Meet Laura French | Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Laura, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was a happy accident. I had been in another career for almost twenty five years and was ready for something new. To be honest starting another business was the furthest thing on my mind.

I’ve admired jewelry from a young age and was lucky enough to have a nice collection early on.

Approching mid life and starting a new career wasn’t ideal, I really wanted to work in sales at a local jewelry boutique. After several months of searching for a job I realized I needed to put in some extra effort. I signed up for a couple classes with a local jeweler. I was hooked from day one. I began purchising tools and equiment quickly. I took several more classes over 2019. I knew right away this was my next career. I didn’t look back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create fine jewelry using the lost wax method. My jewelry is less refined, textural, often times antiqued or oxidized to express my love for unique vintage pieces. I like to compare my jewelry to a perfect pair of worn in jeans. They can be dressed up or down, but they will always remain a wardrobe staple. Each piece is hand made in my home studio. Using recycled gold and sterling silver. I source my gemstones from ethically responsible sellers or use recycled stones.

When I set my mind to something, I put my all in it. I’m not one to give up easily. I still am very new in this business, three years young. Early on my heart told me this is what I should be doing and I haven’t lookled back. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but you have to put yourself out there, be vulnerable. Anything is possible if you try hard. I’ve learned to pivot and try new things to see what what might work better, It will always be a work in progress.

In December of 2022 I opened a reatail shop, Nineteen Hands Jewelry, again it wasn’t my dream or long planned. It felt like the next step. I began with six female jewelry designers, including myself. I now carry fourteen designers, two of which are married couple teams. My focus now is more about the shop than my own jewelry, although I’m always creating new pieces.
I wanted to support other female designers, like myself, who were new, and needed a platform to showcase their work. Being in retail again has reminded me of how much I love interacting with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Bay Area has so much to offer. I would definalty go North first. Point Reyes Station, Inversess, Marshall are a perfect day trip. I would stay overnight at Olema Hotel and head to Petaluma day two for treasure hunting at the antique shops. From there I’d stop in Healdsburg for the night. It’s a quant small town with some fun shopping and restaurants. Then off to Mendocino for a couple nights. The botanical garden is a must see. Digging Dog Nursery is my favorite hidden gem in that area. I would head back south, take a ferry into San Francisco for a day. The East Bay, where I live has ample small areas for shopping, yummy food, and hiking. Some current local favorite dining: Juanita & Maude (Albany), Mama (Oakland), Jo’s Modern (Oakland), Parche (Oakland)

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 hired Elizabeth of EM Branding Studio (embrandingstudio.com) in December of 2019, she created my branding and website. We were in lockdown less than six months into the procress and she helped me with packaging, photography, and was supportive in every way.

Sharon Zimmerman (SharonZjewelry.com) taught me all the basics, although her classes are now online only, I highly reccomend her services. I started from zero. I gained so much knowledge from Sharon, I’m forever grateful.

I was chosen to be part of the Jewelry Loupe Project in 2021, it’s a mentorship program put on by the Woman’s Jewelry Association (WJA). The program introduced me to other jewelry designers, manufactures, resources, and a vast community.

Lastly, I have to give thanks to my husband, who has continued to support me and my dreams. I always say, if you do what you love, that shines through.

Website: laurafrenchjewelry.com

Instagram: @laurafrenchjewelry

Image Credits
Michaela Joy Photography