Jewelry is an art as much as it is an accessory. It means different things to people, and it takes an experienced set of hands to tell that story and capture that essence. Many jewelry makers recognize this responsibility. The craftsmanship is evident in their unique product catalogs.
“I wanted to use some of my innate creativity,” says Carlie Merkle, the artist behind Into the Pines Jewelry. “I've always been interested in stones and jewelry, and it just took me picking up a hammer and using it on some metal to know this was meant for me. I'm thriving in Cleveland and feel the love of small businesses here.”
Venture into the craft of other local jewelry makers thriving across the Greater Cleveland area, and see the stories they aim to tell.
Into the Pines Jewelry
Carlie Merkle’s extensive selection of necklaces, rings, earrings and threader earrings are carefully and consciously crafted in a made-to-order fashion out of Bay Village. Simple designs provide a dainty, sleek addition to any ensemble. The shop also offers customized pieces, holiday-specific collections, fidget jewelry and permanent bracelets. Share the love and book its services for jewelry-making events and workshops. $10+, intothepinesjewelry.com
(Courtesy Into the Pines Jewelry)
Odyssey and Oddities
The “odyssey” of Wickliffe native Nikki Lundberg’s jewelry brand begins with her grandfather, whose talent in tumbling — a process that removes grit and rough edges from rocks to reveal shiny stones — rubbed off on her. The “oddities” are the result: one-of-a-kind, far-from-ordinary statement jewelry brought to life by gemstones and other accessorizing elements. An antiqued design brings a refined, pre-loved feel to the sprawling collection of made-to-order necklaces and earrings. $10+, etsy.com
RELATED: Odyssey & Oddities Glams It Up with Gemstone Necklaces
Océanne
Anne Harrill makes her jewelry with love, crafting designs inspired by her upbringing in France, and combined with the life she has created in the Midwest. She hosts storefronts in Gordon Square, Orange and Westlake and has made sales in more than a dozen other states. The appeal lies in an effortless charm and beauty, brought to life by a meticulous effort, as every earring, necklace, ring, bracelet and anklet is made with Harrill’s own two hands. $10+, Various Locations, oceanne.net
(Courtesy Océanne)
Serene Design Co.
Specializing in clay earrings, Laura Kalamet inspires everyone’s creative side, crafting quirky pieces for lovers of fruit, vegetables, animals, beaches, Disney and Taylor Swift. Find her work at festivals and markets across Cleveland, or visit the brick-and-mortar Earring Bar in Medina, where guests can make customized earrings from an array of clay and metal pieces. For those without piercings, the Earring Bar is complemented by the Metal Bar, a customization site for charm bracelets and necklaces. $10+, Available at select retail shops and serenedesignco.net
Crystal Moon Designs
All it takes for Chris Keener to find the colorful gems that help her bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings shine is a trip to the beach. Collecting sea glass from Lake Erie and turning it into jewelry started as a harmless hobby for her own pleasure, but as others started to notice her flashy pieces, the passion turned itself into a business. Learning from the guidance of silversmiths and other jewelry artists, there is an aged beauty to all of her handcrafted pieces, with no two ever being the same. $40+, 4716 Surfside Drive, Huron, crystalmoondesigns.com
(Courtesy Crystal Moon Designs)
RELATED: 5 Local Artists Creating Unique Pieces with Beach Glass
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