Saturday Sparkle: Passamenterie Jewelry

Who Sparkled This Saturday?

Passamenterie Jewelry

Today on Saturday Sparkle, I thought I'd share the work of a talented jewelry designer whose collections really give me a goal to aspire to. I've always dreamed about working with expensive materials, but I'm not quite there yet (and for me, its still a hobby). So, I look with awe at the gorgeous collection of high-end jewelry that comes from independent designer, Courtney Laine at Passamenterie Jewelry in Savannah, Georgia.

As you can see from her incredible Capucine Earrings, Courtney creates elegant and unique works of true beauty and her designs feature exquisite and fine gemstones, 18-24k gold, platinum and sterling silver. These particular earrings were created with pale champagne rutilated quartz briolettes that are an astounding 43.5 carats each! They are then topped with wonderful cascades of solid sterling silver & white freshwater pearls, white keshi pearl blossoms, and a single white akoya pearl with rose overtones. When I look at these earrings, I can only sing the Angel-Ahhh! I think they are splendid examples of woman who has truly mastered her craft.

I had a chance to get to know Courtney a bit as I was preparing for today's post, and here's what she shared with us about her background.

Courtney, how did you get your start in jewelry design?

I began designing jewelry in 1998, when I was still in high school. My plans at that time were to study fashion design and jewelry was just a hobby until I was ready for design school.

What inspired you to turn your hobby into a jewelry business?

Very quickly I began to fall in love with the process of designing jewelry...planning, sketching, gem selection, creating the final design...I just couldn't stop creating. I started selling my work to get an idea of the business side of the industry and as soon as I sold my first piece I was hooked on the idea of turning a hobby I truly loved into a business. One year off between high school and design school became two years, then three...and now, 10 years after I made my very first piece, I have made jewelry rather than fashion design my career (and I still love every minute of it!).

When creating a design, what are your top three sources of inspiration?

I derive quite a bit of inspiration for my designs from the past, be it art, architecture, history or fashion itself; however from the very beginning of my career the biggest source of inspiration for my designs has come from the gemstones themselves. The incredible array of shapes & colors provide an endless artistic palate for my jewelry designs. When new gemstone shipments arrive I immediately lay all of the gemstones out across my jewelry bench and just let the rainbow of colors inspire me!

If you had any advice to give a newbie to jewelry making, what would it be?

The best advice I've ever received, and the advice I always give when asked about how to get started in the jewelry biz, is to make what you love. I think many people get caught up in making as many sales as possible by creating what they see as a big trend or what they see other designers selling successfully. When you're trying to start a business, making what you truly love and putting your own spin on it is not only more fulfilling, but will help you achieve more success as well.

Who has provided you with the most support for your jewelry business?

I have always had a huge amount of support from my family, my mother especially has always been there for me. I have also been very lucky to find a few very supportive customers early on in my career who have helped my business grow and become some of my most loyal "fans" over the years.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am just so thankful that I can make my living doing something I truly love!

Courtney, thanks sooo much for letting me share your beautiful creation with my readers.

Happy Saturday!