Fashion is more than following the trends and color-coordinating. It’s a form of expression that can often be an easy way to demonstrate one’s individuality. Although many students may simply follow the mass-produced trends of the fashion world, others choose to step out of the box and create something unique.
Designing jewelry is an outlet that attracts individuals who want to utilize their creativity and visual skills. Susannah Cox, a senior in communication, has always had an eye for fashion but enjoys putting a touch of herself in the creations that accessorize her outfits.
“Mass production doesn’t excite me,” Cox said. “Designs created to uniquely accessorize an individual have always intrigued me.”
Cox began making her own jewelry on a small scale for herself and her sister, Katie Alice Cox, an N.C. State alumna, but now has clientele as far away as New York City.
Due to her unexpected success, what began as a hobby may eventually turn into a business.
“My older sister, Katie Alice, and I plan to open a shop together,” Cox said. “Customers have a vision; we design and create a thoughtful product — a lasting accessory.”
Cox has coined the name S. Jayne for her company and has high hopes for its future.
Anna Marshall Gauss, a junior in communication, agrees with Cox that designing jewelry is about creating something unique for the individual. “Although the latest fashion jewelry is always cute and so much fun to wear, I’m interested in creating a unique piece of jewelry,” Gauss said. “I like to create one of a kind work that you won’t see on just any girl walking down the street.”
Like Cox, Gauss’ talent for creating original pieces has turned into a business.
“I started blowing glass beads in high school as part of an art project, and it exploded into Blown Away Designs,” Gauss said.
Gauss does private shows in various cities around North Carolina, such as the Dune Club in Atlantic Beach and at Bell & Co., a store in Wilson, N.C.
Although Gauss has developed a following through her shows, she has kept her business as a smaller side hobby, but plans to keep up with it in the future. “I’m not sure that it will ever become a huge business for me, but it’s a great hobby right now,” Gauss said.
Students like Cox firmly believe that “being normal or being what is expected is boring.” Jewelry-making is an expressive art form that allows individuals to stand out by showing their unique style. All it takes is a little time, vision and appreciation to create an original piece of jewelry — or know someone like these two to create something just for you.
As Gauss stressed, “It’s not just jewelry — it’s a piece of art you can wear.”
