The online jewelry boutique BarbedWire was born in 2014 out of a love of fashionable irreverence, avant-garde romanticism and bohemian chic, each piece of jewelry are carefully hand-picked for its originality, quality and timelessness. Mixing high and low for a contemporary sensibility, the chosen designer collections are inspired by architectural elements, ancient talismans and Mother Nature. Think recycled metals, soft leathers, precious and semi precious stones lend themselves to a cool, casual style with a rock and roll finish.
The lines sold at BarbedWire are handmade, artisan and have a lot of exclusives and one of a kinds. Cynthia is inspired by street style jewelry and loves mixing high and low. This is how she picks her designers for her boutique. Online you’ll find jewels made by Lauren Wolf, Queen Vee, Unearthen, Margery Hirschey (one of my favorites!) and K/ller Collection amongst many other designers.
Let’s get to know Cynthia of BarbedWire:
Where comes your interest in jewelry from and where came the idea to open an online boutique?
My affection for jewelry started very early on, I used to go through my mother’s jewelry chest to play dress up and layer on every single piece that I could get my hands on. It has since grown into an obsession along with the idea of coordinating and wearing pieces together, sometimes in a subtle way and other times for dramatic effect. For me, jewelry has always been a form of self-expression that has the ability to make or break an outfit.
I was a Grunge baby and very heavily influenced by the music, fashion, and art during that time. At University I studied Painting, Drawing and Art History and that started in me a desire of wanting a project that I could create and be responsible for from original concept to the finished product.
After graduating, I lived in London for a few years and explored different career avenues from makeup artistry, independent styling as well as retail management and buying. I eventually made my way back home to Texas and it was there that I decided I wanted to take my experience and go out on my own. My boutique, barbedwire was born in September of 2014.
How do you pick your designers for BarbedWire?
I adore the designers I work with and all for different reasons. The collections are edited based on my own personal style. Sometimes the mood is to layer several pieces, other times I like to be bold with maybe two or three large statement pieces and of course; there are quieter moments with dainty stud earrings and a delicate necklace.
Social media has an amazing way of bringing people together and I am always searching for new jewelry artists to work with. I have met so many already through Instagram! I am very much influenced by Rock and Roll, Bohemianism and Mother Nature and always on the lookout for quality, originality and conversation starting pieces.
What are your future goals?
Customer service has always been at the forefront of everything I do and everyone I work with from the clientele to the designers. To me, they are incredibly important and I consider them friends and family. My goal is to continue in this way to build my business, maintain relationships and of course, make new ones!
My proudest moment is constantly redefining itself as I am learning something new and coming into contact with amazing people every day. I truly love what I do!
Last but not least, I also had to ask Cynthia where the name BarbedWire came from:
The name was inspired by the Rodarte Fall 2013 Runway Show. The house showcased an interpretation of barbed wire in jewelry that was so forward and elegant, and at the time I was completely captivated by this idea of a tough-luxe aesthetic with a bohemian heart.
As a little gift to you my dearest readers, Cynthia is giving you a 20% discount sitewide on BarbedWire. Use promo code MOJ20 at checkout. Enjoy shopping!
[All images thanks to BarbedWire]