For years we have increased the notion of customization, and nowadays it is no longer an option but a mandate. Burger King's mantra of "have it your way" has infiltrated far beyond food to select options on your car to even custom 'his & her' heat settings on your mattress. And why shouldn't you have things the way you like it? As a culture we work harder, and we deserve to spend our earnings exactly the way we want to!
What hasn't caught on as much as one would think is customizing your jewelry. Before Kai Expressions came into my life, I like most accessory shoppers used to depend on the department store buyers to know my taste and what colors were in my closet. I would follow the styles dictated by fashion magazines but never had much flexibility in adding my own personality to my collection... until I became my own designer. I tell you what - I will never go back again!!
Several of my clients have gotten hip to the game and their creative innovations are worth noting:
"Carrie's" Challenge: Looking for a long necklace set she could dress up or dress down to match her denim jeans. Kai Expressions created a 36" necklace from Czech fire polished faceted glass beads in a rich denim blue spaced with tan rounds to match the seams. Carrie loved seeing her own idea come to life!
.JPG)
"Erica" was feeling funky and requested a chunky, bright canary yellow earring & necklace set. We soon discovered few gems are bright yellow by nature, and few beaderies carry chunky yellow anything! (Hmm... this must be what spurred the request!) An indepth search online and throughout Downtown LA led us to some fantastic canary resins that accompanied Erica on a European adventure the day after she opened her new treasure!
"Chad" and his wife just had a brand new baby girl. He was looking for a memorable gift to both mark the new chapter in their lives, but also elate his wife after a trying delivery. We briefly discussed what he was looking for, and it was a unanimous decision to create a unique piece fusing both birthstones of mother and daughter: Amethyst and Ruby. The finished piece went beyond expectations, and the brand new mother fell in love all over again!
(Original Bracelet) (Final Bracelet)
"Cynthia" was probably the most interesting request of all. She found a handcrafted bracelet and wanted Kai Expressions to stretch it into a bracelet, necklace and earring set. (Yes, you read that right!) Our quest was either to find the Murano style glass beads in the bracelet, or comparable siblings that could marry well with the original cast. 
Rest assured, the task was accomplished, and Cynthia was just thrilled she could now be coordinated with her rare find.
All of these projects have made me scratch my head at times, but the challenge is exciting and I love the end result. We have also worked on more conservative original designs, such as custom charm bracelets for graduation, birthday and new mom. Our custom portfolio also includes a handful of bridal collections, which has been extremely rewarding to be part of such wonderful memories. Our brides love the fact they no longer have to spend precious time hunting for matching color schemes, and their bridesmaids love the unique 'thank you gift' they can reflect on for years to come.
For more examples of creativity, visit our Kai Keepsakes portfolio, specializing in custom packages for a variety of occasions.
My message to you? Get out there and take your jewelry "outside of the box!" (Pun intended.) You will have fun with the one-of-a-kind imprint you can create. We would love to see what you come up with!
