Kendra Scott is a designer, CEO, and philanthropist who founded her company in 2002. Her success stems from a talent for utilizing natural stones and custom-designed shapes in her jewelry. The brand has become known for its timeless pieces and commitment to family, fashion, and philanthropy. While not focused on traditional birthstones, Kendra Scott’s designs frequently incorporate materials like mother-of-pearl, drusy, and lab-grown opal, offering a contemporary approach to gemstone jewelry. This article will explore the brand’s approach to materials, the care of its fashion jewelry, and its operational practices.
The Kendra Scott Aesthetic: Natural Stones and Custom Shapes
Kendra Scott’s foundation is built upon the use of natural stones and uniquely designed shapes. The brand’s collections feature a variety of materials, including mother-of-pearl, drusy, and lab-grown opal, all incorporated into contemporary designs. The company’s focus on these materials distinguishes it within the fashion jewelry market. The brand’s aesthetic emphasizes accessible luxury, blending current trends with enduring style.
Materials in Focus: Mother-of-Pearl, Drusy, and Lab-Grown Opal
Kendra Scott utilizes a range of materials in its jewelry, with mother-of-pearl, drusy, and lab-grown opal being prominent examples. Mother-of-pearl, as seen in the Elaina Gold Adjustable Chain Bracelet, provides an iridescent quality to the pieces. Drusy, featured in the Elton Drusy Pinch Cuff Bracelet, offers a sparkling, crystalline texture. Lab-grown opal, used in the Elton Gold Cuff Bracelet, provides a vibrant and colorful alternative to natural opal. These materials are selected for their aesthetic appeal and ability to complement the brand’s design philosophy.
Jewelry Construction and Plating
Kendra Scott’s fashion jewelry is constructed using a base of brass plated with either 14K gold or rhodium. This plating provides the jewelry with its color and shine. The use of plating requires specific care to maintain its appearance and prevent tarnishing. The brand emphasizes the importance of removing jewelry during activities that could expose it to harsh chemicals or abrasive conditions, such as washing hands, swimming, exercising, or cleaning.
Caring for Kendra Scott Jewelry: Preserving the Shine
Maintaining the beauty of Kendra Scott jewelry requires careful attention to its materials and construction. The brand advises removing jewelry before washing hands, swimming, exercising, cleaning, or applying personal body products. Contact with soaps, perfumes, lotions, makeup, hair products, and cleaning agents should be avoided to prevent tarnishing and maintain the plating. For earrings, the use of rubber or metal safety backs is recommended to prevent loss.
Shipping and Returns Policy
Kendra Scott provides free return shipping for eligible items. A pre-paid, pre-addressed return shipping label is included with qualifying orders. However, certain items are considered final sale and are not eligible for return or exchange. These include engraved pieces, purchases made with Birthday Discounts, gift cards, Kendra Scott branded merchandise, custom pieces created at the Color Bar™, and permanently discounted or marked-down merchandise. Unworn, unused items in original packaging with tags attached can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of receipt.
Operational Practices: Processing and Packaging
Kendra Scott’s order processing typically takes 3-5 business days for ground shipping. Orders placed on weekends or after 12 PM CST begin processing the following business day. Expedited shipping orders placed before 12 PM CST ship the same day, while those placed after 12 PM or on the weekend ship the next business day. Customers can request their items to be delivered in the brand’s signature yellow box by selecting the “Add a gift box” option during checkout.
Philanthropic Commitment
Beyond its fashion jewelry, Kendra Scott demonstrates a strong commitment to philanthropy. In the past 12 months, the company donated $1 million and 50,000 pieces of jewelry to over 1,000 local and national organizations. This dedication to giving back is a core value of the brand, reflecting its focus on “Family, Fashion & Philanthropy.”
Company Origins and Location
Kendra Scott founded her company in 2002. The company continues to design and operate out of Austin, Texas. This location serves as the central hub for the brand’s creative and operational activities.
Sources
- Kendra Scott Company Information
- Elaina Gold Bracelet Details
- Elton Drusy Bracelet Details
- Elton Gold Opal Bracelet Details
- Elton Silver Dichroic Glass Bracelet Details
- Jewelry Care Instructions
- Jewelry Care Instructions
Conclusion
Kendra Scott has established itself as a prominent brand in the fashion jewelry market through its use of natural stones, custom designs, and commitment to philanthropy. The brand’s focus on materials like mother-of-pearl, drusy, and lab-grown opal, combined with its 14K gold or rhodium plating, creates a distinctive aesthetic. Proper care, as outlined by the brand, is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these pieces. While not directly tied to traditional birthstone lore, Kendra Scott offers a contemporary and accessible approach to gemstone jewelry, appealing to a wide range of consumers.