How much did Melania Trump make from her jewellery and cosmetic businesses before becoming first lady?

Jul 24 , 2020

First lady Melania Trump, who often dressed up her looks with extravagant jewels, tried her hand at jewellery and watch design and sold her creations on shopping channel QVC. Photo: Reuters

The biggest surprise from the Trump presidency may be his wife – the ex-model has strode a traditional role adding dignity to the office, caring for good causes and staying out of controversy

Before becoming first lady of the United States, Melania Trump led a very different life. While she’s been in the spotlight for the past two decades, it was for very different reasons.

Melania Trump has embraced her role as first lady – but what did she do before? Photo: AP

From her modelling days to her transition into the world of business, the former Melanija Knavs has always been associated with glitz and glamour.

Melania was an established model before she met Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters

According to website Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Flotus’ net worth was estimated to be US$50 million in 2019. Just how exactly did she accumulate her fortune? Here, we look at the cosmetics and jewellery business ventures the first lady tried her hand at before moving into the White House.

Melania timepieces and fashion jewellery

No stranger to beautiful jewels, the former model launched her eponymous watch and jewellery collection in 2010, five years after she married Donald Trump.

The collection included costume jewellery and fashion timepieces that ranged between US$30 to US$200. What made the collection, which was sold on shopping channel QVC, successful was her on-camera persona. Melania would wear and present her designs on television; her personality and the affordable price point of her pieces made them instant hits among suburban mums and young professionals.

Melania’s designs were a reflection of her aesthetics and fashion style. The pieces were everyday classics that are easy to wear and style. The collection includes oversized gold-tone chains and faux diamond rings and quartz watches.