A box of Pearl's...
I'm a self-taught jewelry maker. I started making beaded/gemstone jewelry for myself soon after graduating college. I would sit on the floor in my den, my supplies spread all over the coffee table, happy as a clam while making. Around 2004, my older sister asked if I'd like to start showing some of my jewelry designs at her new downtown art gallery, during First Friday events. That mode of making at night after work, and showing once a month, continued for years. Once I gave birth to my daughter, I quit my full-time job as a catering manager, in order to stay home to care for her. While at home, I felt it was a good time to invest more effort into turning my hobby into something more. I liked the idea of creating an online store as my main mode of selling, because I could continue working from home as Pearl grew. Being able to create on my own terms inspired me. Having an outlet to work with people from all over the world gave me the sense of staying connected. Also, I could make jewelry to order, so that customers would get exactly what they wanted!
I chose my business name carefully. I wanted a name that was full of meaning and had roots. We chose the name, Pearl, for our daughter because it was my great grandmother’s name. She was known for her kindness and class. I’ve also been told she was very fashionable, and always accented with the perfect jewelry accessories! And so, feeling inspired by stories of my Gramma Pearl, and wanting to build a business out of the love and at-home opportunity I was given by my daughter, Box of Pearls came to be!
My styles have changed quite a bit over the past many years. They started off as bold, colorful, statement pieces made with gemstones. Slowly, I have evolved into customized designs. My main focus is on medical ID and alert jewelry. The pieces are fashionable, functional, and discrete; made for women, men, and children. The line offers lots of variation to make it a more enjoyable to wear.
In addition, I offer personalized jewelry that is intended for gift giving; to celebrate milestones, to remember loved ones, to support, and to show care. Just recently, I launched The Journey line. It is inspired by life’s journey, and its many layers.
I work with multiple metal types; gold, silver, rose gold, pewter, and stainless steel. I use hammered textures, shaped wire, and I hand stamp all of my pieces. I find it’s special that every letter and symbol is placed by hand with intention. Many of my piece include birthstones, to add a touch of color.
I also specialize in pearl jewelry. Box of Pearls wouldn’t be complete without pearls! My most popular options are the add-a-pearl necklaces. I adore the sentiment of the classic pearl necklace, and the tradition of adding pearls to a strand for each year of life. I have had many customers tell me that they add pearls for lots of other special reasons: anniversaries, weight loss goals, tooth fairy gifts, and so on!
My purpose with Box of Pearls is to create meaningful and functional jewelry to gift to the special people in your lives, or to treat yourself!
