We sat down, in cyberspace, with Naleli Askew, Founder/President of Quintessential Consulting.  We thought she had a cool career and wanted to ask Naleli a few questions!  Quintessential Consulting is a jewelry concierge service providing clients with personalized service and selection of all their jewelry needs. Quintessential Consulting works to find you the perfect pieces, whether looking for an engagement ring, adding to your designer collection or celebrating one of life's great milestones.  Naleli has spent over 10 years in the jewelry industry working with clients from the Washington Wizards, government officials, local executives, corporate Vice Presidents and many more.

What is the most outrageous or interesting piece of jewelry your clients have requested?

I really haven't had any outrageous jewelry requests, but some fun projects. Like creating a custom afro centric engagement ring with the Sankofa symbol, restyling a designer crystal necklace to make it 45inches (very Coco Chanel) and one of my favorites was the 10ct eternity ring that we custom designed for a clients 10yr anniversary. (talk about a lucky lady)

What kind of jewelry is most requested by your clients? (either style, or materials)

I mainly work with clients who are getting engaged so I get a lot of white gold and platinum requests. Some of the most popular style requests are brilliant cut diamonds embellished with a halo of pave diamonds. Great style if you're looking for the "bling" factor and it's a modern twist on a classic look.

Was there any time when you came across difficulties in providing help for a client?

There are so many great resources out there and I have some fabulous jewelers that I work with so we make it a practice to always be sure to help clients find what they're looking for. It may take a little longer than expected but that's the benefit of my services, the opportunity to have a personal consultant who will go above and beyond to find that "dream" piece.

What qualities must one possess to be successful in your field? 

Well like any other field it takes education and experience. I've been in the jewelry business for over 13 years now and have had the opportunity to work with some great bench jewelers. Years ago I completed my Diamond Council of America certification and I am always advancing my credentials with courses from Gemological Institute of America. I also recommend finding a mentor in the industry, there's nothing better than having someone in the industry sharing their knowledge.

What's the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the getting that phone call that a client proposed and that she LOVES the ring. I'm a hopeless romantic so I love to hear the proposal stories. I also love giving clients options that they never thought they could create or have never seen.

Why did you chose to be a jewelry consultant/concierge as opposed to designing jewelry?  

The concierge service give me the opportunity to develop great relationships with jewelers and designers in many different jewelry genres.  It also allows me a bit more flexibility right now since my children are still young. But my long term goals are to definitely design my own pieces(or maybe short term goal, I'm not getting any younger, LOL).  Look out for me in the near future  *wink*

What do you think are currently the hot trends in fine jewelry?

Some haute trends in fine jewelry are rose gold, brooches, vibrant colored gem stones and rough  diamonds!  Rose gold fashion rings, watches, cuffs and more which really look fabulous on every complexion. I've seen a lot of brooches popping up in a lot of creative ways, the classic brooch on a lapel, adding it to a chunky pearl necklace or even adding it to your "up do" for a black tie gala. Gemstone jewelry is a very easy way to add that pop of color to any outfit. The great thing about rough diamonds is that no two are exactly the same so this is ideal for those looking to add something unique to their collection.

To get more information, visit the Quintessential Consulting website