The jewelry business is, quite literally, in Alexandra Marks’ blood. A fourth-generation jeweler, her family’s involvement in the industry dates back to 1895, when Marks Brothers Jewelry first opened on State St. in Chicago. The family’s next endeavor, Whitehall Co. Jewelers, eventually grew to include 150 stores nationwide.
In 1991, Alexandra’s father, Danny, founded Ultra Diamonds, which specialized in “off priced find jewelry” and focused on making luxury affordable for all. Some of Alexandra’s earliest memories include accompanying her Dad on visits to their jewelry stores and listening to him on phone calls with business associates.
During the 20+ years that the company was run by the Marks family, Ultra Diamonds grew to be the 5th largest jewelry store chain in the United States. After graduation from DePaul University, Alexandra joined her father and the Ultra Diamonds team where she learned the ins and outs of running a jewelry business. While at Ultra, Alexandra dabbled in everything from accounting to vendor relations before settling into her role as a Fashion & Trend Buyer. She happily remained there for 7 years, establishing genuine relationships, and launching many successful jewelry collections, that would later help her to launch her namesake brand. In 2013 the Marks family sold Ultra Diamonds to Signet Jewelers, the global corporation who also counts Kay and Zales in its portfolio of holdings.
Now as the President & Creative Director of Alexandra Marks Jewelry (AMJ,) the mother of one is carrying on her family’s tradition of beautiful, affordable, high quality jewelry. To create the AMJ collection, Alexandra collaborates with many of the same manufacturers her family has worked with for over 30 years. AMJ specializes in the “the look of real,” using sterling silver and cubic zirconia, that are both conflict free and ethically sourced. As Alexandra herself puts it, “we do fashion jewelry in a fine way.”
From dramatic to dainty, basic to blingy, AMJ has something for everyone.
The boutique and the online store have an impressive collection of both every day and special occasion pieces (including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces for the bride-to-be!) New items arrive every week, meaning you can shop regularly and always find something that you love, need and have to have!
