This year marks a milestone for Sarah O. Jewelry: ten years of sparkle, stories, and soul. Since opening our first Denver showroom in 2015, we’ve grown into a community built on connection, creativity, and celebrating life’s biggest (and smallest) moments with jewelry that feels as unique as the person wearing it. To honor our Decade of Diamonds, we sat down with our founder and CEO, Sarah Ortega, to look back on her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what she hopes the future holds for both Sarah O. Jewelry and the jewelry industry at large.

Looking back, what was your very first job and how did it influence your path to opening Sarah O.?

My mom has a jewelry store in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and my very first job was merchandising her cases. That experience left a lasting impression on me. I was able to explore my creative side and receive constructive feedback from my mom, which helped me refine my eye. Those early skills translated directly into opening my own Denver showroom, creating a beautiful space and positive client experience from day one.

Who have been your biggest mentors over the past 10 years?

My mom has always been my greatest mentor. She paved the way for me to step into the jewelry industry and pursue entrepreneurship. She is loved by everyone she works with, highly successful, and truly passionate about what she does. Her joy for jewelry is contagious, and she inspired me to build my own incredible community here in Denver and beyond.

After a decade of leading Sarah O., what has been the most rewarding part of your journey?

Without a doubt, it’s helping clients find the perfect engagement ring or piece of jewelry. Every story is different, proposals, milestones, honoring loved ones, or treating oneself and it’s an honor to play a part in those moments. I take pride in offering a wide variety of styles, price ranges, and unique gemstones because jewelry should always feel personal.

What’s the best career advice you’ve carried with you through these ten years?

Trust your vision. Your intuition, past experiences, creativity, and intelligence will guide you.

What advice would you share with a young woman entering the jewelry industry today?

I like to think of the journey as a road. There will be roadblocks, but you can’t turn around or give up when things get tough. What feels like a stop sign might really be a yield sign, pause, regroup, and then keep moving. Putting yourself out there is intimidating, but as I remind myself: to get something I’ve never had, I have to do something I’ve never done.

Over the past decade, what’s been your signature confidence booster?

My wide-brim hat! It adds flair to any outfit and guarantees no bad hair days.

What do you hope the next ten years hold for you personally?

Travel has always inspired me both personally and professionally. I’d love to spend more time exploring new countries, and my dream is to live in Europe for a summer to really immerse myself in a city.

What do you love most about your professional life today?

I love that I get to be creative every single day while working alongside an incredible team of women. Together we create something magical. Plus, this career gives me the flexibility to travel and spend quality time with my family.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an avid gardener and recently started beekeeping! My hive sits next to my lavender plants, which makes for some delicious honey.

How do you hope to see the jewelry industry evolve for women in the next decade?

When I started in the industry 25 years ago, it was largely dominated by men. Since women are the primary wearers of jewelry, I was excited to bring a fresh perspective to design. Today, I love seeing more women founding jewelry brands and leading design. My hope is that women-owned jewelry businesses continue to grow into household names.

As we celebrate a Decade of Diamonds, we’re filled with gratitude; for our clients, our community, and the countless stories our jewelry has been a part of. Ten years is just the beginning. Here’s to the next chapter, filled with even more sparkle, creativity, and connection.