Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Calabrese

Eva, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I started making jewelry in November 2021 as a creative outlet during college at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a hobby born out of necessity and creativity—I wanted jewelry that actually fit me. My ring size, 3.5 to 4.5, is rarely available in stores, as most rings start at size 5. Frustrated by the lack of options, I decided to create pieces tailored to my size and style.

As I kept designing and experimenting, my skills grew, and friends began noticing my work. They started asking me to make jewelry for them, which soon extended to their friends. What began as a small favor turned into a steady stream of requests, and by April 2022, I officially launched my small business. Initially, I saw it as a side hustle to help me through college, where I was studying criminal justice and psychology. However, the more I engaged with the Philadelphia artist community, the more my passion for jewelry-making deepened.

I’ve always been artistic, spending my childhood and teen years painting, drawing, and using mediums like oil pastels and charcoal. I even won competitions for my artwork. But back then, I believed my “true calling” lay in helping people in other ways, which led me to pursue criminal justice. I thought art couldn’t make a meaningful impact. That perspective changed when I saw how my jewelry allowed people to feel like their most authentic selves. Hearing customers say that my pieces were a perfect reflection of their personality was deeply rewarding and gave my work a new sense of purpose.

Jewelry-making became more than a hobby or side business—it became a way to merge my love for art with my desire to help others. Like me, many of my customers struggled to find jewelry that fit them in both size and style. Creating custom, unique pieces not only allowed me to express myself but also helped others feel seen and celebrated. That realization reignited my passion for art, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.

Since graduating in 2022, I’ve been balancing my career in criminal justice with growing my business. The support from my community and customers has been invaluable as I continue to learn, create, and expand. Though I’m not yet in a position to commit to my business full-time, I look forward to the day when I can fully embrace this journey. For now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about where this path will lead.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The journey to where I am now has been far from smooth. While I’ve been lucky to have incredible support from friends, family, and the Philadelphia artist community, the biggest challenges have come from within. There have been moments of intense self-doubt—times when my insecurities whisper that I’m not enough or that I’ve made the wrong choices.
I sometimes question whether I’ve wasted my time and my parents’ money pursuing something so different from the path I studied for. This doubt tends to creep in most strongly during disappointing vending experiences at art markets or craft fairs. When I spend hours setting up, putting my heart into my work, and then barely make sales, it’s hard not to feel defeated. Those moments leave me wondering if I’m on the wrong path, if my art isn’t resonating with people, or if I’m simply not cut out for this.
These setbacks can feel like confirmation of my fears, and pulling myself out of that spiral isn’t always easy. But despite the bumps in the road, I remind myself why I started: to create something meaningful, to help others express themselves, and to reignite my own passion for art. Every time I see someone light up while wearing one of my pieces or hear how my work makes them feel, it reaffirms that this journey, though difficult, is worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Mystical Treasures, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My business focuses on creating crystal jewelry and accessories that are not only beautiful but deeply personal. I work with genuine crystal gemstones, freshwater pearls, Czech and lampwork glass beads, and other unique materials. I specialize in wire-wrapped designs, which is how I started, but I’ve expanded my offerings to include beaded pieces as well. My staple items are pendants, rings, and earrings, but I’m always experimenting with new techniques and styles to broaden what I can offer.

What truly sets my business apart is the thought and care I pour into every piece, especially when it comes to custom work. For me, jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s a form of self-expression and connection. When someone comes to me for a custom piece, I don’t just ask what they want; I want to know who they are. I take the time to learn about their personality, what they need spiritually in that moment, and how they want to represent themselves. My goal is to create something that doesn’t just look beautiful but feels like an extension of who they are. Jewelry should make you feel like the most authentic version of yourself, and I work hard to achieve that for every customer.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is my commitment to quality and sustainability. Many of the materials I use are second-hand or thrifted, and through extensive research, I’ve taught myself how to identify genuine materials like crystals, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and even gold-plated metals. This ensures my pieces are authentic, high-quality, and environmentally conscious. I’ve also become skilled at recognizing intricate details about these materials, which adds an extra layer of expertise to my craft.

The jewelry world is vast and ever-evolving, and I take pride in continuing to learn and refine my skills. Whether it’s mastering a new technique or uncovering the history behind a specific gemstone, I’m constantly growing as a maker.

Ultimately, my business is about more than creating jewelry—it’s about helping people tell their stories without words. Each piece I create is a collaboration between my craftsmanship and the customer’s individuality, resulting in something truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re looking for something to complement your personal style, connect with your spiritual side, or simply make you feel seen, my jewelry is designed to do just that. My hope is that every piece I make not only adds beauty to your life but also empowers you to embrace who you are.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

To be honest, I don’t focus too much on where the industry will be in 5-10 years. Thinking too far ahead doesn’t serve me well mentally or spiritually—I prefer to stay present and focus on what I can do now to grow and improve. The jewelry industry is so expansive and diverse, with countless subcategories and niches, that I believe there’s room for everyone to find their place.
That said, I’ve noticed some exciting shifts, particularly in the wire-wrapping world. This style has been gaining popularity faster than I’ve seen before, which makes me happy as someone who started with wire wrapping. What I love about this craft is its hands-on nature—it originated as an alternative to soldering, but now, with advancements in technology, people can create and cast intricate designs almost instantly. While casting is an impressive skill in its own right, there’s something special about the artistry of manually binding metal and attaching stones by hand in a way that’s both durable and beautiful. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship and patience that goes into every piece.
The jewelry world is always evolving, and I think we’ll continue to see a blend of traditional techniques like wire wrapping coexisting with modern methods like 3D printing and casting. This evolution excites me because it keeps the art form fresh and allows jewelers to express themselves in new ways while honoring the timeless traditions of the craft.

Pricing:

• I offer a wide range of products at varying prices to not only keep it diverse but to keep some jewelry cheaper than others. Regardless of monetary status I believe everyone deserves to own beautiful jewelry.
• My products range from $7-$200. Additionally, I offer payment plans for anything over $100.
• With custom orders, I will always ask a client what their price range is so I can source the materials to fit their budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://evasmysticaltreasures.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystical__treasures/profilecard/?igsh=M2hjM20yMXRqOG81
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mystical__treasures?_t=8rq6njzliAM&_r=1

Image Credits

Sophia Jean, Collin Shaw, Patchwork & myself