Meet Chantel Chance | Bench Jeweler & Gemologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chantel Chance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chantel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted a jewelry company that stood out from the competition. I analyzed and worked for all my competitors before starting my own business, just to see what my competitive advantage(s) would be. I studied their weaknesses and strengths, gathered a network of mentors and colleagues that would support me and KZMT & Co.® was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After jewelry school, I got my 1st industry job a week after receiving my certification. I used to make jewelry for Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston and David Yurman just to name a few. It was an amazing experience but I never seen myself working for somebody my entire life. I was born a boss. In November 2018 I launched my own fine jewelry company, KZMT & Co (pronounced kismet and co). We specialize in custom jewelry, watches, gemstone wholesaling, manufacturing services, repairs and a repurposing service.

In 2020, I partnered with Facebook, Inc. (now Meta) and they launched a nationwide and international ad campaign highlighting my company. Business has been better than ever thanks to that recognition from such a huge entity.

In 2021, I became a member of the Black In Jewelry Coalition and the US Black Chambers.

In 2022, I won my first international/global excellence award for the most unique statement jewelry brand (US) by LuxLife magazine (UK).

This year, I snagged a partnership with both Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and American Express where I speak at discussion panels and sell my jewelry at sponsored pop up shops. I also won my 2nd international award sponsored by CorporateLiveWire (UK) for innovation and excellence.

And lastly, I mentor HS girls and other aspiring jewelry designers. I want everybody to know that black people are fully capable of infiltrating and dominating any and every industry. We all just need a little support and proper guidance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely recommend people to visit NYC’s Diamond District of course.

I’m a foodie so my fave areas to dine are Koreatown (some of the best curry ever), Midtown (world famous steakhouses), Meatpacking District (restaurants/nightclubs like Tao Downtown and Catch), Dumbo, BK (Grimaldi’s pizza), etc.

My fave museums are the MET, the Whitney and the Guggenheim just to name a few.

And of course 5th Ave and SoHo for shopping.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my last interview, I shouted out my mom and mentors. For this one, I want to shout out my amazing team of bench jewelers, stone setters, gemologists and lawyers. I want to thank Vasili, Franklyn, A. Sinclair, Rony Matatov, Sam Ollunga, John Greg Smith, Mike, Christine Lin, Daniel, Leo Shine Diamonds, Allan A. Goldman, Ian Ross, and Karina Ariana.

Website: https://www.kzmtand.co/gallery

Instagram: @jewelerbaenyc @kzmtandco

Twitter: @jewelerbaenyc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantel.chance.56?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chantelchance2003

Other: TikTok: @jewelerbaenyc

Image Credits
Instagram: @nolostudiosbrooklyn (Laila Lott, Elena Noy, Janelle Jones)