I love me some jewelry. What girl doesn’t? I’m always on the hunt for unique pieces, for jewelry that means something. When my grandmother passed away, my grandfather made necklaces out of her gold charm bracelet for me and my cousins. It’s my most cherished piece of jewelry—I love how the vintage charm sparkles in the light, but most importantly I love wearing a little piece of my grandmother.

My newest jewelry obsession is Rachel Abroms vintage inspired collection. Each whimsical piece has its own unique meaning. She is best known for her Mad Coins, a collection of 35 coin charm necklaces that are dipped in antique gold and adorned with a Swarovski crystal. I discovered the collection at a small boutique here in Montclair, NJ. They only had one coin left which I quickly snatched up. The “whale coin” was perfect for me because it reminded me of my recent Hawaiian honeymoon.

When I went online to order another piece from the collection, I was in for a shock. Her web site was under construction! You could browse the jewelry, but you couldn’t buy. I drooled over the other Mad Coins like the horseshoe (which represented good luck), the skull coin (which warns and protects you from danger), and the adorable cherry charm (which is a symbol of spring). But what I really wanted was her vintage heart shaped padlock necklace and matching skeleton key charm. I scoured the Internet for other web sites that carried her pieces, but they were sold out everywhere. Now, I’m the type of shopper (obsessive, persistent) that will visit five stores just to find the perfect size. I needed that padlock necklace and matching key charm. Their meaning: “the unlocking of dreams” when worn together. I know… its a little crazy to believe jewelry has such power, but it’s always nice to wear a little reminder around your neck, a symbol that’s your secret to hold on to.

I took a chance and emailed Rachel directly. On her web site, she promises exceptional customer service and wow, she really means it! Rachel herself responded to me, asking which pieces I wanted and offering me a look at her new goddess collection. Four days later I received my pieces in the mail—the prior mentioned locket and key, and a charm which features Artemis (huntress and goddess of wilderness). Rachel also included the sweetest hand written note thanking me for my purchase AND she sent me a beautiful beaded bracelet (which was her original piece, the one that catapulted her business).

And so… drum roll, please….Rachel’s site (http://www.rachelabromsstudio.com) is back up and running! And she’s offering even more drool worthy collections, like the “Oh So Sweet” Fruit Charm Necklaces and “All Wrapped Up” Leather Wrap Bracelets. Her jewelry has been featured in mags like In Style and Lucky and has been seen on the necks of celebs like Eva Mendes and Jessica Biehl. I have my eye on a piece from her “Charmed I’m sure” Vintage and Valentines Day Jewelry. I hope my husband’s reading this. (Hint, hint) I LOVE the funky Antique Watch Holder with Tassel Necklace which would look great with a billowy top and my favorite Citizens of Humanity jeans. I would wear it with my grandmother’s necklace, too. As Rachel Abroms herself says, “You can’t go wrong when you add a little vintage charm.”