We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Anne and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elizabeth, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Not to jeopardize my integrity to get something done quickly. Meaning; don’t cut corners to make it easier on yourself right now, because it will seriously come back to bite you in the long run. That’s something I can say for when I’m making jewelry or just living life in general. Taking the extra time to do it right always pays off.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When people hear me say that I make jewelry, usually the first thing that comes to their mind is that I make beaded necklaces and wire rings out of things you buy at a local craft store. And I definitely had a period where I messed around with beads and wire wrapping. But now, it is so much more than that. I use only recycled precious metals and the highest quality of diamonds and gemstones available. Each design is original and completely hand crafted. I’ve worked for different jewelry companies over the years. From small mom-and-pop shops, to the world’s largest diamond retail company. I wanted to do something different and really bring back the lost art of jewelry making. It’s more than just profit margin and the bottom line. It’s about seeing the raw reaction on the client’s face when they receive their finished piece of jewelry. It’s about creating a piece that will literally last for generations. Goldsmithing isn’t something I learned overnight. I formally apprenticed under a master Goldsmith for about 6 years, absorbing every word and learning everything that I could. I’m currently attending GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to become a Graduate Gemologist. The biggest challenge has definitely been my gender and my age. Believe it or not, the jewelry industry is predominantly male. Sure, there are plenty of female jewelry designers, but very few actually make what they design. When I was working for other jewelry companies, I was constantly having to prove myself to my fellow male coworkers that I actually knew what I was doing. Most of them were double or even triple my age. But let me tell you, I feel like I learned more from one of them than I did during my entire formal apprenticeship, and I’m so grateful for it.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One: Moniker General Coffee in Liberty Station, my husband and I had our first date here 3 years ago. I would highly recommend the Iced Viennese. Two: Mitch’s Seafood in Point Loma. This place is always packed but it’s literally the best seafood in San Diego. The fish is caught fresh, daily. I would seriously recommend the New England Clam Chowder. It’s to DIE FOR. I go here a minimum of once a week. Three: Balboa Park, because have you seen that place? Absolutely amazing. Four: Lake Cuyamaca for camping, Julian (Mom’s Pie), and hiking in Mount Laguna. Five: La Jolla Cove, because those tidepools are so cool.
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?
Ryan and Stacy Charles! Without them I would literally never have been able to start my own business. They invested in me and pushed me to dream big. Their encouragement and love is paramount to my current and future success.
Website: www.exodusgoldsmiths.com
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