Kappa Delta - University of Alabama

6 number one supporters from when I was making jewelry in the Chapter House to when I was living in Birmingham and getting my business off the ground," Hyla said. Her sisters, as well as other KD alumnae, have helped expand Hyla's business connections through introductions with boutique owners and by hosting trunk shows. Being a part of Kappa Delta not only showed Hyla the meaning of true sisterhood, but that her dreams could become a reality with the support of her sisters. She has grand plans for Hyla DeWitt Jewelry and the future of her already lucrative career. "I am continuing to grow and expand my brand from a product standpoint, as well as expanding into new markets and creating new HD jewelry customers," Hyla said. Hyla and Bradley, her husband of four years, live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Along with her jewelry making, she is passionate about gardening and loves to be surrounded by her peonies, rose bushes, and lavender. Hyla will always remember joining Kappa Delta as "one of the best decisions I ever made." You can contact Hyla at jewelrybyhd@gmail.com. Diamonds, Emeralds, and Pearls The "Leo" necklace is made with moonstone gemstones, freshwater pearls, brown leather wrapped in silk threads, and a brass chain with a 14k gold-filled clasp. (Continued from page 1) To see more of Hyla's designs, visit www. hyladewitt. com. She Gets It From Her Mother Liz Legg '07 Shares Her Journey as a Jewelry Designer T he University of Alabama not only has one of the largest Greek systems in the nation, but has housed some of the best up-and-coming designers in the South; one such woman is Liz Legg '07. Beginning with an interest in public relations, it wasn't until Liz's sophomore year she became enthralled by the idea of a career in jewelry design. "I fell in love with jewelry design after going to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta, where I purchased broken antique jewelry fragments," Liz said. These fragments sparked an incredible new journey, beginning with her first designs. "At the time, I did not realize these primitive designs would lead to my future career," Liz said. After finishing her degree, Liz relocated to California to pursue jewelry design at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "I learned to carve wax models, make jewelry molds, cast metals, and make computer models," Liz said. She embarked on her second GIA program in New York, where she studied colored stones, pearls, and diamonds. Liz is now a certified graduate gemologist. Liz's love of craftsmanship and design were fostered by her mother, and fellow KD, Sally Smith Legg '78. As an artist working in several mediums, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics, Sally passed down her creative genes to Liz. This personal attachment to designing inspires Liz to produce jewelry that connects her with the intimate moments in her customers' lives. "People like to mark the passing of time and commemorate special occasions with jewelry, and being a part of these milestones in my customers' lives is very special," Liz said. Kappa Delta has been a constant support system for Liz's career and her KD sisters are some of her favorite customers. "I have enjoyed making earrings for bridesmaids' gifts, along with designing custom earrings and necklaces for my sorority sisters," Liz said. "My most recent design project was an engagement ring for a good friend in my pledge class." For inspiration, Liz explores the world around her, drawing ideas from everything organic and beautiful. "I constantly take photos of elements around me to translate into jewelry," Liz said. "I use everything from the pattern on a mosaic tile floor to flowers in the garden to draw inspiration." She has designed unique pieces using arrowheads, geodes, and even fossilized shark teeth to make striking jewelry that tells a story. As her business of four years continues to grow, Liz has been making plans for new collections. She has been transitioning into a line of fine jewelry using 14k, 18k, and 22k yellow and white gold, as well as platinum, putting her knowledge of gemology to good use. When she isn't designing jewelry, Liz can be found cooking, enjoying the outdoors, painting, and spending time with friends and family. You can contact Liz at liz@lizlegg.com. A 22k hammered gold and diamond cigar band ring designed by Liz Legg '07. Interested in Liz's designs? See more at www.lizlegg. com.

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