CLIENT SPOTLIGHT | Liz

I can't believe it's been 7+ years since I first met Liz. I remember vividly her reaction when her then boyfriend, now husband, bought her Beaded Chevron ring at an outdoor market in D.C. It was a breezy, cool day, and her excitement when she tried on jewelry filled me up with joy.

Liz and I have remained in contact throughout the years, and her kind remarks always bring a smile to my face. It's always a delightful surprise when I hear from her, catching up on life.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me and the CLJ community, Liz. Learn more about Liz below.

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What is your favorite piece from your collection of Cindy Liebel jewelry?
My favorite piece from my Cindy Liebel collection has to be the first piece! I wear the dotted v-shaped ring daily and have for at least 7 years. I love this piece because my then-boyfriend-now-husband and I were living in D.C. at the time when we found Cindy selling at a market downtown. My now-husband bought me the ring, and in almost 10 years together, it is the only piece of jewelry from him that I wear regularly and feel naked without. We were just kids when he bought it for me, but we felt like such grownups, and to wear it now reminds me that we’re all still figuring this life thing out, and however good or bad I feel in that moment will pass. But that beautiful jewelry is forever!

What do you love about your CLJ pieces?
I have several CLJ pieces, including a love letter necklace and a fabulous earring and pendant set, which once got very lost on a trip around the world! I was gifted the love letter necklace again by my husband in recognition of my project, Flea Market Love Letters, where I archive vintage love letters. In 2018, my husband and I moved to Dublin, Ireland, and I kept an eye on Cindy and her fabulous designs ‘virtually’ until a particular earring and necklace set caught my eye. Cindy very kindly tried to send it to me, but would you believe it not only got lost in transit but that it was returned to her by fate as the label had completely vanished? I was able to collect the set from my U.S.-based parents after the fact, but every time I go to wear them, I always smile to think they’ve been on a great adventure, too.

What matters most to you when shopping my jewelry (online or at an in-person event)?

I normally don’t go for geometric designs, but the heart and soul behind Cindy’s brand have always been the icing on the cake when shopping her collections. Cindy makes timeless, beautiful-quality jewelry which is durable and genuinely hand-crafted. I truly feel I can dress Cindy’s designs ‘up or down’ as need be, and that is the definition of a classic in my book! Cindy is very honest on her social media about the process behind the scenes in her workshop and how she has built her business. It is refreshing to see the 'real’ side of a business because it emphasizes why we should all be shopping from independent makers and not Amazon! 

Which piece(s) of CLJ is on your wishlist?
I adore the new designs she launched in New York recently. Particularly the swooping silver necklace with matching ear huggers/earrings. I’ve delighted in watching Cindy’s style evolve and change over half a decade of following her business and story. It’s an honor to shop and support Cindy!

How would you describe your style?
I am one of those people who goes to her wardrobe and dresses as a different character every day. Sometimes I’m a vintage girlie, other days I’m a kindergarten art teacher. I never know who I will walk around as that day—and that’s part of the fun! I really, truly believe that life and fashion are for expressing yourself. But I am also a big softie and very sentimental, so while I like to have fun with my wardrobe, I very rarely wear jewelry that doesn’t have a story behind it for me. And I am lucky to have several of Cindy’s pieces in my collection to accessorize with. 

 

More about Liz

 

• What are you listening to right now? 

‘Bitter with the Sweet’ by Carole King -- A friend once said that the song reminded them of me and I will be putting that on my headstone. 

• Do you prefer coffee or tea? 

Decaf coffee! I went off caffeine in 2021 and haven’t looked back. I sleep better—yes, I am often tired, but that’s more the human condition attempting to keep up with the ‘rat race’ I’ve discovered! -- and I am always grateful to find a coffee shop that not only makes decaf but good decaf. You’ve got to celebrate the little stuff in life! 

• Hobbies?

My biggest hobby is archiving vintage love letters! I collect them from flea markets and transcribe them on my website, www.fleamarketloveletters.com. Since I started posting in 2017, I’ve shared over 700 letters from 30 different'series’ or collections of letters across the early part of the 19th century. 

• What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? 

Mint chocolate chip! Unless for some reason I’m back in 2009 and at Coldstone -- then it’s Cotton Candy and marshmallows. But I’m not so sure I could eat too much of that these days.

• What is your go-to drink? 

If I’m out with friends, I might go for a glass of white wine or a nice, cold pint of Smithwicks (Irish Red Ale). But if I’m home, it’s white wine or a G&T.

Photos by client Liz

To participate in my monthly customer spotlight, send me a message at cindy@cindyliebel.com any time. Bonus: You'll receive a complimentary gift, including additional member incentives.