We love the clever, modern designs of Emily Elizabeth Jewelry. The pieces, designed by a native New Yorker, reflect both nature and modern life, and often provide witty takes on pop culture. (The saltine necklace is one of our faves!) We chatted with Emily Elizabeth herself to find out more about where she gets her inspiration.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My jewelry is a big reflection of me and whatever mood I was in on the day the jewelry was designed and created. I consider myself a person of duality: like my work I can be sophisticated and subtle or fun and bold.



How did you get started as a designer? I got started by default. I graduated college with an English degree and didn't know what to do with myself. After some soul searching I realized that I needed to something that I was good AND enjoyed doing. Knowing that I love fashion, I am good with my hands and love to accessorize, I began fiddling around with jewelry supplies and built a small collection. Once I completed that collection and gave it a test run with family and friends I quickly realized that I had the capability of producing jewelry that people would want to wear and buy!

What inspires your work? I was born and raised in lower Manhattan and reside there still. I am always inspired by New York City and the amount of creative influence that bursts through the seams of the city. I take that into consideration while I design pieces.

Who are your favorite designers? I prefer designers who are classic such as Michael Kors, Rachel Roy, Walter, and Valentino, if I am so lucky. :)

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves?
To name a few...
- True Religion jeans
- Lashblast mascara
- Black pointy toe boots
- Cargo blush
- A big hobo bag to carry all of my stuff

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? In the beginning experiment to find your aesthetic. Once you find your design identity, focus on and specialize in that so you can build your own easily identifiable look that sets you apart from other designers. Most importantly don't give up! This business is hard and ultra competitive but that shouldn't be reason to throw in the jewels so to speak!

Where can people find your work? My work can be purchased directly through me at my online shop www.shop.emilyelizabethjewelry.com as well as other various ecommerce and brick and mortar stores around the country and Asia.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.