Cedar Grove Jewelry Company Gives Back

Francine and Carlos De Leon own and operate Julina Designs, a direct selling Cedar Grove-based jewelry company that donates proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The company's name, Julina Designs, was created as a combination of the couple's children names, Julian and Nina. Julina Designs donates three percent of all jewelry party sales to St. Jude, on behalf of the hostess. The company is also a Partner in Hope, in which a minimum of $19 a month is donated to the hospital to help support treatment and research for children battling cancer.

Francine and Carlos decided to donate to the hospital after they, “Watched a special on TV and it broke our hearts,” said Carlos.  “Especially being parents of two children, and we decided to make St. Jude part of Julina Designs.”

On April 7, Julina Designs and other female-focused vendors will be showcased at the What Women Want shopping event, held from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at 4Sixty6 Club & Restaurant (466 Prospect Ave., West Orange, NJ). All proceeds from the ticket sales, which costs $35 for entry and two hour open bar with appetizers, will go to Postpartum Progress, an organization founded in 2004 that provides information on perinatal mental illness for pregnant women and new mothers. Three percent of Julina Designs sales that night will be donated to the hospital.

While the company was established in 2009, Carlos has close to 20 years of jewelry experience, and completed his Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA in 1999. Francine was introduced to a direct selling costume jewelry company, but soon realized she could offer precious metal and genuine stones at a great value, by working directly with factories and stone suppliers.

The company offers sterling silver and stainless steel rings, earrings and necklaces set with genuine diamonds and gem stones, and are rhodium-plated for long wear and anti-tarnish protection.

According to the website, “There was no direct selling jewelry company out there that offered this level of quality with genuine diamonds and gemstones at affordable prices. Most companies offer costume jewelry or silver with cubic zirconias.”

The owners do not consider local boutiques competition, as the pair goes directly to customers via jewelry parties, events, fundraisers and trunk shows. Pieces range from $40 to $300, and hosts can earn discounts towards jewelry sales.

The most popular pieces Julina Designs offers are the stainless steel cable and the silver diamond bracelet.

The company currently services about 20 parties a month, but as this start up company grows, the husband and wife pair hope to hire and open an office.  

Every October, Julina Designs partners with Automatic Entertainment to host a Halloween Party Fundraiser, with proceeds going to the hospital. While the company does not have another fundraising event until this fall, the duo is always open to suggestions and ideas.

To learn more about products or to host a party, visit Julina Designs’ website .