Meet Scarlet Chavez | Bridal & Everyday Demi-Fine Jewelry Designer | Metalsmith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scarlet Chavez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scarlet, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my business was rooted in a deep desire to create something meaningful—not just for myself but for others. I’ve always been someone who steps up when there’s a need, and my journey into jewelry design came from that same mindset.

My name is Scarlet, and I am the owner and metalsmith jewelry designer of Scarlet Elizabeth Designs, handmade bridal jewelry in Whittier, California.

When I was 13, my family was struggling to make ends meet amidst the difficulties of the 2008 recession. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t control, I sought ways I could help. That summer, I raised money for a school trip to Washington D.C. by selling handmade jewelry at local pop-ups, family events, and online. I raised enough to go, and in the process, I realized my creativity had a purpose, sparking my entrepreneurial spirit.

My love for jewelry grew while I studied Jewelry Design and Business Management at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), where I discovered my design style, heavily inspired by the ornate beauty of Baroque and Rococo art. The romance, curves, and textures of that era continue to influence my work today.

After years of working in the jewelry industry, I noticed something that never sat right with me—so many brides were settling for cheap, mass-produced costume jewelry on their wedding day. Pieces that didn’t reflect the meaning of the moment, or the beauty of the woman wearing them. Pieces that, honestly, looked like dress-up in the photos.
I wanted to change that.

With 15 years of experience, I specialize in handcrafted demi-fine bridal jewelry—an elevated alternative to both costume and fine jewelry. Using high-quality materials like 14kt gold fill, sterling silver, freshwater pearls, and natural gemstones, I create whimsical pieces that are luxurious, hypoallergenic, and made to last. Every necklace, bracelet, earring, anklet, or custom set is thoughtfully made by hand—formed, hammered, polished, and finished with intention.
But here’s what truly sets my work apart: I design jewelry that begins with your wedding day, and continues with you through every day after.

This isn’t something you wear once and tuck away. It’s meant to enhance the story you’re already telling—with your gown, your shoes, your makeup, and even your perfume. Every element of your wedding look is thoughtfully chosen, and your jewelry should be too. My pieces are designed to elevate your wedding day while staying true to your style—and then seamlessly become part of your everyday wardrobe, carrying the beauty and memory of that day with you.

My clients work with me in two ways:

Custom Design – I collaborate one-on-one with brides and clients to bring their dream bridal set—or a heartfelt bridal gift—to life. We often weave in meaningful details or personal stories, creating a piece that’s truly one of a kind. Every design is handcrafted by me and styled together with intention. Meetings take place over Zoom or in-person at pop-ups.

Ready-to-Wear Styling – For those who love my handmade jewelry but don’t want to start from scratch, I offer personal styling sessions. I help brides, bridesmaids, grooms, and bridal party members create a cohesive look by styling my handcrafted collection in a way that feels personal, elevated, and true to them.

The foundation of my business was never about chasing trends or creating fast fashion. It’s about making jewelry that holds meaning, tells a story, and lasts—just like the love it represents. I aim to offer something intentional: romantic, versatile, handcrafted demi-fine jewelry that feels luxurious but is fairly priced for the quality and care in every piece.

At the heart of my business is my faith, which guides every step of my journey. It inspires me to create jewelry that’s not only beautiful but meaningful. This journey is more than a business; it’s an expression of the values that shape me and keep me passionate about designing jewelry that tells a story and lasts a lifetime.

If you’re a bride, groom, mother-of-the-bride, bridal party member, or simply someone who wants to invest in jewelry that feels as meaningful as it looks, I’d be honored to work with you.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The lessons of originality and honesty are two of the most important values I’ve learned while growing my business. In school, we were taught to build collections from idea to sketch to final creation, and that’s exactly how I still work today. Every piece at Scarlet Elizabeth Designs is sketched and made by hand, inspired by art, emotion, and the world around me, not by other designers. I’ve seen too many brands replicate trends or copy each other under the label of “inspiration,” leading to a saturated market where clients shop by price instead of the meaning or value behind a piece.

Honesty is equally central to what I do. After the pandemic, a wave of jewelry resellers entered the market, often misleading clients by labeling costume jewelry as “fine” or “demi-fine.” This has created confusion, broken trust, and set poor expectations, for instance, assuming it’s normal for jewelry to tarnish after just a few wears. I’m not a reseller. Every piece is handcrafted in-house, and I’m transparent about the materials I use, such as 14kt gold fill, sterling silver, and vermeil, all chosen for their quality and longevity. It’s disheartening to hear when a client has had a bad experience elsewhere, and I take rebuilding that trust seriously.

