Jewelry designer Julie Liu grew up playing with rare gemstones while most girls were playing with dolls. The
daughter of a captain who traveled the world in cargo ships, Liu would gaze at the variety of colorful “rocks” her dad would bring home to her mom from these trips. Little did she know, these were not ordinary rocks, they were magic rocks that always made her mom happy.
Liu and her family immigrated to the United States from Taiwan when she was five years old. Growing up and going to school, Liu always ranked at the top of her class in anything she studied. Her fondness of art garnered her ongoing recognition from peers and teachers for her creativity in water painting, sketching and visual aid presentations while her achievements in the classroom were rewarded with top grades in math and science. Liu excelled quickly through school and became a studious and hardworking student.
While Liu was in junior high, her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and her desire to finish school so that she could work and take care of her parents became her focus. She wanted to grow up quickly and make money so that her father could concentrate on taking care of her mother. A miracle happened and Liu’s mother was able to overcome her cancer through healthy eating and a change in lifestyle. Liu’s father called it his “determination to create a miracle” and from that day forward, Liu took on her father’s passion and belief. Liu graduating high school in three years, had the highest GPA in her class and was accepted to the University of California, Berkeley, one of the top ten engineering schools in the world. Soon after, Liu decided to change her focus from engineering to economics and managed to graduate with high honors in a mere two and a half years.
After college she dabbled in mergers & acquisitions consulting then eventually set her sites on getting her MBA. Liu was accepted to one of the top ten MBA programs in the world, The University of Chicago. After receiving her degree, Liu excelled quickly in the financial industry and found herself managing a long short 130/30 strategy equity portfolio. But something was missing, her creative side.
A lover of art and jewelry, Liu began playing around with gemstone pieces her father had in his collection. She had an eye for combining colors with designs that were simple, yet impactful. Her friends were soon asking her to design pieces and realizing she had always wanted to start a company, Liu launched her first collection, Mia Pezzi.
The formal collection Mia Pezzi, was created in 2008 and features diamonds, gold and pearls. Liu’s initial focus was to attract a small clientele with an appreciation for one of a kind jewelry. Mia Pezzi provided rare and high quality precious gemstones with extreme luxury. Clients could feel special they owned a particular piece since Liu did not believe in mass producing. Her rolodex grew through referrals from friends, family and satisfied customers and Mia Pezzi continues to sell effortlessly today.
Noticing the need for a more accessible collection, Liu recently launched her TZEN line featuring silver and semi-precious stones. The designs for the TZEN pieces allow Liu to be more whimsical and fun while still ensuring the authenticity of high quality gemstones that can be kept for a lifetime. TZEN features a diamond cut crystal rings, multi-colored sapphire earrings, pearl and dangling bracelets and multi-colored tourmaline necklaces to name a few.
Liu opened up her first boutique in July of 2009 in the North Shore area of Chicago and will feature both her Mia Pezzi and TZEN collections.
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