Where are you based?
New York City, baby! Chinatown is where it's at!

How long have you had your line?
Bijules is seven years old.

Do you have any background in jewelry design? What sparked your interest in it?
I took a 101 course at University basically because I wanted to! I wanted to try as many things relating to self-expression and art as possible. Jewelry outlasts everything and there is something romantic about having my ideas outlive my existence and everyone else's.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you designed?
The bar ring. I took a crash course in Brooklyn and one of the projects was to design a hollow ring. I hand-cut the silver, soldered and developed the "single-finger fit, multi-finger look" bar ring over seven years ago! Now this look is everywhere, hehehe... muuuuwhahhhhh (take over the world cackle)!

Do you have any pieces of jewelry that you wear every day? What is their significance?
I wear the bar ring everyday for sure. I feel naked without it! Today I wore some of the BJ by Jules Kim pieces- love! There is something magical that happens when I wear my work. It's as if I am complete- that my personal statement has been made, my look perfected and myself defined.

What are some of the biggest inspirations for your line?
Everything! Everywhere I look I am vibrantly inspired. At times, I am a bit overwhelmed with ideas. Yes, I wake up and sketch if I can't sleep. I have to or I feel the concept might slip deep into my dreams.

Who would you consider your muse or the girl you design for?
Everyone. I don't design for anyone in particular; I design for those who are particular. Choosing to wear my designs reflects a strong sense of style and commitment to making taste.

Who are your style icons?
Grace Jones and Brigitte Bardot are polar opposite influences, yet the two represent such iconic styles and attitudes. From the strong cheeks of Grace Jones to the curvy hips of Brigitte, the imagery of these two women will live forever.

Your line is so associated with New York City. What do you love about the city?
You know, I love that New Yorkers can flex their uniqueness all the time. New York is a place where individuality is embraced and judgments are irrelevant. There are too many people with too many different lives to count, yet we still live amongst each other in relative step.

What is your most recent tattoo?
I'm glad you asked this. I am about to sit for my latest tattoo by JK5. It will be on my right side and it will look like I've been stabbed, but instead of red blood dripping from the wound, it'll be black lace! I know its graphic but I die for black lace!

If you had a mantra for living, what would it be?
Il faut se preter aux autres et se donner a soi-meme. It's one of my tattoos on my left side. It reads: "it is necessary to loan yourself to others in order to gain for yourself," by the French philosopher Montaigne. I believe success is not possible alone, which signifies that your help is needed in other people's lives. I give and accept help-it's the only way!

How long have you had your line?
Since 2007.

What sparked your interest in jewelry design?
Making small things, small sculptures, creating what I have in mind.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you designed?
The rabbit ring and the donuts necklaces.

Do you have any pieces of jewelry that you wear every day?
My Fingers ring. I love the idea of having the Fingers ring on my fingers. The Oyster necklace to remind me of the sea, the Swing necklace to remind me of nature, and the Paws rabbit ring for good luck.

What are some of the biggest inspirations for your line?
Everyday life, humor, spontaneity and bizarre things.

Do you have any favorite pieces or ones that you would consider "signature"?
Yes I've got some favorite pieces: Rurale necklace,

Shit brooch, Oyster necklace, Swing necklace and Fingers ring, etc.

Who would you consider your muse or the girl you design for?
I design for myself first; I create what I want to wear.

Who are your style icons?
Yu Matsuoka, she's an artist and my friend too.

If you had a mantra for living, what would it be?
Breathe.

What kinds of materials do you like working with?
Silver, vermeil, enamel, and natural materials.

What creative outlets do you have aside from jewelry design?
All my silly-sick collections of weird objects and embroidery design for Spring Court tennis shoes.

What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?
Snails! I love them and I used to race them all together.

How long have you had your line?
Since 2006.

What sparked your interest in jewelry design?
My interest for the small precious things.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you designed?
Yes, my Little Helpers and actually the Cat Mask.

Do you have any pieces of jewelry that you wear every day?
My wedding ring—quite significant.

What are some of the biggest inspirations for your line?
Friends, lyrics, museums, films, books, nature.

Do you have any favorite pieces or ones that you would consider "signature"?
My signature pieces are the Bunny and Cat Mask or the Little Helpers and the Unification Cord bracelets.

Who would you consider your muse or the girl you design for?
I like the strong independent girl with lots of humor, individuality, sense of style and some eccentricity.

Who are your style icons?
Gena Rowland, Bette Midler, Iris Apfel.

If you had a mantra for living, what would it be?
Love what you do.

What kinds of materials do you like working with?
Metal, leather, silk and wood.

Tell us more about vonRot, and any other projects you have going on right now or in the near future.
vonRot was founded 2000 in Berlin with my two colleagues Karsten Fielitz and Peter Seebacher. vonRot was part gallery where we presented our own projects and collaborations with other artist and designers. and part creative consultancy for international clients like Moschino, DKNY, Sportmax, Lanvin. We had some fabulous years and did very nice projects. Currently, my biggest project is the development of my first store, which we will be opening in July in Berlin.

How long have you had your line?
5 years.

What sparked your interest in it?
I've always been inspired by jewelry.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you designed?
A pair of earrings from a lamp I took apart.

Do you have any pieces of jewelry that you wear every day?
The Coco ring in nude/gold, Spiro dots ring in gold and Mikaela Necklace. They are all from my new collection SISU. I love to wear big chunky pieces; they make me feel ancient.

What are some of the biggest inspirations for your line?
Ancient primitive cultures, style icons, people I meet, friends.

Do you have any favorite pieces or ones that you would consider "signature"?
My Abebi earrings- "abebi" means "asked for" in Nigerian. I was asking for inspiration and then made a pair of earrings which I decided to call Abebi. Now they are my best sellers.

Who would you consider your muse or the girl you design for?
A free-spirited, strong, independent woman with eclectic style.

Your business partner is your sister. How does that work?
It's a love-hate relationship. We definitely have gotten to know each other inside and out.

Who are your style icons?
Kate Moss, Coco Chanel, Cher, Frida Kahlo, Josephine Baker.

If you had a mantra for living, what would it be?
Just enjoy life, work hard play hard, be passionate in everything you do.

You grew up in Puerto Rico. What are some of your best memories?
Road trips with my father.