We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patricia Marie Thacker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patricia Marie below.

Hi Patricia Marie , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

It is one of my greatest honors as a jewelry designer to work with family pieces and create meaningful jewelry from sentimental items. Recently, a client who had lost her husband came to me with both her engagement ring and his wedding band, hoping to transform them into something she could wear every day.

She wanted to preserve the engraving inside his wedding band, so we carefully opened the ring while keeping the inscription intact. We then incorporated the side stone details from her engagement ring into a new bracelet, ensuring that both pieces remained connected in a beautiful and symbolic way. The final result was a stunning, wearable tribute to their love—a piece that honors her late husband and the life they shared together.

Patricia Marie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up in Southern California as the youngest of four daughters, I cherished the time I spent with my father, especially out in nature and when we worked on fixing up old things together. I loved that quality time and the problem-solving aspect of figuring things out.

Early in my career, I had the privilege of being mentored by Wendy Foster at Pierre Le Fond-Wendy Foster a small boutique in Montecito, California. Wendy encouraged me to leave college and pursue a full-time career in women’s ready-to-wear. While I loved working with clothing, it was the jewelry that truly captivated me—the craftsmanship, the versatility, and the way each piece carried both tangible and sentimental value.

During a visit to Nashville to see my sister, I stumbled upon a boutique called Harry B’s, where I ended up becoming a buyer. I went on to open a fine jewelry department in the store, carrying designers like Lori Rodkin and Kathy Waterman. Working with these notable designers solidified my passion for precious materials and craftsmanship and my commitment to fine jewelry.

After the birth of my first son in 1999, I knew I wanted to stay home full-time with my children, but I also needed a creative outlet. Designing and creating fine jewelry felt like something I was destined to do. I dedicated time to learning and refining my skills—wax carving, stone setting, and torch work—but ultimately found that designing, selling, and engaging with my clients was the most exciting and fulfilling part of my work.

Over the past 25 years, I have built a team of highly skilled artisans who help bring my concepts and visions to life, allowing me to create meaningful, beautifully crafted fine jewelry.

I find inspiration everywhere, often in the most unexpected places. Nature is a constant influence in my work—I love to garden and see endless potential in what grows. Growing up in Southern California, I developed a passion for collecting shells, seed pods, and wildflowers, and these natural elements have become recurring themes in my designs.

Recently, I’ve been working on a project with Blackberry Farm, where I’ve had the opportunity to take this inspiration even further, creating realistic vegetables and animals out of gold and gemstones. I love the challenge of capturing the beauty of nature in precious and semi-precious materials.

My clients also inspire me. There is something incredibly powerful about a woman choosing to buy jewelry for herself—valuing and celebrating herself in that way. It feels supportive and nurturing. At times, I’ve questioned the significance of my work, but as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized that how a woman feels is deeply important. When you look good, you feel good, and being able to empower my clients through jewelry is one of the most fulfilling aspects of what I do.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I believe human connection is essential, and the jewelry I create is an expression of the person who wears it. There is an intimacy in selecting a piece of jewelry—whether it’s a woman choosing something for herself or a man selecting a meaningful gift. Being part of that moment and knowing that my work will become a cherished part of someone’s daily life is incredibly special.

Jewelry should not only be beautiful but also feel good to wear and stand the test of time. The pieces I create are designed to last forever, and I love knowing that they will carry stories, emotions, and memories for generations to come.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In my industry, challenges are constant—there is always competition and pressure to evolve. Early in my career, I believed I had to keep my trade secrets to myself, seeing other jewelers as competitors rather than collaborators. But as I’ve grown, both in years and in perspective, I’ve come to realize that the only real competition is with myself. This shift in mindset has opened doors to incredible collaborations with strong, like-minded women who are building businesses of their own. I’ve learned that together, we are all stronger, and there is so much value in sharing knowledge and lifting each other up.

Contact Info:

• Website: patriciamariefinejewelry.com
• Instagram: @patricia_marie_fine_jewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCs1sLfsC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Lindsey McAlister