Jewelry, Tech, and Staying Authentic with Helen with the Gold Teeth

noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Ep #68:

Jewelry, Tech & Authenticity with Helen with the Gold Teeth

Summary of the episode

Helen with the Gold Teeth is here!

Y’all, this episode is a treat. Helen Harris, aka Helen with the Gold Teeth, shares her incredible journey from engineering to luxury jewelry, proving that sometimes, the best career moves are the unexpected ones.

We dive into her philosophy on accessible luxury, the personal storytelling behind her work, and how she’s redefining what high-end jewelry can be—especially for Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

Helen’s pieces aren’t just jewelry. They’re heirlooms, cultural artifacts, and statements of self-expression. We talk about craftsmanship, pricing, community, and the business of making beautiful things while staying true to yourself.

Get ready for a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and—let’s be real—a little bit of fangirling on my part.

Topics discussed:

• Helen’s journey from engineering to high-end jewelry making
• Jewelry as storytelling—how her pieces become heirlooms
• Luxury, but make it intentional—how Helen challenges exclusivity in the art world
• The tech influence—how her background in engineering shapes her craftsmanship
• Building community in the jewelry world—support, collaboration, and pricing with integrity

Chapters:

• 00:12 - Fangirling with Helen Harris

• 02:56 - Helen's Journey into Jewelry Making

• 11:46 - Transitioning to a Full-Time Job: Balancing Life and Business

• 14:30 - Navigating Work and Personal Life

• 21:23 - The Concept of Luxury

• 29:02 - Navigating Self-Expression and Professionalism

• 36:51 - The Jewelry Community: Insights and Relationships

• 41:06 - Reflections on Growth and Identity

• 43:50 - Navigating Client Relationships and Pricing

• 52:08 - Exploring New Segments in Conversations

Helen’s Bio -

Helen with the Gold Teeth is the brainchild of Helen Harris, born during a pivotal moment as she transitioned from engineer to jeweler. Seeking the structure, security, and personal connection of corporate life—but on her own terms—she quickly incorporated the brand, setting a clear vision for growth.

What started as a personal passion became a movement, drawing in New Yorkers from all walks of life. With a guerrilla spirit, intentional craftsmanship, and a deep love for her work, Helen has built something far bigger than jewelry—she’s creating legacy pieces that tell stories and hold history.

🔗 Resources mentioned

• Helen with the Gold Teeth Official Website
• Helen’s New York Times Article
• Helen’s YouTube Channel
• Helen on Ridculous Little Things
• 
  

📲 Connect with Helen:

Instagram: @helenwiththegoldteeth

Website: Helen With the Gold Teeth

📲Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

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🎙 Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam