The Story Of Grace A Mano

Erinn delivers an unassuming aesthetic eye to the creation of every handmade and unique piece of jewelry on her table. Inspired by a vision derived through experience both professionally and personally with roots branching from DC and Philadelphia to the domesticated bliss of her two boys in Howard County, Maryland, Erinn’s passion to continuously push her own limits is what drives her desire and innovation in jewelry design.

With diverse interests, applications, and styles, Erinn’s jewelry designs can best be described as, “pretty without pretension.” Beauty is often discovered in the most natural of expressions and this holds true not only for the creation of the jewelry, but for those who wear it. From raw stones and unique facets, to monochromatic or bold color schemes, Erinn’s broad dexterities coupled with the attraction to the intricacy of patterns allow her to create jewelry capable of accenting any style or occasion.

In her West Friendship, Maryland studio, Erinn experiments with enamel, glass, gemstones, resin, and various metalworking applications, preparing and presenting concepts to empower women in search of personal expression in a way that is true to their very own style. Erinn obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson University in 2009, with a concentration in Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Management, her interests also include glass blowing, lampworking, PMC, and stained glass. With the boundless nature in which she creates, Erinn’s prowess dares to be inventive, illuminating, and well on its way to becoming an institution in the industry of jewelry design. 

Erinn has had work for sale in the Meyerhoff Symphony Store and Botani on the Avenue, in Baltimore, Maryland. She interned, became gainfully employed, and ultimately partnered with Natalie Ziegler Designs, where her creations have been displayed and sold in major retailers all across the United States. Her work has also been accepted into exhibitions in Maryland, Texas, and Georgia. 

As the mother of two young boys, Erinn understands the value of supporting causes in pursuit of making the world a better place for future generations to flourish. As an act of reinvention and new inspiration, portions of proceeds from various themed jewelry designs are being donated to correlating charities. Erinn remains excited in her resolve to take a passion for the jewelry industry to the next level with new concepts and a mission toward service in the community to which her and her children are immersed. Erinn welcomes your participation in this movement of expression; both in fashion and in the spirit of humanity. 

“Jewelry is not art,” says Natalie Ziegler. “It shouldn’t be the show. It should not wear you.” For the Baltimore-based designer, manufacturer and importer, the hallmark of truly fine jewelry is its ability to enhance the personwho wears it. “It talks. It doesn’t scream.”

Born in New York and raised in Boston, Natalie Ziegler did not set out to become a jewelry designer. A
psychology major with a Masters in International Relations and Economics, she worked for years at CNN. It wasn’t until later in her marriage to engineer John Zirschky that she and her husband launched Commonwealth Imports, supplying freshwater, Tahitian and akoya pearls to retail jewelers and designers.
“All those beautiful raw materials that we dealt with daily fascinated me,” Ziegler recalls. “I didn’t just want to hold them for a time. I wanted to play with them.” Her first design was an architecturally intricate necklace of small white pearls designed to lay flat against the skin. It sold quickly. She developed additional pieces, which again sold. Soon, Natalie Ziegler jewelry became a successful stand-alone venture, under the Commonwealth umbrella.

The inspiration for Natalie’s designs is derived largely from the color combinations or shapes she spies in daily life: “decorative arts, Indian graphics, patterns in clothing… even an architectural motif such as a carved stone cornice.” Sometimes she sketches out an idea; more often she plays with the materials themselves to create the desired effect. “The trick is to avoid being trendy… to aim for something that will look good year after year.” Natalie’s other goal? To make the design luxurious but affordable. “There is a niche in this industry for a line that looks elegant and extravagant, but isn’t,” she says, “for pieces that fill a middle ground between inexpensive and outrageous.”

Natalie Ziegler jewelry is available from nearly 350 select independent fine jewelers and small chains across the U.S. For a complete list, visit natalieziegler.com. You’ll also find lovely examples of the designer’s work that will make the most discriminating fashionista think, “Now that I would wear every day.” Which is precisely what Natalie had in mind.