The Minds Behind the Artistry
For nearly five decades, the John Atencio name has been synonymous with visionary design and uncompromising craftsmanship. But the story of our brand is written every day by a team of passionate experts dedicated to upholding that legacy.
The articles, stories, and advice on our blog come directly from the source. They are penned by the very people who shape our collections, source our materials, and help you celebrate life's most important moments. Our commitment is to share our collective passion and deep expertise directly with you, offering a true insider's perspective on the world of John Atencio.
Meet Our Editorial Team
John Atencio
Founder, President & Designer
John Atencio is the founder, designer, and President of John Atencio. A hands-on jeweler in his early years, John built the brand from the ground up—designing and crafting each piece by hand. For nearly five decades, he has brought his unique artistry, vision, and perspective to every aspect of the business, from design to operations. As both an artist and entrepreneur, John continues to shape the brand’s direction and uphold the distinctive design philosophy that defines John Atencio.
Lex Atencio
Executive Vice President
As Executive Vice President at John Atencio, Lex Atencio brings a lifelong connection to the brand, having been involved in the business for most of his life. With over two decades of experience in sales and merchandising, Lex plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategy, retail presence, and customer experience. His early work in Antwerp gave him intimate knowledge of diamonds and sourcing, and he continues to bring that expertise to the brand. Lex has also contributed to the creative direction, helping design recent collections like Duplex and Havana, and remains closely involved in the design process today.
Jessica Nash
Director of Merchandising
Jessica Nash is the Director of Merchandising at John Atencio, where she oversees product strategy across design, purchasing, and in-store merchandising. With a strong eye for detail and deep knowledge of jewelry trends and forecasting, Jessica plays a central role in shaping the product assortment and evaluating performance across collections. Her insight into both design and retail allows her to guide merchandising decisions that align with the brand’s vision and customer expectations.
Melissa Bader
General Manager
Melissa Bader is the General Manager at John Atencio and brings a full-circle perspective to the brand. She began her career at John Atencio on the design and production side, gaining a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. After working with several other prominent jewelry companies and expanding her expertise in sales, operations, and customer relations, Melissa returned to John Atencio, where she now plays a key role in supporting store teams and championing a customer-first approach.
Lyndsey Pliske
Ecommerce and Wholesale Specialist
Lyndsey Pliske is a Wholesale and E-commerce Specialist at John Atencio and serves as the brand jewelry stylist. With a strong background in styling and photography, she brings a creative, hands-on approach to presenting the John Atencio aesthetic. Lyndsey plays a key role in brand photoshoots, outside editing coordination, and styling—helping ensure each collection is visually compelling and aligned with the brand’s distinctive voice. She stays closely connected to fashion and jewelry trends, bringing a fresh, style-driven perspective to how the brand comes to life across platforms.