Jewely that is Sentimental and Stylish
July 11, 2008
Marie Green is a fashion stylist and writer from San Diego California. She is the Fashion Editor of FINE Homes and Living Magazine and her column, “Fashion Focus” has appeared in FINE Magazine as well as LaJolla Light, The Del Mar Times, Del Mar Ink, The Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record, and The Solana Beach Sun. Marie is also the co-founder of SheWants.com.
With Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate another type of opening for the Harper Family. Joe Harper, CEO of the Del Mar Racetrack, and his entire family have been busy preparing for Opening Day, but his daughter Jayne Pasco and son-in-law Will Forbes (daughter Hillary’s husband), are excited to be formally celebrating the opening of their new business, Williamjayne Jewelry.
This past Mother’s Day, I was a recipient of a fashionable gift that happened to come from Williamjayne Jewelry. It was a sterling silver bangle bracelet with my two children’s names, as well as a Bible verse, stamped on it. This bangle is perfect for layering or wearing alone and every time I wear it, I get compliments.
Just four months ago, Jayne, a part-time jewelry maker, and her brother-in-law Will, a grad student at GIA, decided to form a company specializing in custom metal jewelry. Jayne felt their niche is one that was missing from the local marketplace: modern, stylish jewelry perfect for anyone, customized with their loved ones names or other meaningful words. Surprisingly, their sales have been all been by word of mouth and they’ve already filled over 80 orders. This spring with the Mother’s Day holiday, graduation, and year end teacher gifts, it was an especially busy and prosperous season.
The Williamjayne line includes bangle bracelets, hoop earrings, rings and pendants that come in either sterling silver or 10 karat gold. Will actually does the custom hand stamping in a workshop in his garage. The line will soon be expanded to include gem stones on their existing pieces. Prices are reasonable and range from $65 for a ring up to $575 for a 10 karat gold bangle and include up to five words of custom character hand stamping. Turn around time for each order is two-three weeks.
Will and his wife Hillary recently moved here from Tucson, where he was working for a jewelry manufacturer. While filling orders for hoop earrings, he decided he loved the work so much that he’d expand his knowledge of the craft and attend the Gemology Institute of America in right here in North County. Hillary is thrilled to be back home in Del Mar, where she grew up and Will has long days attending school morning through afternoon and working in their workshop at night. Hillary consults for Williamjayne and works as a stylist at Salon Manetane on Jimmy Durante Blvd. (This ultra hip salon is conveniently located right next to the Del Mar Racetrack where there will be lots of ladies getting beautified for Opening Day.)
Jayne says her husband, Brian, a local real estate agent, has been totally supportive of her new business. He is always ready to take care of their three sons whenever she has to work, whether it’s buying metal, triple checking a name spelling on a piece of jewelry or making sure a bangle is sized just right.
Proud parent Barbara Harper, a Boys and Girls Club of San Diguieto board member and past president, is truly excited about her daughter and son-in-law’s new venture. She says, “I am so happy for Jayne and Will. People really enjoy their jewelry and I always get compliments on my pieces-they’re nontraditional with modern elements and I love them.” Barbara wears one bangle with her four daughters’ names on it, another with all of her grandchildren’s names, and two plain bangles almost every day. Will she be wearing them to Opening Day? You bet.
Williamjayne is a very new company thus they don’t have their website up yet, but inquiries are being accepted via e-mail at WilliamJayneJewelry@yahoo.com.
Read Marie's article on extreme preparation for Opening Day at the races:
Posted: La Jolla Light, July 9, 2008
Local Residents Dress to the Nines for Opening Day
As countdown to the first post for Del Mar Race Track's thoroughbred season gets underway, fashionistas are gearing up. Since this is the single most popular day in Del Mar to get dressed up, getting ready is a full-blown, Hollywood-style event that includes buying a new dress, shoes and, of course, a fabulous hat. Some even hire manicurists, makeup artists and hair stylists. For many, looking great on Opening Day is not an option, it's a necessity. Read More »
INSIDE SCOOP: Need a hat to complete your Opening Day look? The Rare Earth, at Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar, has brought in one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby hats from Wyatt Health, as well as unique hats from Del Mar Hat Company in honor of the festivities. In addition, they have an amazing selection of gorgeous dresses perfect for the races.
