Atlanta - June 27, 2007

Good ’n’ Plenty

Bou-Cou Jewelry

Around here, “fixin’ to” doesn’t mean you’re going to fix a thing. And “ugly”? Sometimes, it ain’t all about your looks. Unless you’re telling a “story.” (You big fat liar.)

Sure, we have our own way of saying things. And we’re right proud of it.

As is local girl Becka Cowan, who named her jewelry line Bou-Cou (that’s “a ton” for you dislocated Northerners) after her favorite childhood word (and the phrase boutique couture).

Cowan uses vintage finds sourced from antique stores and warehouses as inspiration, mixing them with unusual-looking hardware and exotic stones. Textured chains transform trinkets (leaves, fish, keys, even handcuffs) into keepsake-worthy necklaces, reconstructed earrings, and bracelets.

Seashells and sailboats are the stars of the latest batch, but the standout is a tiny teapot — spilling with teensy glass beads — suspended from a delicate gold chain.

Don’t expect duplicates: Cowan handcrafts each design herself.

Bless her heart.

Available at Veruca, 814 Juniper Street, Midtown (404-815-9977 or verucaboutique.com); Fabutique, 335 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur (404-377-6363). To see styles, go to bou-cou.com.