A little bit about Squirrel's Nest Jewelry...

Hi! My name is Amy and I'm the owner and designer of Squirrel's Nest Jewelry. I enjoy creating jewelry that suits my own style: simple, subtle, and not too fussy. Most importantly to me, it has to be COMFORTABLE and EASY to wear. I had given up on wearing jewelry because it often felt so uncomfortable; I would either feel irritated and take it off halfway through the day, or leave it on and be so relieved when I finally did remove it. I worked in a greenhouse for 12 years and would never even bother trying to wear jewelry to work - it was just too impractical and it would get in the way. After I made a pair of ear climbers for a coworker, I started wearing them myself and felt so excited that I had, after 33 years, finally discovered a piece of jewelry that didn't drive me crazy! I began getting more requests from other coworkers who saw the benefits of a lightweight, out-of-the-way earring that could be worn all day (while being super stylish and unique at the same time!).

I also design with versatility in mind. I strive to be somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to my own style, so I want jewelry that I don't have to change if I switch from my gardening gear to casual jeans to a cute dress. I've even had brides purchase my ear climbers to wear with their wedding gown. I design and hand craft all of my earrings, including shaping and hammering wire into ear climbers and open hoops. My open hoops have gained quite a loyal customer base as well, for their simplicity and quality. I get such a thrill when excited customers tell me they love their earrings and don't want to take them off.

The name Squirrel's Nest is a business name that runs in my family. From the 1930s to the 1950s, my great-grandmother Eugenie Russell owned and operated a gift shop in Rangeley, Maine called The Squirrel's Nest. I am lucky to have the original shop sign (it now hangs in my studio) and it seemed appropriate to carry on the name!

After living in upstate New York for 15 years, I am back in Maine and loving being surrounded by the ocean, pine trees and chickadees that I grew up with. Thanks to my wonderful customers, I have been able to make Squirrel's Nest Jewelry my full-time job and I’m devoting lots of time to creating fun, classic designs that will never go out of style.