Jay Sharpe LLC

Jay Sharpe grew up in Richmond, Virginia, attended VCU and graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts, with a focus on Metalsmithing and Fine Jewelry. Jay began his career at the Hand Workshop, which is now known as The Visual Arts Center of Richmond. After setting up a studio, his business started to flourish allowing Jay to settle into his own store in the shopping district of Carytown, where Jay has been for more than two decades. It was with the mindset of continuing to create beautiful jewelry, that the costume jewelry line, Henleava was created. Henleava was developed to be fun, flirty, fabulous and affordable! As a teenager and throughout Jay's career, he has been an advocate for educating others. During his time as an instructor, Jay was voted Teacher of the Year at The Visual Art Center, where he has continued to teach both children and adults the art of Metalsmithing. Due to the success of Jay's classes, he was approached with the opportunity to spearhead the Jewelers Apprenticeship Program, which began Fall 2010 and is now known as the Sharpe Jewelry Academy. Based on the curriculum, positive feedback, and increase in student enrollment, the Sharpe Jewelry Academy has been accredited through the Workforce Alliance for Virginia. Jay's goals for the academy is to provide Richmond and surrounding areas with skilled jewelers and craftsmen that will continue to impact the industry with Made in the USA products. While in business, Jay Sharpe has received several accolades such as, being the only jeweler in the City/State that creates and sells his own collection(s), Ornament Designer for the White House Christmas Tree (Blue Room), custom Cuff Links design for Lexus of Richmond., as well as a Texas Pendant crafted for the late Jimmy Dean, and also received a commission from Essence Magazine for their Birthday Pendant. Jay has been featured in many publications, which include Essence Magazine, Richmond Magazine, and Southern Living Magazine, where Jay Sharpe was voted Best Jeweler and Place to Shop in Carytown. Jay's custom pieces have also been worn by several celebrities, such as Queen Latifah, Brandy, Monica, Pam Greer (Foxy Brown) as well as other noted celebrities in various high profile industries. Most recently, Jay appeared on an episode of Bravo TV's, "Real Housewives of Atlanta", where he was able to showcase the Henleava Jewelry Collection.