You don’t have to be a lesbian to appreciate a great show like Showtime’s ‘The Real L Word‘ (a reality spin-off from the channel’s hit scripted drama The L Word) and you don’t even have to watch the show to appreciate the incredible fine jewelry of LYON from the show’s breakout star Lauren Bedford Russell! But as a fan of both the show, LYON fine jewelry, and Lauren Bedford Russell, I can attest that you will likely LUV all three!
Long before her reality TV stardom (as one-half of girl on girl super-couple ‘Layomi’: a blend of Lauren and her co-star and real life rockstar girlfriend Kiyomi’s names), Russell was designing fine jewelry for her thriving business LYON Fine Jewelry. And fun fact, Russell and I actually met working a gifting suite together and instantly hit it off after I was oohing and aahing over her gorgeous black diamond pieces -the likes of which Kathy Hiton snagged for her girls that day!
With her pink hair that would make My Little Pony jealous, her infectious smile, and her incredible knack for bling, I just had to dig a little deeper and share this exclusive interview with you guys! Read below to learn more about Russell and her bling biz, as well as her LUVS, and, …duh… pick up some of her bling today HERE!
How did you get started in the jewelry business?
My father always taught me about fine gemstones, gold and jewelry. He is an enthiusast and very knowledgeable. So I picked it up from him. I wasn’t planning to head that way career-wise. But after college, I went straight to work at a jewelry store in Beverly Hills. The rest is history!
A lot of LYON jewelry features black diamonds! What is it about black diamonds that you love so much? How do you source your bling? 
I feel like a lot of men and women don’t want to wear anything too shiny or attention-getting. I try to make little pieces of art that don’t demand the attention of the whole room. They can be worn by men or women and they are understated rock n’ roll glamorous. Black Diamonds fit the bill :)
You are a breakout star on the Showtime series “The Real L Word”. How has that experience been and has the show affected your business? Are any of your pieces inspired by people or situations on the show? 
The show certainly affected my business in a few ways. I reach so many more people now, and the support keeps growing. My line of charity bracelets has been given so much love and it has really become a bigger focus. I also have made a few pieces that are more affordable. No, nothing is inspired by the show :)
Your jewelry was recently shot in a spread for Kelly Osbourne in LoveCat Magazine. What celebs are fans of Lyon and whom would you still like to see rocking some of your work? 
We have a lot of celebrities wearing the jewelry including Adam Lambert, Jason Mraz, Lance Bass, Lee DeWyze, Melissa Gilbert
Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger, Paul Oakenfold, Ryan Cabrera and Ryan Kwanten.
Being a lesbian and speaking out about matters of equality have been a part of your career. Does any of this play into your jewerly line (infinity rings, etc) and what is a message you would like to get out there?
I am thrilled to work in this manner helping others while fulfilling my passion. I really pinch myself that I have gotten this far and am able to help others with each sale. It really is a dream job for me and makes me feel amazing each day. The message I would love to get out there is if you support a cause, make it a part of your daily routine. We CAN change whats wrong in this world. I am constantly looking for the next bracelet…next cause.
Since you are a reality star, let’s get real! Fill in the blanks for us on your ‘LUVS’!
Fashion Designer: Alexander Wang
Public Figure: Judge Sotomeyer
Perfume: Hermes – Un Jardin en Mediterranee
Mascara: Guerlain Cils D’Enfer in Noir
Candy: anything with Nutella or Dark Chocolate
Movie: Bridesmaids
Store: Kill City in Los Angeles
Karaoke Song: “I touch myself”
Musical Artist: White Stripes
Celebrity ‘Crush’: Amber Heard
Vacation Spot: Greek Islands
Cocktail: anything with Vodka and lime
Place to call Home: NYC
DJ: you ! duh ! (DJ Lindsay Luv)
Guilty Pleasure: well, splurge? La Mer Eye Cream
TV Show Series: American Horror Story
Travel Bag Must-Haves: hand sanitizer, travel size Aveeno hand lotion and Josie Maran Lip Balm
Dating Turn On: confidence but sweetness
Dating Turn Off: talking about money
