Sue Gragg
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AK ITEM AND WHY?
I adore the iPad Case and iPhone Case!! She made it early on and perfected both to a "t" and beyond.... I am desperate for one of the new Borsone Totes (fabulous) and might love a flask or two for gifts!!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 10 LATEST OBSESSIONS AND WHAT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT AND WHY?
My great niece
I adore her beyond words and beyond love.
My husband
...and family are always my biggest obsession.
Diamonds
...will always be my concrete obsession.
...everything he touches is amazing.
...is like a drug. Top followers are all of my friends, family, and @ninistyle, @naseebs, @miraduma, @bat_gio, @anna_dello_russo...too many to list. 316 to be exact!
...it is a worse drug.
I went for the first time and am in love.
Giving Back
This will always be an obsession, to pay forward to the great community that I live in.
Contemporary Art
I'm in love with my pieces from Jim Lambie, Julie Verhoeven, Norbert Brunner, and Tony Scherman.
...a devotional I read every single day.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
It was from my beloved father....
"Your reputation follows you everywhere you go, never tarnish it!"
I really don't want to tell you his exact words with his heavy Middle Eastern accent!!
WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?
Sweets and the iPad in the bed!!
I am of Lebanese descent. With that being said, we are all merchants. I had a passion for jewelry even as a child. My mother's jewelry probably influenced me the most. As a child, that is what I remember most!
Once upon a time, I was a school teacher, and as a side job, I sold loose diamonds. Then this precious man, being my husband, Jimmy, came and scooped me up, out of Mississippi, bringing me to Dallas...the story began. I dove into this industry, that was primarily male dominated, and I have now been in it for 37 years, trying to be the best at what I do. I just realized that the foundation my parents gave me, lead me to this career that I still adore and have a huge passion for. I am so grateful for everything they gave me in order to be what I am today.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR UNIQUE AND ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES AND WHY?
I am totally inspired by stones and by fashion. My client base is very selective and they demand unique and creative pieces, which keeps my creative talents flowing and keeps me always on point.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE JEWELRY PIECES THAT YOU HAVE CREATED AND WHY? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST OVER THE TOP ONE? CELEB CLIENTS?
I must say I have many favorite pieces, most of them being with white diamonds. That is where my passion started and it seems to have remained in that arena. The most over the top piece was created with a matched pair of D, Flawless, 10 carat each pear shaped diamonds....stunning.
Celeb clients whom I consider friends, to name a few, Oprah, Maria Shriver, many NFL, NBA, and NHL players and wives.
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE FUTURE FOR SUE GRAGG PRECIOUS JEWELS?
I have three new collections that I am making for other retailers in Moscow and Paris. One is a duck collection, one is a panda bear collection and the other is a Russian doll collection. All are being copyrighted and are being released as we speak!!
DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL MANTRA OR QUOTE?
Hold God's hand, He will NEVER let you fall!
WHAT ARE TWO THINGS THAT PEOPLE WOULD NEVER KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE?
I hate garlic.
I am a bit shy.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 PRIZED POSSESSIONS - CAN BE FAMILY HEIRLOOM, ETC
Anything from my Mother and Daddy
My wedding ring
My diamond earrings
My icon collection
My prayer book
WHAT ARE YOUR INSIDER SECRETS TO DALLAS?
I love Pampered Soles on Lovers Lane for a manicure/pedicure. They have impeccable service and are impeccably clean.
Michael Flores at Neiman Marcus downtown is the best hair colorist on earth.
Mary Kay Cosmetics, right here in Dallas, has the most fabulous lip colors and makeup. Their mascara and hand cream are the best I've ever used.
For food, I'm crazy about John Tesar's Spoon. It's rocking delicious. And for Lebanese you can't get better than Food From Galilee in Snider Plaza. For over the top Iranian food you can't beat Sahara. And Cadot in North Dallas is hands down best French food in Dallas. It's the best.
HOW CAN ONE PURCHASE YOUR JEWELRY OR GO ABOUT GETTING CUSTOM PIECES?
We have a beautiful salon in Highland Park in Dallas and we work by appointment or you can get select pieces at Forty Five Ten in Dallas.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU HAVE EVER TRAVELLED TO AND WHY?
Capri
I am crazy for the Italians and their love of people, food, fashion, fun and life in general. Their country is just stunning in every way!!
Who is Sue Gragg and why do we love her?
As you may or may not know by now, we love highlighting creative people and have special admiration for those who have the courage to follow their hearts and dare to dream. Sue is one of those people - A savvy business woman, she is well heeled and connected. She pushes the limits on fabulousness and is your go to girl to make your diamond dreams come true!
Sue grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi in a family of three sisters and loving parents. She received a B.S. in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and went on to teach school for two years. After realizing that teaching was not her forte, Sue decided to take her side career (selling loose diamonds) all the way to the top. What once began on the side has become a wildly successful and unique high-end jewelry line that has been growing exponentially for the last 37 years.
Sue and her husband of 35 years, Jimmy, currently reside in Dallas, where Sue Gragg Precious Jewels, is run.
