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At the age of 22 most people are still trying to figure out their careers, but not Nick Blum. "I knew since I was little I wanted to do something involving design. I was always designing something when I was a kid, from wake boards to watches," says Blum.
After launching his men's jewelry company, BlumLux, only a year and a half ago, the response has been overwhelming. From hip-hop artists such as Akon to rock bands like Daughtry, men all over seem to have to have a piece from BlumLux. The sophisticated styles in 18k gold and platinum with precious stones retail from $1,000 to $6,000.
You might be surprised to discover that one of the company's top selling styles is an earring: Black diamond studs on a platinum post with white diamonds circling the edge have been a popular request from customers. Blum's pendants have also made a large impression. "I started with big pendants, ones that would appeal to the hip-hop culture. Now I am focusing on a more conservative style. There is still the bling, just on a smaller scale," he says. Blum says that his collection is what he wants to wear: "I was tired of searching for men's jewelry that fit my look."
A new collection will be designed for a more mature customer who prefers his jewelry with more discreet styling. "I like to call it the 'humble syndrome' approach. It represents that man that wants a piece of self expression, but does not want to draw too much attention to himself," he says.
Blum expects his Naples, Florida-based company to grow as the market for men's jewelry grows. "I think men are beginning to realize that it is acceptable to wear jewelry. It is another way to express yourself and make a statement. I want to make the jump from less than 5 percent of men wearing jewelry to at least 20 percent."
ALL JEWELRY BY NICK BLUM FOR BLUMLUX, (877) BLUM-LUX.
author: Staci Kline