About

 

Welcome to The Elegant Muse - the home of one-of-a-kind heirloom jewelry created with antique & vintage treasures!

I'm Suzanne Paynter, and I began my adventure as a jewelry artist/designer in an unusual but interesting way. Many years ago I was a professional ballet dancer, and I still feel nostalgic when I remember wearing those magnificent, jewel-studded costumes. I try to capture that sense of remembered elegance to share with you through every piece I create.

My process starts with a treasure hunt through antique and consignment shops to search for unusual bits and pieces I can incorporate into my pendants. I love imagining where these no-longer-loved earrings, shoe clips, brooches, and buttons have ventured . . . and who wore them!

Once I have my “trove,” I spend many delightful hours designing and redesigning to get an arrangement that I hope will be the perfect finished piece. My canine assistant, Guinevere, typically oversees this stage while keeping my feet toasty warm under the worktable.

 

The last step, and one that makes your Elegant Muse piece even more unique, is to hand-stitch the highest quality pearls to create the adjustable “chain” part of each necklace. Having spent many years knitting and crocheting, I adore this part of the process!

truly hope wearing your one-of-a-kind or limited edition Elegant Muse piece helps you feel unique, special, and of course, elegant.

 

Suzanne W. Paynter

Jewelry Artist

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