MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
EditorsOct 23, 2020
A DeVotion to Voting, Expressed Via Jewelry
New York-based designer Jules Kim wants people to dedicate themselves to activism beyond Nov. 3.
The new “DeVote” capsule collection from Jules Kim of Bijules is a creative take on voting jewelry and is available in sterling silver or 14-karat gold.
A few weeks ago, I opened an email from New York City-based jewelry designer Jules Kim about the launch of her new collection, “DeVote,” which I read as “de-vote.”
What is this, I thought to myself? What does de-vote mean? Is this a new social movement that I’m unaware of?
Then I started reading through the attachment and I got it.
It’s “devote,” as in: Devote yourself to voting in the uber-important, upcoming election on Nov. 3 but, also, dedicate yourself to staying involved and voting in subsequent elections after that date.
“There’s something faith-based about being devoted to something better that I really wanted to put into physical form and push out into the world,” Kim explained when I caught up with her on the phone last week.
But for Kim, who counts innovation as one of the three pillars of her brand, a piece of jewelry that reads simply “vote,” is too literal.
So she chose another, similar word that’s been on her mind a lot about lately—devote, which contains the word “vote” but also carries with it the weight of a long-term commitment. It reminds people to vote on Nov. 3, yes, but also to make a pledge to keep voting.
“That’s what devotion is. You give yourself to something for the rest of your life,” Kim said. “If we don’t devote ourselves to [democracy], it will come undone.”
The designer combined her unique take on the prompt to participate in our democracy and framed it with classic elements to create a four-piece capsule collection.
It consists of two different necklaces, a pair of earrings and a ring, all in nameplate style—a “super New York” style, she says, with a rich and interesting history—and the “V” in DeVote is reminiscent of the checkmarks people once used to mark their ballots, pre-punch cards and electronic voting.
She launched the collection in collaboration with the rebirth of The Wide Awakes, a decentralized group of artists looking to get out the vote, spread joy through art, and march and organize for a better future.
A 14-karat yellow gold DeVote necklace was one of the rewards in The Wide Awakes’ Kickstarter campaign, which reached its goal.
consumers of all ages, but is the kind of style that could easily catch on among younger consumers. As Kim put it: “Michelle Obama buys the vote necklace, but her daughters buy the DeVote necklace.”
Kim designed DeVote with people of all ages in mind, but she can see having particular appeal for Gen Z consumers.
They are: diverse, politically active (Greta Thunberg, for example, is a Gen Zer), motivated to spend money with brands that back causes they care about, and good at finding what they like online, which is exactly where DeVote lives, for now.
The capsule collection is for sale on the Bijules website, but the designer wants to offer it for wholesale to independent jewelers as well as larger retailers.
She believes that going forward, it will be “customary” for collections to have a charitable component.
Consumerism won’t be just about a purchase, an “I buy, I get” transaction, but about consumers using their purchasing power to make a broader impact.
It’s a shift, she said, the industry should get on board with now and it should enlist a more diverse group of independent designers to help.
“The more product we put out there with meaning, the better our industry will be,” Kim said.
All DeVote jewelry is handmade in New York City by Black, indigenous and people of color, and is available in sterling silver or 14-karat white or yellow gold. Retail prices range from $265 to $975.
For more information, email sales@bijulesnyc.com.
Kim designed DeVote with people of all ages in mind, but she can see having particular appeal for Gen Z consumers.
They are: diverse, politically active (Greta Thunberg, for example, is a Gen Zer), motivated to spend money with brands that back causes they care about, and good at finding what they like online, which is exactly where DeVote lives, for now.
The capsule collection is for sale on the Bijules website, but the designer wants to offer it for wholesale to independent jewelers as well as larger retailers.
She believes that going forward, it will be “customary” for collections to have a charitable component.
Consumerism won’t be just about a purchase, an “I buy, I get” transaction, but about consumers using their purchasing power to make a broader impact.
It’s a shift, she said, the industry should get on board with now and it should enlist a more diverse group of independent designers to help.
“The more product we put out there with meaning, the better our industry will be,” Kim said.
All DeVote jewelry is handmade in New York City by Black, indigenous and people of color, and is available in sterling silver or 14-karat white or yellow gold. Retail prices range from $265 to $975.
For more information, email sales@bijulesnyc.com.
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
