Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and here at Made in Pittsburgh, we’re a huge fan of this holiday in particular! Who doesn’t love celebrating love, right?! And what’s a better gift for telling someone you love how much they mean to you than a handmade piece of jewelry that made you think of them?
Whether you’re looking for a present for the love of your life, your best friend in the world, or even for yourself to show some self-love this winter, we’ve picked seven of our favorite local jewelry artists who are creating handmade pieces that are high quality, thoughtfully designed, and often more affordable than you’d think.
Leo and Lynn
Named after owner Summer Rothrock’s beloved dog Leo and family middle name Lynn, Leo and Lynn Jewelry features gorgeous pieces of handmade resin, gemstone, and beaded jewelry designed for “real life,” meaning it can easily transition from a workplace setting to a special date night and everything in between! Since 2019, Leo and Lynn has launched both limited collections and a line of classic pieces, but its Valentine’s Day collection this year is especially impressive – especially these heart drop earrings!
MetaMorph Jewelry
Etna-based jewelry studio MetaMorph is all about creating sustainable, made-to-order jewelry pieces that are handcrafted and heirloom-quality, so your love (or you!) can cherish one of its stunning gifts for many years to come. Known as one of the first spots in the ‘Burgh to offer permanent jewelry, you and your boo could get matching fine metal bracelets to show the depth of your love this V-day… or for something less permanent, check out pieces like their birth flower necklace collection.
Jenna Vanden Brink Ceramics
In addition to her highly sought-after ceramic wares for your home and table, local ceramic artist Jenna Vanden Brink creates beautiful jewelry pieces with bright colors and metallic finishes that are all hand-formed and kiln-fired. Each of her necklace and earring designs are universally flattering as well as bold and funky, which makes them the perfect gift for your most stylish lover or friend this Valentine’s Day. (Of course, for your more practical boo, you could instead get one of Jenna’s beautiful vases and fill it with flowers!)
Skelton Jewelry
Lawrenceville’s Skelton Jewelry, owned and operated by master jeweler and metalsmith Samantha Skelton, is – pardon the pun – a hidden gem. With so many commercial options for fine jewelry pieces like engagement and wedding bands, some of Pittsburgh’s hippest future brides and grooms are instead falling for Skelton Jewelry’s custom designs! However, whether or not you’re ready to get down on one knee, Skelton Jewelry offers a beautiful collection of eye-catching jewelry in a wide range of price points and materials.
Jewelry by Alicia and Scott
Is there anything sweeter than jewelry made by hand from a husband-and-wife team? Jewelry by Alicia and Scott is a Wexford-based shop and showroom that specialised in handmade pieces with recycled materials and responsibly-sourced or lab-created diamonds. In addition to their one-of-a-kind designs, Jewelry by Alicia and Scott is also becoming quite popular for jewelry upgrades, whether you’d like to add some additional bling to an heirloom piece or turn an inherited gemstone into a modern design.
Songbird Artistry
Songbird Artistry is both a woman-owned and artist-owned gift shop based in Lawrenceville that offers a curated selection of handmade gifts from local makers, but the owner herself creates stunning, often one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that are often inspired by pop culture or astrological themes like the sun, moon, and stars. Visit Songbird Artistry’s shop or look for its booth at some of Pittsburgh’s most popular craft events and markets!
Jenni G Jewelry
Pop quiz: silver or gold? It’s always good to know what your love or friend prefers before gifting jewelry, and if they’re a gold fan, Jenni G Jewelry has you covered! Specializing in gold statement pieces, Jenni G Jewelry was born on social media as a hobby during the COVID–19 pandemic and has grown into a successful brand with the goal of making each wearer feel “confident, beautiful and your absolute best each morning when you walk out of the door.”
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.