Hooking Onto The Past: Vintage Earrings That Are Fashion-Forward

Jewelry artist Lisa Braithwaite of Elle B. has overhauled her line to feature vintage-inspired pieces that are refreshingly modern.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) May 1, 2006 – Jewelry artist Lisa Braithwaite of Elle B. has gone back in time to create fresh, contemporary designs that are unlike any of the beaded jewelry you'll find in your local boutique.

Braithwaite has overhauled her business model to offer jewelry, particularly earrings, featuring primarily vintage beads. However, unlike other designers who use vintage glass beads to recreate vintage jewelry, Braithwaite does something different. "I use vintage beads to make modern pieces," said Braithwaite. "I put shapes and colors together to complement the vintage glass in a style that's bold and nontraditional."

A Historical Connection

Braithwaite is betting that fashion-forward women who purchase her fun and unconventional earrings, necklaces and bracelets will appreciate the historical value attached to each vintage bead, which range from the early 1900's through the 1970's and from countries in Asia and Europe.

"The beads tell a story of the past. Although we don't always know the whole story, the fact that a bead was made in Japan in the 1920's or in West Germany in the 50's says so much," said Braithwaite. "These beads are a part of fashion history, similar to any other vintage item like a dress or hat. They speak about the fashions of the time, in color and design."

A Rare, Original Collection

Each original Elle B. piece is, in itself, a work of art. For each design, Braithwaite produces only one of its kind, creating an exclusive line that is an alternative to trendy, mass-produced jewelry. Braithwaite's high quality jewelry complements a woman's personal style with playful color and sparkle. Her specialty is earrings, although necklaces and bracelets are also available.

The decision to shift her design focus to vintage glass was a no-brainer for Braithwaite. "Like my one-of-a-kind pieces, vintage beads are in limited supply, so they have a uniqueness and rarity not found in other materials," said Braithwaite. "The result is a piece of jewelry that speaks to your individuality and is, as my tagline states: 'adornment for uninhibited women'."

Not only are the beads themselves rare, the modern-day consumer would be unlikely to find the shades seen in vintage beads in contemporary designs. "I'm partial to colors that are dense and opaque, the salmons, aquas, and beige-y tones as well as the satin glass colors," said Braithwaite. "They don't use most of the vintage colors and shapes in current bead making, allowing me to produce combinations that are unlike anyone else's."

The price a shopper would have to pay to possess a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that no one else in the world will have? Anywhere from $30 to $80.

Braithwaite's vintage line is available for retail and wholesale purchase at her online boutique Elle B.: http://www.ellebstyle.com, as well as selected retail and online shops.

About Lisa Braithwaite

Lisa Braithwaite is the creative force and the "LB" behind Elle B. jewelry. Since Braithwaite launched her designs in 2004, her signature beaded earrings have elicited both critical and consumer praise for the way they "pop" with bursts of color. Always an artistic thinker, Braithwaite explored drawing, painting, singing, acting and costume design before finding her calling in the jewelry arts. She has been designing and creating vibrant, wearable art for more than 20 years.

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