The Handmade's Tale: Caroline from Just Because Jewelry

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to self-taught, independent artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely mom, blogger and jewelry-maker Caroline from Just Because Jewelry.
 

Who: Caroline Bertani

What: Jewelry-maker 

Where: Just Because Jewelry

When: Caroline's been an avid wearer of jewelry since she was little but she's been making her own pieces for almost three years now. 

Why: A few yeas ago, Caroline was looking for something to help keep her teenage daughters busy during summer vacation. A lover of all things creative, she decided to teach them jewelry-making. She enjoyed it so much, she started wearing her own pieces to work where they were a big hit. And so her first collection was launched. "Looking back, I believe I started doing this because I was craving a creative outlet," she says. "Working in a corporate environment for a long time, and like many other working moms, raising children and keeping up with day-to-day life, I felt I had little opportunity to release any quality creative energy. But the floodgates were opened as I started on this jewelry-creating journey, and I've not been able to stop -- nor do I want to. 

Her Philosophy: "If the beads feel good, the piece is going to look great," she says. "I've found the best looking pieces come together at their own pace, so I like to just let the the beads do the work. Each piece is special and thoughtful. I settle for nothing less than quality components and craftsmanship, so my customers should expect that in my pieces." 

Her Inspirations: "I am moved, inspired, exhilarated and stimulated by love, life, happiness and beauty, all in the forms of my children, my boyfriend, nature, colors, music," she says.

Tickled Blue, $80
The teal blue-green shade of these baroque shaped pearls reminds Caroline of the gorgeous color of the Caribbean. Pearls are separated with silver glass seed beads and the focal pendant is a carved sterling silver flower. Length: 18.5 inches, adjustable to 20 inches.

Spice of Life, $95
Variety is ... that is. Check out the sterling silver Bali spacers and beads mingled with the colorful combination of more than 12 different types of beads. Can't go wrong with all of these colors and textures! Length: 18.5 inches.

One Fish, Blue Fish, $120
Diamond shaped amazonite beads and grey Swarovski pearls capped with Bali silver work in harmony to showcase the attractive hand-forged Hill Tribe sterling silver circle fish pendant that is the centerpiece of this hand wire-wrapped necklace. Length: 22 inches. 

Many Splendors Necklace, $110
The bulk of this double strand necklace is made up of lovely faceted glass Czech beads, ranging in color from teal, to multi-colored, to rust. The larger focal beads include a faceted square cut of rich red tiger eye beads, and a teal oval of mother-of-pearl shell beads. Sterling silver toggle clasp. Length: 23.5 inches.

Red Square Earrings, $35

Red tiger eye, faceted square with sterling silver wires.

Green Oval Earrings, $30
Teal mother-of-pearl with Czech glass with sterling silver wires.

Hot Rock Cluster, $75
A great collection of gemstones arranged in a cluster pendant and suspended from a hammered sterling silver chain. The focal bead is a faceted carnelian, with Idaho plume agate, turquoise rounds and a smoky quartz teardrop surrounding it. Length: 16.5 inches.

Where to Buy: Check out Caroline's blog where she likes to chat about jewelry, her family and her fun hobbies. Then drop by Just Because Jewelry where you'll find a gorgeous collection of gemstone, crystal and pearl necklaces, earrings and bracelets. She's even designed a fab line for men! Oh, and she welcomes custom orders. Who wouldn't agree with Caroline when she says "every girl needs a little something... just because."

Want to be featured in Cinnamon and Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.