Designer Spotlight: Shelly Mantler of shel. jewelry

Any fashion-forward woman knows that accessories are the quintessential component of a stylishly equipped wardrobe.

Being a completely fanatical jewelry enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for a unique new piece to add to my tree of trinkets and treasures. Bangles, baubles, beads, you name it – I own it.

As much as I love snagging a cheap and trendy find at a local retail store, I’ve always had a deep affinity for one of a kind, handmade jewelry. Maybe it’s the fact that every handcrafted piece has its own personality and unique story. Or maybe it’s the fact that I know no carbon copies are roaming the streets of San Diego. Whatever the case may be, I just can’t seem to get enough.

If you have a serious accessories addiction like me, I guarantee you’ll fall head over heels for my new designer obsession: shel. jewelry.

Previously a San Diego interior designer, shel. owner and self-taught  jewelry designer Shelly Mantler, gave up her career to establish her custom line of unique crystals, gems and jewels. From fresh water pearls and yellow sapphires to polished turquoise and chrysophrase pendants, each of the stunning shel. collections are inspired by the power of timeless feminine beauty. I sat down with Shelly to get the inside scoop on what she enjoys most about designing jewelry, her favorite fun and flirty essential pieces for summer, what inspires her artistic vision, and all the things she loves about living in San Diego.

Get to know Shelly in this week’s Local Designer Spotlight.

DiscoverSD: Tell us a little about yourself. When did you first find your passion for designing jewelry?
Shelly Mantler: When I was little, I was always playing dress up and wearing my mama’s long pearls and high heels. No really, I started making jewelry six years ago when I was an interior designer.

DSD: How do you describe your artistic style and vision?
Shelly: I would describe my style as timeless, sexy, fresh and Bohemian. My vision is a hard one because it changes moment by moment depending on my mood, my surroundings and my experiences. When I design custom jewelry, it depends on each woman’s own style. Every woman is different. Some of my clients are more bohemian and daring like me, and others are very conservative and more tailored. I love any challenge because it brings new ideas.

 DSD: What do you enjoy most about designing jewelry?
Shelly:  Putting my soul into my work. I get to design anything I want, for example, I just introduced my Ganesh rings. I love the power of Ganesh and I’m very influenced by yoga and Hindu/Buddhist ideas. I also love that if I want to run with something, I try it. I absolutely adore making women feel beautiful. There’s nothing cooler than creating a piece of art for someone and making them smile, it’s totally rewarding. My clients are my favorite part, absolutely. And secretly, brides are my favorite because romance is the most magical reason to make jewelry.

 DSD: Why do you love living in San Diego? What about San Diego inspires your artistic vision?
Shelly: The beach, sun-kissed healthy bodies, sand, outdoor markets and happy lifestyles. We are surrounded by fresh ocean air, chill surf towns, and cool people. I feel so lucky to sell at the La Jolla Farmer’s Market because it keeps me real. I hope I always have a table there, no matter how big shel. jewelry gets. It allows people to get to know me and learn that I’m super down to earth.

DSD: As an avid jewelry fanatic, I have to admit that I’m in love with ALL of your beautiful handmade creations and designs. What are your favorite pieces of jewelry you have created? Why?
Shelly: My favorite pieces are my Mermaid Aqua Necklace and Earrings set and my Pink Coral Necklace and Earrings. Number one, I feel like a mermaid in either one, and they are my biggest sellers. I also love them most because they are so original. I’ve yet to see anything like these and that makes me smile. Jewelry has been made for thousands of years, so coming up with something unique and sellable can be a challenge.

DSD: What are your favorite fun and flirty essential pieces for summer?
Shelly: I do very sexy chain wrap necklaces, some as long as 8 to 10 inches with light colored Swarovski crystals and faceted turquoise. You can wrap them again and again and wear them with anything, even a bikini. As for flirty, no question, my Bohemian Swarovski Crystal and Semi Precious Belly chain.

DSD: Where do you see your career five years from now?
Shelly: Shel. boutique for sure. I have dreamt of creating my own studio and boutique for years and my dog will be sitting right next to me. I’m also working on launching shel. jewelry in San Francisco so maybe I could have a second shel. boutique and studio up there as well.

DSD: When you’re not designing jewelry, where can we find you in San Diego?
Shelly: Ocean beach for sure. I love it here. Yeah, I know, it’s OB, but there is a great creative spirit here, and so much potential. Everyday I’m walking and running on the beach with my dog, working on my blog, making jewelry, cooking , hanging with my sister, and going to yoga as much as possible. Where else can you take your niece and nephew to school in a golf cart? Come on!

Love Shelly? So do we! Seek style inspiration from Shelly Mantler at shelmade.squarespace.com and check out her chic handmade creations at shelmade.com.

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