Favorite etsy jewelry shops of the week...

Love love love the feel, colors, and charming-ness of the following store. Worksinprogress, a photographer/jewelry designer, carries a lovely abundance of whimsical gems. She was so friendly as to offer an interview....

1. What got you interested in jewelry making?
I've actually been interested in jewelry making for a long time; when I was younger I used to make little friendship bracelets and beaded bracelets too. As I got older, my range improved and I think my pieces have too. ;) And I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 17 (about a year and a half ago)! After that, I started buying tons of earrings all the time, and really got interested in jewelry making then. And that is the first jewelry I would make and sell, stud earrings, which are good for beginners as they are simple enough. And then I started finding all these adorable charms and things, so I began to make necklaces and such. It's nice to be able to think up a design I would like to wear myself, and then be able to make it too. Because sometimes you might not be able to find a ready-made piece like you are looking for.

2. Which do you prefer, photography or jewelry creations?
I love both, but I think I prefer the jewelry creations. And I think in this economy, people are more likely to buy something they can "use". So they'd rather buy a piece of jewelry they can wear instead of a photo. Plus, selling online, I can combine both! So I can take interesting product photos which satisfies both aspects.

3. What does the jewelry world need more of?
I think the jewelry world needs more "whimsical" pieces. I find that a lot of sellers don't have that touch of whimsy. But I really think that is what people are looking for, they would like something unique and clever that isn't just some beads strung along a chain. So I try add some whimsy and clever-ness into my pieces; the jewelry themselves, the photos, the listing writeup, the name, etc. Especially online, people are buying an "experience" basically. And sometimes it can be tough to do that unique, whimsical thing, without seeming overly childish.

4. What are your favorite things to shoot?
I love taking photos of flowers, even "weeds" if they look pretty! I also like old books, and vintage-y things. And I love self portraits! But the reason for that mainly is because I don't really have any other models available all the time. ;) And I also like to take photos of things that aren't necessarily seen as "pretty", but I can try and capture their beauty in an interesting way (like with the weeds).

5. Who/what are some of your top three influences?
I have always been a big fan of the Olsens! haha, and I really admire their style, business skills, etc. And then my very favorite poem is Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee" and a lot of my pieces are inspired by lines taken from it. I also just love words in general! So another big influence of mine is music, and I take great meaning from song lyrics.

view buy at: worksinprogress.etsy.com

Another current favorite shop, would be yellowgoat.
Everything is so classic, simple, beautiful, and feels so original.
She photographs her work amazingly.
I want everything she makes, but I think the ring box the most :)

View buy at: yellowgoat.etsy.com

Now, a must see store. So creative. Take a look at the bridal section.
I want that 150.00 necklace!

view buy at muntedkowhai.etsy.com

Finally, by Opulentoddities, a fun, creative, edgy shop,
with tons of amazing necklaces.
View buy at: opulentodditites.etsy.com