From Vision to Brilliance: Trent Lizana on Building The Diamond Family Legacy

Meet Trent Lizana, founder of Elite Custom Designer | The Diamond Family. Known for crafting timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces, Trent has built a reputation on artistry, precision, and a passion for excellence.

From his early inspirations to building a luxury brand that reflects individuality and elegance, Trent shares how he continues to set new standards in custom jewelry design. Whether you’re a fan of fine craftsmanship, an aspiring designer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of detail, his story is both inspiring and insightful.

Read on for the full conversation with Trent Lizana, where we dive into his creative process, the future of luxury design, and what it truly means to leave a lasting legacy in the world of fashion and jewelry.

Delux: What inspired you to start your jewelry business, and how did the journey begin?

Trent: I’ve always been passionate about art, fashion, and design, but jewelry gave me the perfect canvas to express that creativity. The journey began with a single custom piece I designed for a close friend—it sparked something inside me. From there, Mulatto Designs Jewelry was born, with the vision of creating timeless luxury pieces that carry both heritage and modern elegance.

Delux: How would you describe the style and identity of your pieces?

Trent: My style blends sophistication with bold individuality. Every piece is designed to stand out without losing its elegance. I like to think of my collections as wearable statements—crafted with precision, detailed with luxury, and versatile enough to transition from everyday wear to life’s biggest moments.

Delux: What materials and techniques do you most enjoy working with?

Trent: I love working with gold and silver as foundational metals, and pairing them with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The brilliance of gemstones gives me endless room for storytelling. On the craft side, I enjoy mixing classic hand-setting techniques with modern design technology, allowing me to merge tradition with innovation.

Delux: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating new designs?

Trent: My inspiration comes from culture, heritage, and lifestyle—everything from architecture and fashion to personal stories. I believe jewelry is more than an accessory; it’s a memory, a legacy, and a piece of art people carry with them.

Delux: What does being a jeweler in St. Louis mean to you?

Trent: Being a jeweler in St. Louis means honoring both history and innovation. The city has a rich culture, and I want my brand to reflect that mix of tradition and forward-thinking style. St. Louis taught me to value hard work, authenticity, and community.

Delux: What do you hope people feel when they wear your jewelry?

Trent: I want people to feel powerful, confident, and connected to something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s an everyday piece or an iced-out statement design, my goal is for each person to feel like they’re wearing their own story in luxury form.

Delux: What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner, and how have you overcome it?

Trent: The biggest challenge has been balancing creative vision with business structure. Early on, I had plenty of ideas but limited resources. I overcame that by investing in marketing, building an online presence, and focusing on pieces that represented the core identity of Mulatto Designs.

Delux: What’s been one of your proudest milestones so far?

Being featured in InStore Magazine as a jewelry designer was a huge milestone. It validated years of hard work and confirmed that my brand belongs on a national stage.

Delux: Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created — and what makes it special?

Trent: Yes—my dripping STL diamond pendant. It’s more than jewelry; it’s a personal signature piece that represents my journey as a designer and brand builder. It’s bold, unique, and a reminder of how far I’ve come.

Delux: What advice would you give someone looking to invest in custom or fine jewelry?

Trent: Invest in pieces that carry meaning. Trends come and go, but fine jewelry should outlive the moment. Look for quality, craftsmanship, and a story you can connect to—that’s where the true value lies.

Photographer: Eric ‘Remrod’ Mayes