Being Elliott + Gather Jewelry

Sunny California is a lovely place to create beautiful things. Leora of Gather Jewelry calls California home. That's where she works on her carefully crafted  jewelry. Leora was kind enough to send me over a pair of her stunningly beautiful Southwestern Brass Earrings (seen above).

Let me tell you...I fell in love with them!

Not only are they beautifully done, but they are such statement pieces, the earrings add a bit of an "oomph" to any outfit.

Needless to say, I am now hooked. Curious about how she does it all, I asked Leora to answer a few questions for Being/Elliott.

Be sure to check out Gather Jewelry on facebook for more updates.   Enjoy the interview!

1. How did you get your start with Gather Jewelry?

It was a hobby that I fantasized about turning into a day job, but I never thought I would actually make it happen. Then one day I found myself without a day job and said, "Why not?"...and it totally worked out!

2. What inspires you to create?

I live in an exceptionally inspiring small town in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California. There's really rich gold rush history here, as well as the most enchanting river in the world. I draw inspiration from our local environment, as well as the materials that I work with. I also get a lot out of my customer's gracious feedback  and seeing them wearing my work.

I don't think I'll ever get over the rush of seeing someone I don't even know wearing something that I made. That's always really inspiring to me.

3. What do you love about working with crystals and precious metals?

Without getting too ethereal, I love the unique energies of each of them. Just handling and being around lots of different kinds of minerals is really fun and stimulating for me. Plus, they're really pretty to look at.

 

4. Do you have a favorite piece you have made?

I don't have a fave, but I can think of a couple custom pieces I've made that are really special to me because I know how much they're loved.

5. Any current obsessions you would like to share?

Searching for Sugar Man, weird vintage Hawaiian shirts, spring cleaning, and this tote I recently bought from local Lay Swing.

6. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Be authentic.

7. What is the one fashion item you think is a “must-have” for every woman?

Something that makes you feel comfortable and confident at the same time. This could be anything - I don't think there is an actual must have for every woman because we're all so different and we all go through phases. I love going through new phases and mixing it up.

8. Any advice you would like to give to aspiring designers?

If you don't feel inspired to create sometimes, don't force it. Breaks are good.

9. Any exciting designing plans for 2013?

I'm making my fiance's wedding band for our wedding in September 2013. That's a pretty big deal for me. Also, moving my work space into a new little studio in the middle of the woods! It's going to have french doors, opening up to a deck with a pool. I can't wait to see how the new space influences and

inspires new Gather designs. I'm so excited!