Welcome to Renée James Jewelry
Renée James Jewelry was founded by jewelry designer and gemologist, Lauren Duff-Major with a passion for creating jewelry that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
For nearly 13 years, Lauren has specialized in custom engagement rings, wedding bands, heirloom redesigns, and one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. From transforming a grandmother’s cherished diamonds into something completely new to designing a modern engagement ring from the ground up, every piece begins with a story—and is thoughtfully created to become part of yours.
At Renée James Jewelry, we believe jewelry should feel personal. We take great pride in working closely with our clients to create pieces that reflect their individual style while honoring the people, memories, and milestones behind them. Whether we are working with treasured family stones or sourcing something entirely new, our goal is to create jewelry you will fall in love with today and be proud to pass down for generations.
Meet the Designer
Lauren’s love of design began with a background in fine arts at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, followed by specialized training at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California.
While at GIA, Lauren studied Applied Jewelry Arts, developing her skills in hand rendering, jewelry design, wax carving, and computer-aided design. She also pursued gemological studies with a focus on diamonds and colored gemstones, giving her the technical knowledge to complement her creative background.
That combination of artistry, gemological expertise, and nearly 13 years of hands-on experience is at the heart of Renée James Jewelry.
Over the years, Lauren has had the privilege of creating countless pieces to celebrate engagements, weddings, anniversaries, new beginnings, and generations of family history. Some begin with a brand-new diamond and an idea. Others begin with a jewelry box filled with pieces that belonged to mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers.
No matter where the story begins, the intention is the same: to create something extraordinary, personal, and made to last for generations.
The Custom Experience
True custom jewelry takes time, and we believe the details are worth it.
Our custom pieces typically take 6–8 weeks from design to completion. Throughout the process, our team will keep you updated as your piece moves from concept to finished jewelry.
For clients working within a shorter timeline, we also offer an expedited four-week custom service for an additional $500 fee, when available.
From the first conversation to the moment you see your finished piece, our team is committed to making the custom jewelry experience exciting, personal, and unforgettable.
The Renée James Collection
Beyond custom design, Lauren brings her creativity and signature style to the Renée James Collection—a curated selection of fine jewelry designed to be worn, loved, and made part of your own story.
Each piece is thoughtfully selected or designed with the same attention to detail, quality, and individuality that defines our custom work. From timeless everyday pieces to distinctive designs featuring diamonds, gemstones, and unexpected details, the collection reflects Lauren’s love of jewelry that feels both elevated and effortlessly wearable.
Many of these designs are available to shop directly through our website, giving you the Renée James experience without beginning a custom project.
Whether you discover the perfect piece in our collection, redesign something you already treasure, or create something entirely from scratch, our philosophy remains the same: jewelry should feel personal, beautiful, and unmistakably yours.
