Wayne’s J. Tyler Jewelry Is A Solid Gold Hit
by Diane Oliva, style editor
J. Tyler Jewelry is joining the ranks of the Main Line’s super successful jewelry companies. Jennifer Hoplamazian and her daughter Tyler Dornan are the brand’s driving forces. The Wayne-based company was founded by Jen, who also is the lead designer. And, J. Tyler is now available exclusively at Boyds, where Jen is the jewelry buyer.
“I always start with sketching by hand,” Jen explained. “There’s just something about putting pencil to paper. I’m now starting to experiment with digital tools, but I still design each piece initially as a drawing first and refine it from there.”
Jen’s background in fashion began during her high school years. After moving to Radnor Twp. in 10th grade and working part-time at Anthropologie in Wayne, Jen graduated from Radnor High School (as Tyler would). Jen’s interest in fashion took her to New York, where she worked at Jeffery NY, specializing in designer brands like Max Mara, Gucci and Dior. She left the business to raise her family but never lost her desire to get back into fashion and design.
Years later, Jen inherited her grandmother’s signet ring. The ring was not just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of her grandmother and their bond. At the time, Jen didn’t realize it would be the catalyst for her brand. “I’m really inspired by vintage jewelry, especially old watch designs and unique heirloom pieces I come across,” Jen said. “I love timeless, slightly unexpected details. Verdura is a favorite, along with vintage finds from lesser-known artists.”
She realized she wanted to create this magic for others – and J. Tyler was born. J. Tyler Jewelry is designed by Jennifer herself, and each piece is meticulously crafted. “The first piece I made was a hand-rolled gold cuff,” Jen said. “The skull collection came after that. Each of those pieces felt personal and symbolic, they helped define the voice and direction of the brand.”
J. Tyler blends modern design with timelessness, and that speaks to Jen’s fashion influences. “I’ve always admired Alexander McQueen for his use of skulls and his ability to blend edge with elegance,” Jen explained. “And when I worked at Gucci during Tom Ford’s era, his vision left a lasting impression. He had this incredible way of making a woman feel powerful, feminine, sexy, and sophisticated all at once. Yves Saint Laurent stands out to me for his sexy yet classic tailoring. Givenchy’s work with Audrey Hepburn — the way he captured her timeless, feminine beauty — is a constant source of inspiration. And Valentino’s Rockstud line has been a favorite for years. They masterfully strike that balance between femininity, boldness, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Now, J. Tyler’s 60+ piece collection includes cuff bracelets, bangles, stack rings, earrings, pendants and chains. Everything is crafted of solid 14K gold and precious gemstones. And each is a true work of art.
Part of the business is also creating custom pieces for their customers. Jen works directly with customers to bring their vision to life, using the same level of detail and quality that is reflected in her own line.
While Jen is the creative side, her daughter Tyler Dornan is the brand’s PR and business manager, and between them both, they have created something very special.
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