Antiques heavily influence the pieces you make–tell us about that.
I was a preteen and teenager during the ‘90s and you could either go to the mall or Salvation Army. I craved individuality, so I went with the vintage option. Plus, it was cheap. My interest in vintage jewelry only happened recently though. I was always interested in antique sources, like using things that already existed to make things. A lot of the materials are so inexpensive because they are sort of forgotten in the world.

What antique pieces get your attention?
Things that are weird. I just made this necklace that isn’t out yet–it’s a peanut locket from the ‘30s, and it says, “nuts to you” on the inside. I love things that are super dated–a little hokey almost. I wasn’t interested in doing accurate dating on pieces, but rather drawn to pieces that almost date themselves with their specificity.

What are some of the strangest things you’ve used?
I thought the vertebra was a great one, but now that’s everywhere. I love old chains and old clasps. Things that have functionality fascinate me. Recently I found a box of nibs from old pens. It has that nostalgia built in to it, but also they they look so pretty. I’ve also never been art for art’s sake about things; I really think about what will do well and sell.

What’s the process of sourcing like?
I don’t have special sourcing days; I just keep my eyes open all the time. You can’t plan finding something specific. Our customers have come to expect a certain price range and a certain weirdo story line, so I’ve trained my brain to figure out a way to look at things to see if they can become a beautiful necklace or something.

What’s on your office mood board right now?
We use Pintrest, but not so much for inspiration. It’s more the stuff we find that we love. I also love historical fiction and non-fiction. I have a real nostalgia thing, especially for New York City. This whole city is inspiring, especially the women and what they are wearing around me.

We can’t wait for the new line of fine jewelry, 1909. Tell us about it.
The name comes from my Grandmother’s date of birth. My dad used to always tell me about her and how she was born in 1909 in the Lower East Side. She was very eccentric with crazy-ass jewelry. My family is from a long line of scrappy, hard working New Yorkers that were very really entrepreneurs. Maybe the name is a bit cliche, but it works. We use this 3D technology to combine the best part of a bunch of old stuff and create something new. The price range tops out at $1600 for a ring encrusted in diamonds. All the gems are vintage. It will be available in early August, and we are so excited.