Wicked Lovely Fashion: Finding one-of-a-kind jewelry in Utah County - Daily Herald
When it comes to custom and one of a kind jewelry pieces there are several avenues you can take to find the perfect piece for you.
One option of course is to shop online. Sites like Etsy and even Amazon provide an array of wonderful and varied treasures. However, while I am a huge fan of ordering many things online, there can be some downsides to ordering unique, special and sometimes expensive jewelry pieces online. This is especially true once you venture into custom and vintage assemblage work. Whether placing orders for items like these in person or online, the returns policies are often non-existent (because the whole point is that the piece is unique to you) but when it comes to online, that margin for potential unhappiness increases two-fold because there would be little to no tangible interaction, verification or review of the items during the design process.
This is where local vendors come in. Don’t get me wrong, as a jewelry artisan myself (see my work at WickedLovelyJewelry.com) I know firsthand the wonderful work that can be found online, but I also have a strong affinity for the talented local jewelry designers in our area. My three favorite shops are as varied as the pieces they design. They are Planted Earth, The Jewelry Doctor and Forge Jewelry Works.
The first deals with antique and vintage assemblage pieces. Crafted from various articles from different decades, Planted Earth is a jewelry store and so much more. This store has it all — antiques, collectibles and even a fresh flower shop!
It is not these things, however, that hold my heart, but the vast array of glass cases containing the vintage pieces the proprietor has collected and assembled into one-of-a-kind walking art. I am often amazed at the thoughtful way she puts together some of the pieces and you can expect to find everything from necklaces made out of old war medals and cameos to bracelets designed with foreign coins and vintage crystals. I have never seen the same piece twice in the shop either, so there is a pretty great bet that your purchase will be totally unique.
The only issue with the shop is just how much time you will want to spend looking through all the various treasures. The staff is patient, light-hearted and helpful. The Planted Earth is located at 440 S. State St. in Orem.
My next choice is a little shop located just past the food court in the University Mall (575 E. University Pkwy L184, Orem) called The Jewelry Doctor. The owner/artisan, Ali Hassanzadeh, is perhaps one of the friendliest and kind-hearted people I have ever met and he takes those traits and puts them into his work.
Like the business name implies, The Jewelry Doctor can fix, repair and enhance a vast array of pieces. Part of my recent experience with this unassuming shop involved fixing and working with a vintage locket that was in need of some TLC because the tiny clasp wasn’t holding. I thought I was going to have to retire the piece, but it came back to me solid and polished and working beautifully. In addition to closures, they can fix prongs, settings, clasps and chains, just to name a few.
Ali and his team also design beautiful custom pieces. From engagement rings to money clips, they can create something special. Add onto that their ability to work with surfaces that many jewelers can’t and they can emboss, engrave and customize pretty much any piece you’d like. Ali himself has certifications as a master jeweler and optical and metal laser specialist, so they can do things that many other jewelers can’t. With reasonable pricing, quick turnaround and good work hours, they do their best to make your experience a good one. The sweet and friendly staff is great and it is not uncommon for Ali to stop what he is working on and come talk to customers personally to ensure they get what they want.
Last, but in no way least, is Forge Jewelry Works. This unique and casual but high-end store sells pieces crafted by their on-site master goldsmith, Richard Beach, as well as pieces by local artists and custom pieces designed on their amazing computer program in the store with a knowledgeable consultant.
When I visited this store, located at 2255 N. University Pkwy. Suite 1, in Provo, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was looking for a unique replacement for my missing wedding ring that I could wear every day, one that would fit my personal style and make me feel special. Well, Forge delivered. I sat down with several pictures of rings I had pulled from all over and put my poor consultant through the ringer. He did everything I asked with a smile on his face and at the end of it all, he was just as proud of what we created as I was excited. Watching your piece come to life on the screen in front of you is somewhat magical in that you get a real sense of the piece before you have to make any decisions.
They also have quite a few stone options and designs for you to view in person, and their knowledgeable goldsmith and designer, who makes the most wonderful handcrafted pieces, is on hand to lend advice and offer alternatives. Even the décor is unique with a cool vibe and friendly atmosphere. Forge is definitely high end, but without the high pressure and high price tags.
There are many more local shops that deserve to make this list, but these are my personal favorites for their special pieces, design elements and repair support. Whether you are looking for something with a little bit of history, need something made new again, or want something custom designed just for you, you will find it. Though each of these places is vastly different from the others, the one thing that remains the same is quality. Go and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
