Since Faye Kim first took up her goldsmith tools, she’s amassed a shelf full of awards, established a reputation for producing highly wearable, heirloom-quality jewels and acquired a devoted following of collectors, many of whom have purchased her work from the beginning.
As an undergrad, Kim dutifully pursued an economics degree to meet the expectations of her immigrant parents, and she worked for her father’s accounting office for a time. But she quickly found herself “restless,” she says, yearning to do something more creative.
Kim’s mother, having always supported her daughter’s creativity, encouraged her to attend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York as a way to address her impulse for change.
As a newly minted graduate, Kim hopscotched from a job at a jewelry wholesaler to become a pearl buyer for Tiffany & Co. She eventually became a jewelry buyer at the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, where she was exposed to the work of modern masters like Angela Cummings and Barry Kielselstein-Cord and to antique treasures from Kentshire.
Kim enrolled in classes as a hobby. The process enthralled her. “I loved being at the bench. I could sit there for hours on end,” she says. “I fell in love with the granulation process and making everything by hand.”
Kim immediately gravitated to working with 18-karat gold, especially in an alloy with a subtle green cast. When she decided to return to work, in 2003, she opened an eponymous boutique in downtown Westport, Connecticut, a bedroom community outside New York City, and it became her livelihood.
Kim established her stylistic signatures early on. Single pieces are weighty enough to hold their own but not too big to stack with others for a more imposing look, modern silhouettes are combined with old-world techniques like granulation and bezel setting, and virtually everything bearing her name is made entirely by artisans in her studio.
Sizable dome rings are much loved. And a stack composed of a gemstone ring flanked by gold bands is another mainstay for Kim’s true believers. Earrings dangling perfectly proportioned baroque-pearl or diamond drops that softly sway from hinged mountings are bestsellers.
Today, Kim is setting the groundwork for focusing on designs that challenge and excite her.
Find Faye Kim jewelry on 1stDibs.
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Ruitlated Quartz Oval Pendant
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Oval Rutilated Quartz Pendant is a beautiful signature piece that can be worn alone or layered with other fine chains. Delicate rutile needles resemble gold ...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond Basset Hound Dog Charm
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18k Gold Basset Hound Dog Charm is complete with sparkling diamond eyes. Can be paired with many of Faye's chains, sold separately. Length .5" Diamonds .03 Carats twt 18...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$2,695 / item
Faye Kim 18k Gold Pig Charm - Medium
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
"This little piggie..." Faye Kim's solid 18 karat gold pig charm symbolizes knowledge and good fortune. Wear it on a chain alone or layered with other chains ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Large Feather Charm
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's large feather charm necklace is handcrafted in 18k gold. Perfect worn alone or layered with other pieces, sold separately. Feather Length 30 mm Pictured on 18k Gold Cab...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Rose Cut Oval Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's beautifully classic Platinum Rose Cut Oval Diamond Necklace on cable chain. Worn alone or layered, the look is timeless and perfect for ev...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,495 / item
Faye Kim 18k Gold Pig Charm - Small
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
"This little piggie..." Faye Kim's solid 18 karat gold pig charm symbolizes knowledge and good fortune. Wear it on a chain alone or layered with other chains and charms. Length 10mm...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim White South Sea Pearl Pendant with 18 Karat Gold Cap
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
White South Sea Cultured Pearl Drop Pendant finished with an 18k Gold Cap. In Faye Kim's signature 18k Green* gold and granulation bail, the traditional pearl...
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Oval Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's beautifully classic 18k Gold Rose Cut Oval Diamond Necklace on 18k gold cable chain. Worn alone or layered, the look is timeless and p...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Poodle Charm with Diamond Eyes
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's Poodle charm in 18k gold sparkles with a diamond eye and pom-poms. Perfect paired with Faye's cable chains, sold separately. Charm Length x Width: .5" x .5" Diamond .02 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Owl Charm Necklace with Diamonds
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Symbolizing wisdom, truth, and knowledge, Faye Kim's truly charming Platinum Owl necklace is complete with diamond eyes. Owl Length x Width: .6" x .25" D...
Diamond, Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A beautifully classic 18K gold solitaire diamond necklace featuring a sparkling round rose cut diamond. Wear alone or layered, the look is timeless and fit for every day. Sold indiv...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Rose Cut Marquise Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's classic Platinum Rose Cut Marquise Diamond Necklace on cable chain. Worn alone or layered, the look is beautiful, timeless and perfect for...
Diamond, Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Necklace -.36 carat
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Set in 18k gold, Faye Kim's solitaire diamond necklace features a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond set in a thin clean bezel. Wear alone or layered for a look that is timeless a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Marquise Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's classic 18k Gold Rose Cut Marquise Diamond Necklace on 18k gold cable chain. Worn alone or layered, the look is timeless and perfe...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Pear Shaped Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's classic 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Pear Shaped Diamond Necklace. Worn alone or layered, the look is beautiful, timeless and perfect for every day and every occasion. Sold indi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold White Freshwater Pearl Y Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold custom handcrafted White Freshwater Pearl Y Necklace, with its 18 Karat Gold Cap and Gold Triple Granulation tip, offers an e...
