Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes Erin of Vance Davidson Jewelry! This week we launched another batch of our very popular key design collaboration featuring some really pretty pastel and neon colored sapphires. There are a couple left, so definitely check those out! Erin has been designing and handcrafting jewelry for several years, first starting out with silver and then eventually falling in love with gold. I’m so excited to share her personal collection with you today – and yes, there are many pieces she made herself within her collection, as well as other designers’ work which she loves to support other talented folks out there. Let’s get into it:
“The oldest pieces in my collection are from when I was 1 year old (a heart locket and my 10k gold baby ring). I obviously don’t remember the love for jewelry then and it was something gifted to me, but the obsession grew quickly. I was always going through my mom’s jewelry box and trying on anything she would let me. I remember going to Mexico when I was maybe 7 or 8 and picking out one of my first rings and having it sized for myself. I guess you could say I have always been a collector and a fan of jewelry – I gravitate to it any chance I get. I really started collecting gold pieces when I was in my late 20’s and it has just become one with me.”
“I love brightly colored sapphires. The brighter and weirder, the more likely I am going to slip it into my hoard. I made myself a few pieces last year with stones I just can’t part with and now I feel so happy to wear them everyday. I love the look of all gold pieces, and gold/diamonds of course – but something about colorful gemstones that glow in the sun just speaks to my soul. I love being able to throw on jewelry that feels like it matches my personality – a sapphire for every mood. I also have always been drawn to celestial jewelry and star motifs – these are fun to collect because you can find it in beautiful vintage jewelry. I also have some designer friends I feel fortunate to have work from in the celestial realm. Lastly – I can’t resist a good chain and charm connector or clasp. This keeps styling so fun and interesting – I definitely am always looking out for these as well.”
“I think I’m so passionate about jewelry because of how it feels to adorn yourself with something you love. I feel more confident, joyful, and more myself. It can elevate my mood and makes me feel awesome in any outfit. I feel like wearing jewelry is a conversation starter, people are curious about it, especially if it is bold or unusual. I notice it everywhere I go, and I don’t feel like myself without it.”
“My husband got me a bracelet when we were first dating. He was 22, and I was 19. It was the first piece of real jewelry he ever bought a girl (he told me as I was taking pictures of my collection). He picked it out at an antique shop in a town nearby, and I actually really loved it when he gave it to me. I wore it everyday, and one day probably 6 years in, it fell off while I was working – I was devastated. He came and saw me at work the next day, no one was in the parking lot, and he shockingly found it. It had been run over and damaged, but he took it home and tried to fix it the best he could before giving it back to me that night. I still have it, and it is a wonderful memory of our relationship in our early years, and just how far we’ve come.”
“I have a few rings that never come off. Two on my thumb, my wedding set (which has evolved since getting married), my pinky set, and a few other statement rings I rotate. You can almost always guarantee my ears are going to be stacked and full of dangles. I love to mismatch and think that my earrings are some of my most FUN and asked about jewelry. The jewelry that represents my kids are special pieces I am excited to pass down to them someday. I had two rings made by a friend – one when I first found out I was pregnant (it’s a trilogy signet), and a birthstone ring as I had my 1st born on my 29th birthday (peridot sunbeam ring). I have carved their initials, and also look for charms that represent their nicknames to me. They love playing with my jewelry and I am so excited that they will have things specifically chosen or made for them that they will receive in the future. Last, but not least, my wedding ring is really special to me – Eli actually designed it with a local goldsmith and got to be part of the casting process, and this was all before I was making jewelry.”
