Jessica Monroe is an artist, self-taught metalsmith and the owner of The Heirloom Indie. Monroe’s jewelry pieces are characterized by intricately designed silver and natural stones. With her pieces inspired by Western and Bohemian design, Monroe describes her work as “something you could pull out of your wild grandmother’s jewelry box.”
You can find Monroe’s work online at theheirloomindie.myshopify.com and at the Palafox Market on Saturdays. She also frequently attends markets and art shows throughout the Pensacola area, and posts her market schedule on her Instagram—@theheirloomindie.
DTC: Let’s start with you telling me a little bit about yourself and your professional background.
JM: I am originally from Oregon and absolutely loved my childhood there. My family moved to Pensacola when I was in middle school. I have moved away a few times and I just keep coming back; I love calling Pensacola home. College was not for me, and I decided to become a hairstylist. I craved freedom and creativity and dove headfirst into my life at the salon. I was lucky enough to have incredible mentors and coworkers to help guide and push me to go after my goals. I have applied a lot of what I learned during those years to my own business.
DTC: How did you get interested in creating? What drew you to metalsmithing and jewelry making?
JM: I have always loved creating and the process of creation. I was fortunate to grow up with wonderfully creative grandparents and parents who let me constantly play, participate and experiment. Pair that with my deep love and obsession for jewelry and, well, it just seemed like a no brainer. Originally, this whole journey started as a hobby and something to curb the burnout in my career. I always wanted a real turquoise ring I could wear to work, but I could never find exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided to get on YouTube, teach myself silversmithing and the rest is history. I made one ring and was hooked—that’s when I thought I could really make something out of this wild idea.
DTC: Tell me a little bit about the different types of pieces you create, and some of your most popular items.
JM: My first love will always be rings. Currently, I can’t stop creating necklaces and earrings with some really great chains, texture and, of course, turquoise. Turquoise and white buffalo stones are my addiction, and what my entire business is built upon. Rings are always a popular request, but right now my most popular items are my turquoise and fringe earrings, as well as chokers and toggle-chain necklaces featuring either turquoise or white buffalo.
DTC: What materials do you primarily use in your pieces?
JM: I use both sterling and fine silver. My stones of choice are American-mined turquoise and white buffalo. I am passionate about sourcing my materials from within the States. We have incredible turquoise mines in the Southwest. I occasionally use other stones in my jewelry, but I still keep my golden rule and ensure that they are American-mined—it’s just my thing.
DTC: Can you take me through your creative process and describe what goes into creating one of your pieces?
JM: My creative process is purely based on a feeling. Sometimes when I see a stone, I instantly know what it will become. Other times, I’ll hold onto a stone for months or years until it feels like it’s time to incorporate it into a piece. I love one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a feeling. Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to wear, and I go searching for the proper materials. This process is how the chokers were born; I wanted a turquoise choker with a thick chain, so I made one. Then, I started making small batches and offering them to my community. I like to decide what I want to wear and what feels right. I just ride the wave and mix in some discipline along the way.