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs was built on the belief that jewelry should be meaningful, intentional, and made to last. Whether it’s for a bride or an everyday client, I create pieces that feel personal, jewelry that tells a story and stands the test of time. And when you support my brand, you’re not just choosing originality and transparency—you’re helping us give back. From every order, $1 is set aside and then donated quarterly to support a fellow micro-business, Latina entrepreneur, or nonprofit. We know how hard it is to get support as a micro-business—especially as a Latina creative—so if I can help even just one person each quarter, that means everything to me. We also volunteer at school speaking engagements, hoping to inspire just one creative kid to dream big and believe in the possibility of turning their creativity into a business one day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were showing someone around for a week, I’d definitely plan a day trip to Arcadia, California. It’s one of my favorite spots when I need a little break from everything. I’ve been going for years, and it’s become a place I love sharing with friends. It just feels good to be there.

We’d kick things off with lunch at The Original Tops, my go-to casual spot that always hits the spot. I almost always order their grilled chicken Caesar salad—because I’m a salad girl and theirs is just so delicious—and pair it with their chicken tortilla soup and a side of pickled carrots. It’s the kind of meal that’s comforting and familiar, and somehow it always tastes even better when shared.

After lunch, we’d cross the street to Dots Cupcakes, a woman-owned bakery I really admire. I’ve been a fan for years. I always get the chocolate coconut cupcake with a glass of milk—it’s my little tradition. And yes, it still makes me smile that it’s literally Tops and Dots right across from each other. It’s such a sweet little coincidence that’s become part of my ritual.

From there, we’d head to the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, which is one of my favorite places to just slow down. It’s where I go to walk, clear my head, and get inspired again. My husband and I have had a few dates there and even took our engagement photos on the grounds. It’s a place that means a lot to me—peaceful, full of beauty, and always grounding.

It’s the kind of day that feels easy, genuine, and full of little joys. Those are the experiences I love sharing—the ones that remind you to pause, enjoy, and soak it all in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my #1 supporter and the person who’s been with me through every step of this journey—my mom. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher, and I’ve always admired her deep sense of purpose and the care she brings to everything she does. Watching her pour herself into her work and make a difference in the lives of her students taught me what it means to show up with heart, work hard, and stay committed to what you believe in.

She’s helped me prep for pop-ups, organize last-minute orders, and kept me grounded through the chaos of running a business. Whether it’s helping clients at events or encouraging me behind the scenes, her support shows up in a hundred thoughtful ways. I’m so thankful for all the time, love, and energy she’s poured into helping me grow this dream. I truly wouldn’t be here without her.

I also want to take a moment to thank my husband, my best friend, my amazing friends, and every incredible client—especially the brides I’ve had the joy of working with. My husband has been a steady, thoughtful presence through it all—helping at events, lifting heavy things (literally and figuratively), and keeping me laughing when things get overwhelming. Even when we were just dating, he never hesitated to show up and help in ways that truly mattered.

To my bestie and amazing friends, thank you for being there for the late-night pep talks, last-minute modeling gigs, honest opinions, and constant encouragement. Your belief in me has meant the world, especially in moments when I’ve doubted myself. You’ve shown up with snacks, ideas, and patience.

And to my clients, especially my brides—thank you. Every purchase, kind review, referral, or simple message has made a lasting impact. Whether you’ve shopped for your wedding day or just because something sparkled and felt like you, your support keeps this dream going. I’m endlessly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me to be a small part of your big moments.

Website: https://scarletelizabethdesigns.com/

Instagram: @scarletelizabethdesigns

Other: The Knot wedding website, under Scarlet Elizabeth Designs, in the Los Angeles, California region.

Image Credits
-4 pics) Behind the Scenes Photos

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_bridal jewelry designer by Hiram Sarmiento from Whittier, California

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_sketching by Hiram Sarmiento from Whittier, California

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_soldering by Hiram Sarmiento from Whittier, California

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_Beading by Hiram Sarmiento from Whittier, California

-2Pics) Bride Pictures

Given to me by the brides. Both Brides pictured are wearing the bridal jewelry sets I designed for them in 2024.

-3 Pics) Pictures of jewelry

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_Bridal Jewelry by Me/ Scarlet Chavez in Whittier, California

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_Handmade Earrings by Me/ Scarlet Chavez in Whittier, California

Scarlet Elizabeth Designs_Packaging by Me Scarlet Chavez in Whittier, California