From studying couture at The Paris Fashion Institute to working with Barry Kieselstein-Cord for four years, Sarah Jane Bourque has always had her sights set on the fashion industry. "I always wanted to be a fashion designer. That's what I went to school for. Then I took the assistant handbag designer position at Cords. There is where my love of jewelry making started."

Bourque, originally from Kansas, created the Saint brand 10 years ago and it has continued to grow each year. "I just keep building. Right now I am working on five new collections. When looking at my pieces it is evident that I am inspired by nature, but it goes much deeper than that. My collections represent a story within my life," says Bourque. "From catching fireflies as a child to my experiences around the world, I always try to weave a piece of my life into the jewelry." Bourque's Saint line includes 18k gold and sterling silver pieces with diamonds and gemstones. Retail price points range from $100 to $25,000.

Many motifs are inspired by the natural world, from bees and blossoms to butterflies and turtles. "My favorite collection is the bee. I just gravitate towards it. Its clean, classic, but still has a flirty appeal to it," says Bourque. A detailed 18k gold bee with pearls is one of the first pieces Bourque ever designed. Another piece that often captures customers' attention is the "Sheldon Caravan" bracelet, an 18k gold and sterling silver turtle with diamonds.

Bourque also creates jewelry for children, men, and even petites. "My petite collection does very well. I noticed that so many of my customers wanted small pieces. The line has the same designs, just on a smaller scale. It is a whole market of women I was missing," says Bourque. "I want to keep giving my customers meaningful pieces that they can hand down to their daughters." - Staci Kline