Sara Li
Sara Li is an innovative jewelry designer and creative leader, currently serving as Head of Design at AV JEWELRY of NY - Odelia. With over a decade of experience spanning design, editorial, and product development, Sara has established herself as a forward-thinking force in the jewelry industry. She combines her artistic sensibilities with business acumen, having honed her skills through hands-on experience in both international and domestic markets, from New York City to Shanghai.
A Graduate Gemologist and alumna of Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Sara’s approach to design is both meticulous and modern. While her formal education provided a foundation, it was her on-the-job experiences—ranging from product design at FOR DOTTIR to managing creative projects in Shanghai—that shaped her unique perspective. She has been recognized for her talent early on, earning accolades such as the WJA Student Scholarship Award and top honors in the SCAD Jewelry Department Rendering Competition. Her work is characterized by a seamless integration of artistry and technology, modernizing traditional jewelry practices with innovative techniques.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sara is known for her approachable and straightforward leadership style. She thrives on collaboration and mentoring, guiding teams with clarity and creativity. Outside of the studio, she enjoys exploring parks, reading, listening to music, and spending time at home. Her blend of technical expertise, design innovation, and personable leadership continues to influence and inspire the next generation of jewelry designers.
• Design Thinking: Understanding the Process
• Figma for UX Design
• Interaction Design: Flow
• UX Foundations: Prototyping
• UX Foundations: Research
• Art Business
• Graduate Gemologist
• Diamond grading
• Jade authentication
• LIM College - MPA
• 2015 WJA Student Scholarship Award Winner
• Second Place in 2014 Fall SCAD Jewelry Department Rendering Competition
• Second place in the Abercrombie & Fitch Fashion Showdown
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion and staying true to what I genuinely want to pursue. By listening to my intuition and committing to what inspires me, I’ve been able to achieve meaningful results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that when I feel frustrated, I should take a deep breath and let things flow. This approach helps me stay calm, maintain perspective, and navigate challenges more effectively.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to explore every option and method available. If something doesn’t work, let it go and try a different approach. This process of experimentation and persistence will ultimately guide you to where you are meant to be.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that, as an international professional, it can be difficult to navigate an industry that isn’t always welcoming to people from other countries. However, this also presents an opportunity to bring diverse perspectives, bridge cultural gaps, and create inclusive approaches that enrich the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity and integrity—being true to myself while treating others with honesty and respect.
Locations
AV JEWELRY of NY - Odelia
Long Island City, NY 11101