Bohemian chic with a touch of glamour – accessories & jewellery from Elizabeth Perry Collections

Elizabeth Perry, initially an accessories designer these days, learnt the delicate art of jewellery making from her mother when she was young. She started Elizabeth Perry Collections three and a half years ago, and she has been making beautifully crafted accessories and pieces of jewellery ever since. At the age of just 26, she is a full-time wife, mother, small business owner and farmers’ market manager.

Where did you study and what did you get from the experience?

Most of my experience has come from my family. They have all managed their own businesses and have encouraged my creativity from a very early age. I also studied business administration when I was in college at Oregon State University.

How do you personally feel about jewellery, and how do you use it to express yourself?

I feel like the accessories make the outfit. I tend to wear neutral colours in clothing, but my accessories get to translate my mood.

Which of your current designs is your favourite and why?

My go-to look is a stack of at least five bracelets, a longer layering necklace paired with a shorter pendant, and dangle earrings. Right now, my go-to item is our Mint Marquise Earrings.

Are there any rules for wearing jewellery?

You want to avoid wearing completely matching pieces. For example, your earrings should be complimentary to your necklace but not exactly the same style. You also want to watch out for over-accessorising.

Which is your favourite era for design and why?

Right now, I’m very fond of the industrial look mixed with genuine vintage elements. I tend to gravitate towards all things 1950s though, including my house.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight so far has been the response of Etsy using our Bumble Bee Bobby Pins as one of their main jewellry photos on Pinterest. All summer long, our little hairpins have been buzzing around the internet and we have hardly been able to keep up with the sales.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Free People or Anthropologie. Their designs embody that same free-spirited woman that we try to engage, and they have an appreciation for handmade goods by new and upcoming artists. Not to mention, I shop there all the time.

Would you say the jewellery is directed at a particular trend or group of people?

The majority of our shoppers are women from 25-35, with a high percentage of soon-to-be brides.

What has triggered your focus into bridal jewellery specifically?

It is what my customers are asking for. Plus, I love the concept of wearing something on your wedding day and being able to wear it lots of times thereafter.

What are a few of your likes and dislikes in terms of design and style aesthetic?

My favourite is mixing different metal types. I also aim to use a combination of new and vintage materials in most of the designs. I prefer using geometric shapes and lines with soft colours. I like the pieces to look feminine, but to have versatility and bold features so nothing is too girly. I’d say our style is more bohemian chic with glamorous touches.

Please tell me about the creative process that went into your current collection. What techniques were used?

The inspiration behind the current collection was from a secret garden type of experience. A little bit of mystery, romance, old-world elegance and innocence. I spend months sketching, researching, finding the perfect materials, practicing and playing with different concepts. As an artist, it’s hard to accept anything less than perfect but sometimes the imperfections make a piece truly extraordinary.

What are your favourite things about your job, any negatives?

I wouldn’t trade my job for any other job in the world! That doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges. Struggles come with most start-up small businesses, but if you’re passionate and dedicated enough you get through it and over to the other side.

Plans for the future? Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

In ten years, I hope to have grown our domestic and international stockists considerably. In addition, I would like to have launched our bridal gown designs and home designs, which we are already preparing for.

How would you describe your personality, and is this reflected in your work?

Absolutely! I’m an introverted, laid-back, cuddle up with a good book and my husband kind of gal. When it comes to being an artist, I’m a passionate, outgoing, dreamer and adventurer. Both are represented in my work as the pieces embody my personal style and creativity.

Do you have a team working with you to help manage the brand?

Yes, my husband helps to manage our sales and marketing and I recently hired a few friends to help with production and shipping. We’ve also built a great partnership with Leanne Miller Photography, and I’ve been working with Cotton Flower Press to redo our logo and branding.

We love the gypsy coin halo, your crystal earrings and the bridal garters, where did the inspiration come from for these pieces?

I was trying to create pieces that were simple, affordable and beautiful. Sometimes, taking a material that should be used for a necklace and using it for a headpiece makes it more exciting. My job is constantly testing my ability to think outside the box and a few steps ahead.

Elizabeth Finney

To view the rest of Elizabeth’s collection, follow this link to her fabulous Etsy shop here.