Seattle - July 15, 2008

Handmade Downs

Katica Jewelry

Grandma Bette’s only accessory is her hearing aid. And your mom regularly misplaces her wedding band.

Though your matriarchs are inarguably precious, their jewelry collections lack more than luster.

But you can still get your hands on an heirloom: Alison Katica incorporates unique finds from estate sales, antique shops, flea markets, and thrift stores into modern bijoux. A cameo or brooch becomes a pendant on a multistrand necklace. Mismatched chains amass into a chunky bracelet. And fringy earrings deliver funky vintage flair.

Take her a keepsake like a childhood necklace or Grandpa’s pocket watch, and she’ll make your something old into something bold. Because one thing’s for sure: You can’t count on your family to provide the inheritance.

That’s as clear as Auntie Dee’s CZ.

Available at Pulp Lab, 1912 NW Dock Place (206-706-7857 or pulplab.com). To see styles, go to katicajewelry.com.