do not buy it because you’ll never wear it.”
“The Peacock Choker, my pièce de resistance, comfortable to wear because the tusks are ‘en tremblant’. It also keeps your neck warm and makes you stand up straight! It is made of 43 Tusks, 1368 diamonds: 17.79 carats, set in 18K yellow gold, handmade and one of a kind.”
We asked Grassie about how best to wear jewelry:
“Like clothing, jewelry should always be comfortable to wear and fit properly. Like clothing, make certain jewelry is always clean and sparkling … especially diamonds no matter the size. Like clothing, be practical. Especially when travelling. Big rings and luggage can be clumsy. Large earrings or hoops are dangerous, especially around babies.
“Like make up, do not wear jewelry to the gym or exercising. NEVER take off your jewelry anywhere but home. Leave the rings on when washing your hands. If you must remove your ring for any reason, hold it in your teeth until you put it back on your finger.
“Be very cautious when wearing fine jewelry in a public places or restaurants. Save those special pieces for private homes. Wear your jewelry with confidence and talk about it if someone asks.
“Jewelry rule #1 … “In life, always remember WHO is gold and WHO is gold-plated.”
We asked Grassie about her work schedule:
“I am an early riser and it is when I am at my creative best. I may check in with my manufacturer, do some drawings or client communication. I then do about an hour or so of yoga and then take a spin around my labyrinth for some moving meditation. I get so much inspiration–as well as naming the pieces—by walking through my garden, working in the greenhouse, building a fire in the fire pit and of course a stroll to the waterfall.
“The Fire Pit, natures television, a custom I brought back from Africa. Most popular place to gather always.”
The Fire Pit Brooch. A Mardarin Garnet Tumble (8.26ct) surround by 34 tusks enhanced with a single pavé diamond tusk (141 diamonds – 1.17 carats).
All of this is conducive to clear thinking and proximity to the outdoors. Beauty always begins with nature.”
Grassie’s Lupin Garden provides much delight
We asked her about her ongoing creativity:
What excites me about the future is the real momentum in my business. Following my best ever show recently in Nashville, I am buzzing with ideas for new designs for SCI 2026. Each show I am so fortunate to meet new people, visit with repeat clients and experience my brand coming to life.
Grassie always makes time to gather flowers from her garden cultivating her belief that “beauty always begins with nature.”
