Interview: Handcrafted Jewelry Maker Shares Secrets to Memorable Gifts

Handmade jewelry carries stories. For this interview we spoke with Sasha Lena Ortiz, founder of Atelier L'O, who handcrafts delicate, personalized pieces. Lena discusses her creative process, advice for gift buyers, and how personalization can transform an object into a keepsake.

Q: What draws you to making jewelry?

Lena: I've always been fascinated by small things that hold big meaning. Jewelry is intimate; people wear it close to the body and associate it with moments. My goal is to make objects people reach for when they need comfort, celebration, or remembrance.

Q: How do you approach personalization?

Lena: Personalization doesn't have to be literal engraving. I ask customers about colors, favorite shapes, and the occasions they want to remember. Sometimes I choose a stone color that matches a meaningful place or stitch in a motif inspired by a story they share. True personalization is about translating a memory into a wearable language.

Q: What advice do you give gift buyers?

Lena: Start with the recipient's daily life. If they work with their hands, choose simple, low-profile pieces. If they like to stand out, opt for a bold pendant or a layered set. My second suggestion is to include a short card explaining the inspiration behind the piece — that small context makes the gift emotionally resonant.

Q: How has the market changed for artisans?

Lena: There's more appreciation for slow-made goods, but customers also expect transparency and fair pricing. Artisans who offer clear production timelines and ethical sourcing practices earn trust. Crowdfunding and social shops have also made it easier to tell our stories directly to buyers.

Q: What's your most memorable commission?

Lena: A customer wanted a ring to commemorate a relationship that began on a ferry. I ground a tiny piece of sea-glass into a bezel and included a map-locket charm with the ferry route engraved on the inside. When the customer returned, they said it felt like traveling back to that day every time they wore it.

Q: How should shoppers care for handcrafted jewelry?

Lena: Avoid harsh chemicals and remove pieces before intense physical activity. Store jewelry in separate compartments to prevent scratches. For silver, a gentle polishing cloth is usually enough; for gemstone pieces, use a soft brush with mild soap if needed.

Q: Any trends you love right now?

Lena: I'm excited about heirloom revival — people are combining vintage components with contemporary design. There's also a renewed interest in tactile textures and asymmetry, which make pieces feel more personal and handcrafted.

Final thoughts from Lena

"The best gift is an object that opens a memory instead of closing one."

If you're considering a handcrafted piece as a gift, Lena suggests ordering well in advance and communicating the story you want the object to tell. For readers of giftshop.biz, Lena has created an exclusive small collection with subtle map-lockets and customizable stones — available this month in our curated makers' section.

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