Meet Jennifer Kennedy of Quarry Jewelry

What is it that you design and create?
I make jewelry using natural gemstones, pearls and precious metals.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love sourcing materials. I get so excited when I discover a gemstone in an unusual shape or cut and I can’t wait to start working with it.

How did you come up with your business name?
The word “quarry” has multiple meanings. To most people, it evokes images of a rock quarry, which ties in with my focus on using only natural gemstones. It also means “a rich or productive source,” which I hope my website is for jewelry lovers; and it means “the object of pursuit,” and I wholeheartedly believe beautiful jewelry is something worth pursuing!

Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by, and often in awe of, women who work, raise kids, run households and still find the time to accessorize! I make jewelry for them because I think every woman deserves to wear good jewelry, every day.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
I started making jewelry because I loved the creative outlet and enjoyed making exactly what I wanted to wear. The selling part came later. My advice would be to follow your heart and create things you love, and let everything else happen from there.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
My nephew set up my iPod so there’s a lot of Green Day and Pearl Jam on it. Some day I’ll figure out how to put my own music on there, but for now, this works.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Nip/Tuck and The Sopranos – can’t wait for the new season!

What was the last movie you watched?
I just watched The Constant Gardener for the second time. Incredible.

What’s your favorite food?
Anything Asian, especially sushi, Thai, Asian-fusion.

What’s your favorite candy?
This probably sounds gross, but I love eating Milk Duds with microwave popcorn. It’s the perfect food combo.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
There is a wholesale gem supplier I like to visit and I am literally like a kid in a candy store when I’m there. It takes me hours to see everything they have and I always end up bringing home lots of stuff that wasn’t on my original list.

Any pets?
I have three cats and two horses, and I think of all of them as my “children,” much to the horror of my mother-in-law. It’s incredible how different each of their personalities are. People are always surprised by how affectionate and friendly my horses are, they are basically really big dogs in disguise.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
My father is English and I spent a lot of time in England growing up. Being there feels like home and nothing makes me happier than exploring London, even when it’s cold and rainy.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
I’d love to be able to snap my fingers and have a nice, clean and organized house.

Favorite Holiday?
I like the 4th of July. Where I live they do incredible fireworks displays over the ocean and it’s always fun to hang out with friends and watch the fireworks.

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
Suede mules with very pointy toes and a kitten heel.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
My dream is to open an animal sanctuary where neglected, abused and unwanted animals could live out their lives with love and dignity, and never want for anything again.

Favorite piece of clothing?
A ballet pink wrap sweater I picked up on sale in London. It’s perfect with everything from jeans to velvet tops and is cozy, comfortable and chic.
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about Jennifer and her business. There is much to see at her site and here are a few of my favorites…

Machu Picchu Bracelet; Sonoma Earrings; Wellington Necklace:

Kaleidoscope Necklace; Cayman Pearl Earrings; Ametrine Briolette & Amethyst Bracelet: