Starting Trends, Not Following Them
I started making jewelry a few years ago while living in St. Barth's due to my strong desire to create styles that I had never seen before. Actually it started well before I moved to the island, but it was just a little side hobby - one that turned into somewhat of an obsession.
I was spending all my free time (and money) in every bead store in Manhattan in an effort to chase my addiction. As each month passed, I grew deeper into my newfound hobby, and any free time I had was spent purging the designs that consumed my head.
Luckily for my friends, my addiction came just in time for the holidays, which we planned on spending in St. Barth's.
During the course of our two week vacation, I met someone, briefly fell in love, and ultimately moved there.
Having left behind the fast-paced life that I was accustomed to while living in NYC, I turned to making jewelry to keep myself active.
After receiving many compliments on my beaded and crystal pieces, I started to gain the confidence that pushed me to take my creativity to the next level. I contacted my friend back home in NYC -- who is one of the biggest diamond distributors in the world -- and collaborated with his team of employees and started designing diamond necklaces. The emerald cut diamond necklace with the hanging back diamond, was my very first necklace that I created. Six months later, my pieces were being sold exclusively to a boutique on the island!
After months of laying out my business plan, I came to realization that in order to grow in the way that I had envisioned, I'd have to move back to New York where I would have access to all of my resources. Ultimately my passion to start a new revolution, in the way that I envisioned diamonds to be worn, finalized my decision to return back to NYC.
I use only the finest materials in making my pieces - solid 14k and 18k gold, fine sterling silver and all natural, never enhanced diamonds. I hand select each diamond from two of the most prestigious diamond distributors in NY. Due to my relationship with these suppliers, I'm able to get quality diamonds below market price, which enables me to be very competitive in pricing.
My two signature designs are the gold and emerald cut diamond necklace - a delicate, sophisticated piece. My style is often described as understated, but never overlooked - which, by the way, was not my intent. I created pieces that I wanted to wear myself and my style organically developed into a collection of delicate jewelry. I also wanted to create pieces of jewelry that I had never seen before and I almost never browse other shops, specifically here on ETSY, as I prefer not to know if someone else is trying to replicate my style.
These past few years have been wildly successful for me as my ETSY fans account for only a fraction of my customers. I'm so truly thankful to everyone who gives me a reason to keep thinking up new pieces.
I work tirelessly on new pieces and designs which I try to update on ETSY and my website. Keep checking for updates!
To read more about c'estsla and my story, please visit my website about page at http://cestsladesign.com/pages/about-read-more.
Thank you so much for looking and I hope you enjoy my designs!
Meghan Biernacki
