Brendon James - AIDI - Association of Intelligent Diamond International

Brendon-James
Brendon-James Maier (pictured) has a mission with his Los Angeles–based jewelry brand, Atelier Former Child: He wants clients to relive the freedom and wonder of their younger days through fine jewelry.
Atelier Former Child
“Former Child is about self-expression, nostalgia, and joy. The name itself is a reminder to hold on to that sense of wonder and imagination many had as kids,” says Maier. “Everything I design is meant to bring a little levity into fine jewelry and to help people tell their own story.”
In following a path to jewelry, Maier has honored where he came from yet focused on what makes him happy. He grew up in Manhattan Beach, Calif., in Los Angeles County, with his mom, dad, and an older sister. His two jewelry role models? His grandmother and Grammy-winning musician (and design legend) Pharrell Williams.
“First is my grandmother’s engagement ring—three large, round brilliant diamonds I couldn’t stop staring at or asking questions about,” Maier says. “The second comes from my lifelong love of hip-hop—the colorful, oversized jewelry worn by rappers during the Pharrell and Jacob & Co. 2000s era. Both of those impressions—the timeless elegance and bold creativity—definitely stick with me to this day.”

Brendon-James