Purchasing vintage jewelry is a great way to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe while connecting to the past.
Jenn Cooke , the designer and owner of Drea James jewelry began making items for friends and family as gifts before deciding to take her talents to the next level.
She designed and created repurposed jewelry from the items she would pick up all over. Each piece has a story, she said.
Cooke makes her one-of-a-kind items by buying limited quantities of gems and stones. Her jewelry ranges from $20 and $200 and includes, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more.
The earrings and the Mala necklace are the fan favorites, especially among yogis. You can also get custom pieces made for any occasion. Here is what Cooke had to say about her brand and the uniqueness of her jewelry.
Q: How did you transition from making jewelry for friends and family to selling them?
A: One of my friends suggested I bring my pieces to a local boutique. I did and she bought everything!
Q: What is the back story on the name Drea James?
A: Drea is a shortening of my middle name, Andrea. James has been passed down on my Father's side as a family name. Family legend has it that we are descendants of Jesse James, the notorious train robber. Drea James is also my alter ego. There's a little rebellion, sass & fierceness in the name.
Q: How did you get into working with vintage pieces?
A: I adore the idea of connecting to not only one another but our past. A vintage finding comes with a story. A history. I love that my clients can take that and now forge new stories with the pieces; a continuation.
Q: How do you determine what is worth repurposing?
A: If a piece speaks to me, seems interesting or is a rare finding, it usually makes the cut.
Q: What type of jewelry do you sell?
A: All are one-of-a-kind. I also do custom commissioned pieces. Some are vintage/current Pantone color palette/ fashion inspired earrings, bracelets, necklaces and others are yoga inspired meditation mala necklaces & pieces.
Q: What metals and gems do you like to adorn your jewelry with?
A: High quality gemstones, woods, vintage findings and raw brass, sterling silver & gold filled metals.
Q: Tell us about your meditation necklaces.
A: They are all have 108 beads. Creating them is very meditative. They can be used to set an intention, mantra, to inspire or to simply enjoy.
Q: How has Drea James grown over the years?
A: My pieces have totally evolved. Every experience, exposure to colors, fashion, movies, music, history...all of it will continue to inspire my mood and in turn, my creativity.
Cooke adds new pieces to her site weekly so make sure you don't miss out on her one-of-a-kind jewelry. You can also pick up her pieces at Sole Shoes & Accessories, Tough Love Yoga or Form Yoga.
