Big Time: Local Jewelry Designer Makes It Into The Oscar Swag Bag

Anyone who owns their own business knows that any accomplishment — no matter the size — makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worthwhile. And when something happens like getting your product into the coveted "Everybody Wins at the Oscars” nominee swag bags, you know you've hit the big time.

Participating in an Academy Award tradition, local jewelry designer Jan Lewis will be dropping bangles from her spring '13 collection into the prestigious sacks. Lewis got her start studying design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She then started experimenting with her interest in shapes and designs by hand-painting bangle bracelets while on the road with her hubby, jazz great Ramsey Lewis (he formed Earth, Wind, & Fire, among a slew of other achievements.) It was during this time (and around 50 designs later) that she nailed down her signature dot patterns.

Today, Lewis' designs are individually handcrafted in India — not in a hotel room. “I began this business focused only on creating a new line, a new look, for discriminating women who appreciate unique, moderately priced jewelry,” says Lewis. “My focus was also on fair trade. Each bangle is a one-of-a-kind piece, and all of our jewelry is individually handcrafted by our artists in India who are paid a fair wage.”

As for the awesome Oscar swag, three gorgeous bangles will be hand-delivered the morning after the Oscars telecast to the nominees, as well host Seth MacFarlane. As for you, score yours online or at Chiaroscuro in Water Tower Place.