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 Umba Sapphire Briolette Fringe Cluster Beaded Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's one-of-a-kind Umba Sapphire Briolette Fringe Cluster Necklace is full of light and reflects beautiful translucent hues. Handcrafted in 18 karat gold, the necklace is compo...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Modern 26" Matte Platinum Diamond Pinwheel Lariat Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
An incredible statement of boldness and style - This 26" handcrafted Platinum chain with diamonds can be adjusted and worn as a lariat or...
Diamond, Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Paperclip Chain - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in Faye Kim's handcrafted 18 Karat Gold Paperclip Chain. Completely versatile - the elongated matte-finished links allow for a variety of adjustable length...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Paperclip Chain - 32"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in Faye Kim's handcrafted 18 Karat Gold Paperclip Chain. Completely versatile - the elongated matte-finished links allow for a variety of adjustable length...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Medium Oval Link Chain, 30"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Medium Oval Link Chain Classic and versatile, Faye's 18k gold handmade medium oval link chain is a must in every jewelry wardrobe. It brings the trad...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Planished Double Round Paperclip Chain - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Planished Double Round Paperclip Link Chain, hand-crafted in her signature matte-finished green gold, embodies understated elegance and versatility. This sta...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Round Planished Link Chain Necklace, 20" Adjustable
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Classic and versatile, Faye Kim's Platinum Round Planished Link Chain is a perfect blend of modern and classic style -- a must-have for every jewelry wardrobe. Unassumingly chic, thi...
Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Rock Crystal Quartz Link Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold handcrafted Rock Crystal Quartz Link Necklace offers an effortless, timeless style, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. It features a crystal briolette cluster pendant and planished gold links. Great for layering with shorter pendants...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Round Planished Link Chain (Lighter Weight) - 21"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience luxury every day in Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Handmade Round Planished Lighter Weight Link Chain. The perfect go-to chain has round planished links all of which give it gor...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Planished Paperclip Chain Necklace - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in this Faye Kim 18K gold paperclip chain necklace featuring double planished circle links. The custom closure allow for a variety of wearable styles: worn...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Wheel Paperclip Lariat Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in this Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Wheel Paperclip Lariat Necklace. This iconic chain is given a modern tw...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Medium Oval Link Chain - 24"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18K Gold Handmade Medium Oval Link Chain Width: 4mm Length: 24" Charms sold separately If you’d like a different length, please send us a message for pricing and availab...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain. Length 18", adjustable Other lengths are available; please inquire for more info. Photos show other variations of this neckl...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain - 16"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain. Length 16", adjustable Other lengths are available; please inquire for more info. Photos show other variations of this neckl...
Gold, 18k 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 18 Karat Gold Round Planished Heavier Weight Link Chain - 21"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience every day luxury in Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Handmade Round Planished Heavier Weight Link Chain. The perfect go-to chain has round planished links all of which give it gor...
18k Gold, Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Heavy Handmade Marquise Link Chain - 22"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Handmade Marquise Link Chain is both classic and versatile, and can be a staple in every jewelry wardrobe. Alternating mixed shaped matte-finished links give text...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Vintage Hex Sapphire Diamond Lariat Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Two Ceylon sapphires Material: 18K yellow gold, Ceylon sapphires, round diamonds Weight: Approximately 83.30 grams Length: Approximately 15.78 inches (40cm) Certificati...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold 17.7 inch-44cm long link chain necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and f...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold link chain necklace. Dimension : L 17.72 in X W 0.30 in - L 45 cm X W 7.6 mm - Weight 18.4 gr Alex Jona jew...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold 18" long Albert watch link chain necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,212
W 0.2 in L 19.69 in
Dainty Beaded Necklace 6.5 Karat Emeralds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Twisted Links
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
6.5 Karat Emeralds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Twisted Links Chain Beaded Necklace. 20 inches long ( 50 cm) Dainty and pretty necklace handcrafted one by one, Every ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Dalben Disc Bead Australian Opal Rose Gold Necklace
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design one of a kind hand crafted necklace composed of disc bead Australian opals and a 18 k rose gold closure. The necklace length is 18 inch ( 46 cm ) with a 18 k rose gold clasp...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 inch - Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Small Paperclip Chain Necklace- Trendy
Located in McLeansville, NC
A petite and luxurious Italian 14 karat yellow gold paper clip chain necklace. This gold chain showcases a dainty and delicate elongate...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Chain Necklace Handmade Men Women
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
This stylish 6.8mm "Handmade" Cardinal Link chain/necklace is a modern favorite. This 18 kt solid yellow gold chain with Box clasp 24.5" -...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$5,602Sale Price|20% Off
L 16.54 in
Clasp Beaded Necklace Natural Turquoises Colorful Sapphires White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this magnificent necklace in 18-carat white gold, highlighting the natural beauty of turquoise and colored sapphires. This exceptional jewel, available at 1st Dibs, is a tru...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire,...
Italian "Handmade" 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Link Necklace
Located in Troy, MI
Beautiful handcrafted Italian 18k gold ribbed oval link chain necklace with a lobster clasp. The 18 inch long necklace shimmers on the skin from the soft color & craftsmanship execut...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 6 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
New & trendy paperclip link chain crafted in 14K White gold. Comes in different MM size, Length and Gold Color. Email for more details. Italian fashion pendants available. Ema...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Diamond Rose Gold Necklace Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Necklace. Featured in 18K Rose Gold and a diamond Kelly lock clasp in the small model. Set with 41 ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Medium Oval Link Chain
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Medium Oval Link Chain Classic and versatile, Faye's 18k gold handmade medium oval link chain is a must in every jewelry wardrobe. It brings the trad...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Planished Paperclip Chain Necklace - 26"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in this Faye Kim custom handcrafted Paperclip chain. This 18 karat matte gold paperclip chain features double planished circle links. Completely versatile ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Planished Paperclip Chain Necklace - 34"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in this Faye Kim custom handcrafted Papeclip chain. This 18 karat matte gold paperclip chain features double planished circle links. Completely versatile b...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Handmade Mini Marquise Link Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim Platinum Handmade Mini Marquise Link Necklace is both classic and versatile, and is certain to become a must have in every jewelry wardrobe. Alternating mixed shaped links g...
Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain - 18"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18 Karat Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain. Classic and versatile, this 18 karat gold handmade marquise link chain is a must have in every jewelry wardrobe. Alternating mixe...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain - 16"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18 Karat Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain. Classic and versatile, this 18 karat gold handmade marquise link chain is a must have in every jewelry wardrobe. Alternating mixe...
Gold, 18k Gold
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 Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain - 19"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim 18 Karat Handmade Mini Marquise Link Chain. Classic and versatile, this 18 karat gold handmade marquise link chain is a must have in every jewelry wardrobe. Alternating mixe...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Handmade Marquise Link Chain - 19"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Handmade Marquise Link Chain is both classic and versatile, and can be a staple in every jewelry wardrobe. Alternating mixed shaped matte-finished links give text...
Gold, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Planished Paperclip Chain Necklace - 34"
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Experience everyday luxury in this Faye Kim custom handcrafted Papeclip chain. This 18 karat matte gold paperclip chain features double planished circle links. Completely versatile ...
18k Gold, Gold