By Melissa Hunter
Assistant Editor
Located in the heart of Hyde Park Square, luxury boutique Jacob James offers “the newest in today’s fine and fashion trends while not forgetting about yesterday’s luxury.” Owner Michelle Randle’s love of fashion began at a young age when, at 15, she began working at Gidding Jenny Fine Jewelry. From there, she worked at small independent jewelers and as a manager and fine jewelry buyer for Sax Fifth Avenue before accepting a position as director of stores for Stafford Jewelers. “I’ve spent 25 years in the designer jewelry business,” Randle says. Throughout this time, she developed a particular passion for jewelry and accessories, and it was her dream to one day open her own store. Together with the Stafford family, they opened Jacob James, named for two of the Stafford sons. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Stafford family decided to move away from the retail business. This gave Randle the incredible opportunity to buy the store. “I decided to merge my two loves into this unique boutique.”
Jacob James has been in its current location for five years. “We love our location! We are a special boutique,” Randle explains. “We are a jewelry store that sells not only new designer jewelry but also estate and vintage jewelry and pre-loved designer handbags. We source our pieces from all over the world to be certain we have unique items.” Randle has traveled throughout Europe and the United States in search of the latest trends in design.
For Randle, clothing, jewelry, and accessories are more than just utilitarian items. “Being a lover of fashion, I want it all to live on, even if that means in a new closet. I remember seeing pieces when I was young and just starting my career (when there was no chance of me owning them), and realizing how much of a piece of art they were. I love that some of those pieces are still out there and worn today.”
One of her go-to bags is a Chanel flap bag from the early ‘90s. “It elevates the outfit, and I wasn’t the only person it brought joy to.” This philosophy is highlighted on the store’s website: “Every piece has a history, but to us, it’s about what’s next — adding a new chapter to an existing legacy with a style story that’s uniquely yours.”
Offering high-end, previously loved fashion is very popular with Randle’s clientele. Not only is it a fiscally smart way to shop, it is also a sustainable approach to fashion. “It’s a way to have a piece different from what is currently being sold in designer boutiques, and a great way to find a piece you may have missed out on,” Randle explains. The store also offers customers the opportunity to sell pieces they no long love or want to wear. “We will evaluate the items and give the customer their options,” Randle says. “It’s a quick process.”
One of the store’s specialties is Linked by Jacob James. This is “a new trend of ‘permanent’ jewelry. It involves the process of a bracelet or necklace with no clasp. We link the piece together at the end with a laser machine. It’s a wonderful and memorable thing to do with a small group like mother and daughter, or just friends. There’s a choice of chains and charms to choose from.”
According to Randle, being a small business owner has its fair share of challenges. “We are a true small business (not a hobby). There are many challenges we face today, but the hardest is just getting the word out there that we are here. We love what we do and we’d love to help you find the perfect piece.”
However, working with her customers brings Randle immense joy and is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. “I love to hear people’s stories about pieces they’ve bought or gifts they’ve received. I’ve always been a natural gift giver. I love to hunt out the perfect gifts for my family and friends. I get excited to play a small part of helping someone else find that gift for a loved one. I feel fortunate to be a small part of someone’s excitement.”