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Rose Cut Pear Shape Diamond Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's beautifully classic Platinum Rose Cut Pear Shape Diamond Necklace on cable chain. Worn alone or layered, the look is timeless and perfect ...
Diamond, Platinum
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dog Pendant Charm Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold 42cm- 16.5" long chain necklace suspending a dog charm pendant. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for th...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,798
W 0.6 in D 0.36 in L 1.23 in
18k Gold Unisex Frog Charm Jadeite Jade Diamonds Ruby Burnished Silver Bezel
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection. This charming 18k yellow Gold pendant features a beautiful green Jadeite Jade frog, whose sparkling White Diamond eyes and stunning round cut red ...
Diamond, Ruby, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Solid 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.2 Grams Chain Length: 22" adjustable down to any size Pendant Diameter: 0.80" Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Cl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
German Henrich & Denzel Diamond and Platinum Dew Necklace
Located in Troy, MI
The Tau Collection by Henrich & Denzel is known for its' phenomenal engineering with sparkling jewels of perfect purity and as gentle as the early morning dew . Necklace is handmade ...
Diamond, Platinum
Agate Leaf 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
A deep earth toned agate is the focus of this leaf pendant trimmed with brilliant cut diamonds. Agate is carved in the contour of a five-pointed leaf, displaying the translucency of ...
Agate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
30 Carat Oval Ethiopian Black Opal Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 30 Carat Oval Ethiopian Black Opal Pendant 18 Karat This spectacular Pendant Necklace consisting of a single Oval Shape Ethiopian B...
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Important Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
An incredible piece! 75.50 carats of beautiful Intense to Vivid Blue cushion cut sapphires, including a 17.48 carat cushion cut drop. 45.13 carats of diamonds, all set in platinum...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Designer Roberto Coin Diamond Elephant Skin Necklace, 18 Karat Gold 53 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18k yellow and white gold, the necklace is set with sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 1.2ct. The necklace can be adjusted to two lengths 16 and 18 inche...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Oval Ruby Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold oval ruby diamond circle pendant necklace. A contemporary diamond ruby circle pendant necklace is perfect for your everyday wear. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique Rose Cut and Full Cut Diamond Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
37.65 carats of beautiful white diamonds set in 18k white gold. The necklace is handmade in a mesh style setting. Very elegant and classic design. 16 inch length
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond Letter M Charm, 18K Gold
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
This unique pearl charm features the letter M on a freshwater keshi pearl. The initial is casted from 18Karat Yellow Gold and set with natural glimmering diamonds. The pearl is han...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
16.7 CTW Opal Charm Chain Necklace for Party in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
16.7 CTW Opal Charm Chain Necklace for Party in 18K Gold studded with oval cut opal of 16.7 carats. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Star of David Charm
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
18k Gold Star of David Charm Diamonds .06 tcw Diameter 11 mm 18K Gold Cable Chain sold separately Made in the USA
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18k Gold Pig Charm - Small
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
"This little piggie..." - Faye Kim's solid 18 karat gold pig charm symbolizes knowledge and good fortune. Wear it on a chain alone or layered with other chai...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Set in 18 karat gold, Faye Kim's solitaire diamond necklace features a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond set in a thin clean bezel. Wear alone or layered for a look that is timel...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Set in 18 karat gold, the solitaire diamond necklace features a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond in a thin clean bezel. Wear alone or layered for a look that is timeless and per...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Golden South Sea Pearl Pendant
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
This beautiful Faye Kim Golden South Sea Pearl Pendant is both lustrous and classic. The pendant's modern design, with its double cap and granulation bail, conveys understated elegan...
South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum Black Tahitian Pearl Drop Pendant
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
This beautiful Faye Kim Platinum Black Tahitian Pearl Drop Pendant, with its classic matte platinum jump ring, is both lustrous and classic...
Pearl, Black Pearl, Platinum
Platinum Black Tahitian Pearl Drop Pendant
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
This beautiful Faye Kim Platinum Black Tahitian Pearl Drop Pendant, with its classic matte platinum jump ring, is both lustrous and classic...
Pearl, Black Pearl, Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Rutilated Quartz Link Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold custom handcrafted Rutilated Quartz Link Necklace, with its briolette cluster pendant and planished links, offers an effortless, timeless style, perfect for ...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Blue Topaz Y Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold custom handcrafted Blue Topaz Y Necklace, with its briolette cluster pendant, offers an effortless, timeless style, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. Great for layering with shorter pendants. Length 17.5-18.5" Photos also show Blue Topaz Y Necklace with Amethyst and Pearl Y necklaces...
Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Amethyst Y Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold custom handcrafted Amethyst Y Necklace, with its briolette cluster pendant, offers an effortless, timeless style, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. Great for layering with shorter pendants. Length 17.5-18.5" Photos also show Amethyst Y Necklace with Blue Topaz and Pearl Y necklaces...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Black Tahitian Pearl Link Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Black Tahitian Pearl Necklace is interspersed with gold links to give it lightness. Shown as a lariat in photos but can be worn without the lariat. Can also ...
Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold White South Sea Pearl Link Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold White South Sea Pearl Necklace is interspersed with gold links to give it lightness. Shown as a lariat in photos but can be worn without the lariat. Can also...
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold