Crafting a Lasting Legacy: Danielle Sherman on the Inspiration Behind Sherman Field Jewelry

Danielle Sherman, founder of Sherman Field, has built a brand that honors her family’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of fine jewelry. From her early days co-founding The Row and working with designers like Alexander Wang to creating her own heirloom-inspired collection, Danielle’s journey is one of resilience, artistry, and dedication to craftsmanship. In this interview with SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein, Danielle opens up about the influences that shaped her, the lessons learned from past ventures, and her vision for jewelry that tells a story across generations. Their conversation reveals the passion and purpose driving Sherman Field’s unique place in the world of fine jewelry.

Amy Cohen Epstein:
All right. I have so many amazing friends. It’s really fun. And Danielle Sherman is a friend by proxy of my little brother, so good on him for having great people in his life and women I can call my own friends, even though you’re much younger than I am. It makes me feel young and exciting when I talk to you, and you’re so accomplished. So today we’re going to do something a bit different—usually, I focus on scientific evidence and what it means for women’s cancer prevention. But I also love connecting with entrepreneurial women who are bold, smart, and passionate because I think there’s an empowerment piece that’s so important. It shapes how we care for ourselves and live healthy, fulfilling lives. Danielle, you’ll have to share the full story, but here’s a quick bio: you’ve been an entrepreneur for most of your life, starting young and co-founding The Row with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, later working with Alexander Wang, and now creating your stunning jewelry brand, Sherman Field, which I believe is destined to stand the test of time. So tell me more about what drives you—the fire in your belly—and how your journey began.

Danielle Sherman:
Thank you for having me! It’s funny because we’ve known each other since my teens, right? Like since I was about 12. So this is incredible to be here now, sharing this moment with you.

Amy:
Yes, I feel like you’re the little sister I never had! So let’s talk about that drive. Tell me where it all started.

Danielle:
I think I was born with it, honestly. So many women I know, including you, are just born with that fire. It’s part of who we are. Growing up, I was raised by a single mom after my dad passed away when I was five. She didn’t have a safety net—she was a teacher supporting two kids in LA, which shaped me a lot. Seeing her resilience influenced me and made me take the gift of choice seriously. I’ve always felt that if you’re given opportunities, you should make the most of them.

Amy:
You were very young when you started taking on responsibilities at home, right?

Danielle:
Yes, my mom worked long hours as an on-set teacher, often leaving at 5 a.m. and coming home late. By the time I was about eight or nine, I was preparing dinners and helping with the household. I loved cooking, and even at that young age, I learned to make meals for the family.

Amy:
It sounds like you were already nurturing, even as the younger sibling.

Danielle:
Definitely. I felt like the “at-home caretaker,” making sure things were okay when my mom was on set. I think that early responsibility gave me a sense of independence.

Amy:
And then you started a business at 15, right?

Danielle:
Yes, my mom let me keep the money I earned from a small acting role. With that, I started a leather accessories company, designing avant-garde pieces—neck bands, cuffs, things like that. My mom would drive me downtown to buy materials, and I’d design pieces that a shoe factory would help me assemble. Somehow, musicians and stylists took an interest, and my pieces even ended up with the Dixie Chicks and Mary Kate and Ashley.

Amy:
So even back then, you had a sense of your own style. What was next for you after high school?

Danielle:
I went to NYU, majored in art history, and worked in various internships, including a brief role at La Perla in their design department. After that, I returned to LA and co-founded The Row. That experience taught me so much—working in a space where nothing was established yet was thrilling. After a few years, I joined Alexander Wang, where I helped launch T by Alexander Wang and led that division for about five years. Then I took on a creative director role at Edun, a company focused on promoting trade in Africa.

Amy:
It sounds like each step built on the last. What did you love most about that time?

Danielle:
Working with such a strong mission was rewarding. Edun was about more than fashion; it was about supporting African craftsmanship. And on a personal level, I learned how to manage large teams and present to LVMH executives, which was invaluable.

Amy:
So when did Sherman Field start to take shape?

Danielle:
Around 2016, I began seriously researching jewelry and became fascinated with the retro period of the 1940s. I was inspired by pieces that could be transformed and were designed to last. After studying at libraries and vintage shows, I started developing designs based on those principles—solid, weighty, convertible pieces that felt like heirlooms.

Amy:
The craftsmanship and history are such important parts of your work, and it’s beautiful to see that passion come through in Sherman Field.

Danielle:
Thank you. I really wanted to create jewelry that feels substantial, pieces that carry history and become part of someone’s legacy. Each piece takes hours to make, and we use a custom 18-karat yellow gold blend that’s unique to us.

Amy:
It’s amazing, and it shows in the quality. So, what’s next for Sherman Field?

Danielle:
We’re working on engagement rings, which I’m very excited about. It’s been a long time coming, but I believe in respecting the process. Each piece we design has to feel just right. We’re taking our time, but I know it will be worth it.

Amy:
I can’t wait to see it. Thank you for sharing your journey with me, Danielle. Your story is truly inspiring.

Danielle:
Thank you, Amy. It’s been wonderful talking with you.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.