I’ve been making jewelry for years, and after taking jewelry fabrication classes at a couple of local art schools, I learned new techniques and integrated metalsmithing into my designs. I’ve always been on the hunt for vintage items and small things forgotten that can be repurposed into something new. My collections are influenced by my love for travel, trips to museums, vintage flea markets, people watching, and the sites and colors of each city.

Pack for Paris is a handcrafted jewelry brand based in La Mesa, California. I use traditional metalsmithing techniques and hand forge all my pieces in small batches, working primarily with gold-filled, sterling silver, and brass metals. I like to describe my brand’s aesthetic as, “a mix of modern + vintage vibes” and my collections include wardrobe essentials like dainty stacking rings and stud earrings, as well as eclectic limited-edition pieces. When creating new designs, I often upcycle from my curated collection of nearly 3,000 vintage Czech glass buttons, adding to the sustainability and uniqueness of each piece.

Many of these designs are one-of-a-kind and I’m adding new items to the shop regularly. I use high-quality, ethically-sourced gemstones and do my best to work with vendors who care about the environment. The jewelry is made-to-order which helps to avoid any unnecessary over-production. Additionally, I’m proud to say that all my jewelry packaging (plant-based packing tape, zero waste stickers and shipping labels, boxes, tissue paper, compostable plastic baggies, and corrugated bubble) is recyclable and environmentally friendly.

I love vintage pieces, but also modern, minimalist designs, so I create my jewelry with this in mind. I think this makes my business unique and hopefully makes me stand out in the very crowded jewelry space. I feel there’s always room for brands with unique ideas that appeal to people with interests similar to mine.

Pack for Paris is handcrafted jewelry which I make in my home studio. Besides the chain components of my jewelry, I create every other piece myself,,,it’s hand cut, sawed, and hand forged. I take pride in creating each component as part of the design process. It may take a little bit longer, but it’s something I prefer to do as a jewelry artist. My husband is a machinist who is familiar with CAD/CAM design, welding and metallurgy, so I often go to him with technical questions and design ideas. it’s helpful that he also has industry connections that I can use when needed.

Before I left my last job and transitioned to this career, I took classes in jewelry making from a couple of different schools in San Diego. I learned to metalsmith and was really drawn to this technique for creating jewelry. Learning is a life-long process which involves formal education as well as reading, watching videos and online classes. I’m looking forward to picking up additional courses to help me grow and progress as a jewelry designer.

I think the best source of new clients for me has been working outdoor and local markets that sell directly to the public. The customers are often looking for handcrafted products and vintage goods, and Pack for Paris falls into both those categories! At these markets, I’m able to interface directly with potential customers and give them the backstory to my jewelry. They find out interesting facts about the Czech glass buttons, ethically-sourced gemstones or even how my company uses earth-friendly processes and packaging. It’s great for customers to see the face behind the name and many people often prefer to support local businesses rather than shopping at the big retailers. I love to get to know the person buying my jewelry and I’m grateful to see them excited about something I’ve made. It’s fun to know your handcrafted piece is going to someone who appreciates how it’s been made. If you’re able to participate in a local market, I highly recommend this as a source for new clients!