When you entered the lanyard industry, your most loyal customers (the ’rents) paid top dollar (a buck) for the box stitch.

Then Pops put the nix on neon pink — and your business went bust.

You should have taken cues from Jess Constable, the local youngin’ behind Jess LC Jewelry. She parlayed anklet sales in middle school into a full line of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, currently available in 100-plus stores nationwide.

Inspired by the layering, drapey look of scarves, Constable designs wearable basics (multichain, mixed metals) and statement pieces (three-strand baubles with Swarovski crystals) from her Lakeview studio. Almost every piece in her Chicago collection is named after a street in our lovely city.

For those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces, Constable will customize.

She’s a real gem.

Available at Riley, 1659 North Damen Avenue, between Concord Place and Wabansia Avenue. (773-489-0101). Available online at jesslc.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Jess LC