Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Anne.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Goldsmithing is definitely not something I learned overnight! I started out making jewelry as a teenager. My high school had (and still has) an amazing jewelry-making program that really set me on the right path. During my junior year, I went on to accept a formal apprenticeship position with a local master goldsmith. I studied under him for about six years, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge and skill that I could. From then I went on to work in a management position for the world’s largest diamond retail company. I am currently attending GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to become a graduate gemologist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the biggest struggle has been my gender and my age. Believe it or not, the jewelry industry is predominantly male. Sure, there are plenty of female jewelry designers, but very few actually make what they design. When I was working for other jewelry companies, I was constantly having to prove myself to my fellow male coworkers that I actually knew what I was doing. Most of them were double or even triple my age. That being said, I learned so much from them and I’m very grateful for that. Another challenge has definitely been competing with larger chain store brands. As someone who used to work for those stores, I know first hand that the quality of their jewelry is lacking when it comes to longevity and structural integrity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in handmade, fine, custom jewelry! All of my designs are original, handcrafted, and completely customizable. As a brand, I really wanted to do and be something different by bringing back the lost craft of jewelry making. I want my clients to be confident in the quality and structural integrity of the pieces they purchase. My goal is to make something that will literally last for generations.
I also put a lot of effort into making my pieces as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. I only use recycled precious metals from accredited and trustworthy metal suppliers. I have all of my scrap metal pieces refined to be re-used in future designs. I always recommend lab-created diamonds to my clients, as they are optically and physically identical to natural/mined diamonds but come at a fraction of the cost. Not only that, but their creation does not impact our environment nearly as drastically as mining for natural diamonds. On average, 1,750 tons of earth need to be moved before a 1-carat natural diamond can be found. All of that being said, I do still offer natural diamonds upon request. As of right now, we are exclusively online only. However, we do have plans to eventually open up a storefront in San Diego!
How do you define success?
Usually, when you hear the word success, you automatically think about money and fame. However, the literal definition of the word success is “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” I think success is a long-term goal made up of smaller accomplishments along the way. It’s the little wins in life that really make it worth living. For example, if I have to create something that’s outside my comfort zone and challenges me, but I overcome it, I consider that to be a great success.
Pricing:
- Pricing is totally subject to the specific design, materials, and quality of materials used. My pieces usually range from $150 – $15,000. I try my best to accommodate everyone’s unique budget and circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Email: bling@exodusgoldsmiths.com
- Website: https://www.exodusgoldsmiths.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exodusgoldsmiths/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exodusgoldsmiths/
