When Leslie Kramer and Carol Gerst first began collaborating on jewelry design, the response was positive, to say the least. “I’d be wearing one of our necklaces, and women would stop me asking where I bought it,” says Gerst, of Newtown Square. “Once I told them my friend and I designed it, they wanted to buy it right off of my neck.”
That was enough to convince Gerst and Kramer to launch Leslie Carroll Designs. Their unique creations incorporate awe-inspiring gems from around the world, including Czech crystal, Swiss topaz and rough-cut aquamarine from Brazil. Both women came from the travel business, encountering beautiful stones and precious metals in their excursions to Bali, Thailand and India.
Their jewelry features semi-precious stones, pearls, sterling silver and 18-karat gold. “The gems and the pearls really dictate the design,” says Kramer. “We’re not mass-producing our designs. Every piece of jewelry is one-of-a-kind.”
The partners handpick the gems and pearls used, and everything is designed to be versatile. Their new “Something Blue” jewelry collection for brides features exquisite pieces made with pearls and aquamarine stones.
Jewelry available at lesliecarrolldesigns.com.
