Photograph by Kevin A. Roberts
Take an appreciation for vintage, add a penchant for artistic creativity, and you’ll find the custom creations of Sue Brooks. Her Sue La La Jewelry collection is a throwback to a time when artisans created accessories by hand, not by machine.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I started seven years ago when a friend—Ellen Rulo of Ellen Rulo Studio, which makes fused glass—asked me to come along and try it out. I did and just wasn’t into it. Ellen suggested I take a jewelry-making class. Once I did, I signed up for another and another, which led to my line.
What made you want to incorporate vintage pieces?
I wasn’t happy with the jewelry that was available. I love antiques and wanted to use that. I actually opened my first antique shop in Alton when I was 19. It was on the second floor of the Kendall Cracker Factory, and I sold antiques there for 15 years. Once you get the bug of buying vintage, you can’t let go of it. Things weren’t mass-produced back then, and if you find something, you may never find another one like it.
What are some of your favorite finds?
I’ve collected vintage jewelry for more than 30 years and kept everything in boxes, and now I’m pulling from that for my line. I’m hooked on lockets and watches, and I love keys, whistles, and zipper pulls. The pulls are interesting and different—I found one with a Scottie on it; some have enamel, and they have great detail—which makes it fun to put into a design.
How do you incorporate new elements into your design?
A lot of my beads and crystals are new. I often use new clasps and chains. I use bracelets in the middle of chains if they are too worn out and make necklaces—I think it’s called upcycling.
Is it possible for customers to order specific pieces?
Absolutely… What has been popular and really unique are what I call memory pieces—people bring me items from family members and ask me to create a design that combines all the pieces. It becomes a wonderful family heirloom.
Sue La La Jewelry is at Maven, 7290 Manchester, 314-645-1155, mavenstl.com.
