new york — A Harlem man pursues his lifelong passion to become a jewelry designer, and his work represents black culture and art.
“I’m inspired by African jewelry…Asian jewelry. It comes from everywhere,” said designer Lamont Rey.
Ray’s passion for designing jewelry became a business that started in a class at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
“I decided to take the plunge and take a basic jewelry making workshop. My professor at the time was a wonderful woman. She showed me her work and I was really inspired. ” he said.
In his early years, he faced food shortages. That’s what motivated him to get involved with a New York City food bank.
“This is an opportunity for me to give back and give back,” Ray said.
During his off hours, his dreams begin in a room in a Harlem apartment.
“Let’s talk grassroots. I set aside a can of Café Bustello because it’s great for making necklaces. I take the wire and wrap it around it…Once I’ve done that, I hit it with a hammer,” Ray said.
From there, he took control of his creative thinking.
“I would take the subway and I would stare at what rings and earrings I was wearing and try to figure out how to take them apart and put them back together,” he said.
Uses a variety of materials.
“My wire is from the hardware store…I love copper. I love its healing properties…nickel, silver, brass,” Ray said.
His designs reflect his personal style and pay homage to the rich history of African American art.
CBS New York
“This design comes from the queer, LGBTQ, African American, and people of color communities. You can see that this pose itself is actually a popular voguing pose. It’s just another example of how I incorporate American history into my work,” Ray said of one of his rings.
Some of the styles come from his childhood or what his grandmother used to wear.
“Maybe that’s where you get my taste… She loves dangling necklaces. She was also a fan of silver. She loved jewelry, too,” he said.
He now customizes those jewelry for his customers.
“I can have a one-on-one conversation with you and find out what metals you’re attracted to, what your zodiac sign is, what type of birthstone you have,” Ray said.
Bring confidence to your customers.
“What do you want your customers to feel when they wear your creations?” asked CBS New York’s Naveen Dhaliwal.
“It’s beautiful. It just enhances what they already carry with them,” Ray said.
Ray has created hundreds of these pieces and continues to come up with new ideas for future generations of designers in the African American community.
“My niece is also an artist. She’s a painter, so we actually share our work with each other. I’ll develop jewelry and I’ll send it to her, and she’ll send me pictures she’s done. “My goal was really to teach her how to work and how to make jewelry and I felt like I needed to be able to pass that on,” Ray said.
The inspiration behind his work.