SSMDesign ~ Jewelry Personified About the Artisan

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My Story

Stephanie S McGrath SSMDesign ~ Jewelry Personified 

☞ 7/21 UPDATE✨ I am no longer in active treatment for breast cancer, I am in remission WOO HOO!  I am now beginning to create again I am slowly updating my shop. Please subscribe to my newsletter or request to be notified when items are back in stock. Thank you so much for your understanding and support!

☞ 7/21 - Due to the inflated cost of precious metals I will be adding stainless steel, bronze, copper, and brass options into the mix.  All components are described in detail in each items listing.

I believe that your jewelry should speak of your style, who you are, and where you've been! I create classic heirloom quality pieces that are not only beautiful and functional, but will last a lifetime and hopefully beyond!! My unique fine jewelry pieces are created using only the highest quality materials; natural conflict-free gemstones, freshwater cultured pearls, nickel free reclaimed/recycled precious metals, and findings sourced within and/or made in the USA whenever possible! I make jewelry that I would wear myself and my art tends to be organic, eclectic, whimsical, and delicate. A true reflection of my personality!  

I am a one woman show! All of my jewelry is hand fabricated by my two hands. I also do all of the ordering, bookkeeping, packaging and shipping, photography, website creation, and upkeep, as well as managing our household, etc, etc, etc...  you get the idea.

My life in jewelry design began by chance in 2008. My full-time job was as a product specialist traveling the auto show circuit 7 months of the year for a leading automaker for nearly a decade. As a creative outlet, I took a class in wire wrapping and I was hooked! I opened a little shop on Etsy in 2009 and left the "traveling circus", as I like to call it, in 2011 to focus full-time on my craft. Though I am mostly self-taught, I have a voracious appetite for learning new techniques! I am constantly attending workshops, watching tutorials, and taking classes to further my knowledge in the art of jewelry making. My roots in design go all the way back to childhood. I spent much more time designing and decorating my Barbie dolls house and wardrobe than I did actually playing with Barbie. Interior design was my major in college and I'm able to apply much of the knowledge and principles to jewelry design.

I specialize in smaller hard to find sizes and delicate jewelry for a more petite frame. I know firsthand just how difficult it can be to find a size 3.5 ring or a 15 inch chain! I'm very detail oriented by nature and since we're all multi-sided I always add a little something extra to the back of every necklace and bracelet, so that it's just as pretty from the back as the front. I create jewelry I would wear and each piece is infused with a bit of my personality, attention to detail, and whimsical unexpected touches - jewelry personified.

I am most inspired by nature! The endless colors, shapes, sizes, and textures Mother Nature creates provide an endless array at which to marvel! I am also fascinated by the ornate detail and handcrafted pride in pretty much everything relating to the turn of the century, more specifically the 1880s to around the 1940s. As I learn new techniques and hone my skills I find myself designing more and more pieces with antique and vintage flair.

My pieces are imagined and created in my studio in Venice, Florida. I believe that energy is transferred in the creation process and I want my jewelry to feel as great to wear as it looks! Therefore I've created my surroundings to be as tranquil and filled with love as possible. I begin my day with my husband's hand roasted small batch coffee, calm soothing music, delightful scents, and open my mind to possibility (and maybe a stroll down the beach). My space is filled with happy colors and decorated with photos of those I hold dear and items that make me smile. I hope you too can feel the love and care that went into every detail of your very own special piece : )

I place a lot of importance on honesty, fair trade, and being eco-conscious! ALL of my gemstones and pearls are natural and conflict-free and I use ONLY precious metals which have been reclaimed and recycled.

The majority of my designs are one of a kind, limited edition, personalized or custom. I enjoy working closely with customers to create exactly what they envision! Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions and/or ideas!

Handcrafted jewelry has a character, charm, and whimsy that is not found in commercial pieces! Every gemstone is unique and no two pieces are alike. Most of my jewelry is created when an order has been placed, so though you may not request any customization specifically your item is custom created for you alone! 

Handmade is the decision to live consciously. It's the idea and the execution, the maker, the product. A way of life.

 

A peek inside my studio where the magic happens 😉

 

A custom design in progress...

 

Events

 

Olala Siesta Key Village Pop-Up ShopAtomic Holiday Bazaar 2023

Testimonials

Sizing

 

Tools and guides to help you find your correct jewelry size.

 

If you are unsure of your ring size I offer inexpensive reusable sizing bands. You can also visit a reputable local jewelry store and ask to be sized.

 

 

How to measure for a bangle bracelet