It All Started With Daisies

In 2004, I designed my first piece of fine jewelry. I had been working with a master bench jeweler and learned some basic wax skills. After a few tries, I hand-carved a flower with irregular leaves and borders. I liked it.

It was fun and whimsical and definitely not perfect!

That’s what I wanted … I wanted an organic-feeling piece I could add color and life to. I had no idea then that, not only would this first try be my best-selling piece of jewelry, but it would literally define my collection.

Expanding the Collection

Since then, the original daisy piece has been re-carved two other times. I’ve added gemstones and diamonds and made daisy necklaces, earrings and even a ring (only once … I didn’t love it).

I’ve had so many people tell me they were wearing their daisies and someone came up to them to ask if it was from my collection. It’s extremely flattering and a bit surreal to get recognized for a piece of your jewelry.

Of course, I expanded the collection beyond daisies, but most of my pieces have that same feel. Organic, flowery, colorful. Over the years, people always ask me if I carry other basics. Plain gold hoops, chains, classic anniversaries bands and so much more. I always stuck with “nope” not my category. I have really tried to stay close to my original vision of that first daisy. It’s how people recognize my collection, and there are SO many other talented designers that create amazing jewelry to buy from besides me.

The Curated Collection

After saying “no” about a million times, I decided to put together a small curated collection. You may be wondering “What is a curated collection?” Well, curated, in basic terms means to gather or pull together. I have a network of connections to many companies who sell a lot of the great basics, and I wanted to bridge the gap for my customers. Now, when you want plain gold hoops to go with your daisy necklace, I don’t have to send you away. It seemed reasonable, and it’s been great for my clients. With the success of the initial curated collection, I have added more pieces, and plan to add named designers in the coming year.

I will ALWAYS have and create pieces for my own LSJ collection, but we hope to expand into a space that gives you even more options. I have so many talented designer friends who create amazing work. I LOVE the idea of showcasing them alongside my own collection. It feels like the best of all worlds when I get to share my extended jewelry family with you. Besides, I know that not everyone is into flowers! (I’ll try not to take this personally … haha.)

So, as I move forward in this brave new world of online shopping, I hope you’ll stick with me. I’ll be adding some staff, new ways to find and shop with us and lots of new and different jewelry!

I also want to make it clear that I know what we do over here at LSJ is not earth-shattering. We’re not changing the world by selling jewelry. However, I promise to always strive to make visiting us a little escape from your everyday life. I hope it leaves you with a smile on your face, some happy in heart and a wish list a mile long!

Remember what Winnie the Pooh said, “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts.”

Lauren