Long strands of pearls take the places of envelopes and stamps inside a building that once served as the Tequesta Post Office. Some pearls are placed in-between knotted leather for necklaces, while others are strung alongside rose quartz to make bracelets for Sea Lustre Jewelry, a custom-made line designed by Brooke Hartman. In 2013, she launched the brand whose bread and butter are styles made with South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls. Her brick-and-mortar studio opened in 2017, showcasing her full collection to locals.
AN EYE FOR DESIGN
Before starting her own company, the Jupiter native worked at Jupiter Jewelry and graduated from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). “The moment I was introduced to Tahitian pearls I became obsessed,” she says. “That’s where [Sea Lustre Jewelry] was born. They are rare—each one uniquely different—and I thought every woman needs to own at least one.”
To start, Hartman designed pearl pieces that were sold inside Jupiter Jewelry—she still has a devoted display case there to this day. It didn’t take long before clients other than her family and friends began noticing the designs. She now sells to more than 100 retail locations nationwide and in destinations such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
DREAMY COLLECTIONS
Shoppers can browse jewelry styles like lariats and chokers to rings and stackable bracelets. Pearls are paired alongside leathers, precious stones and golds. While most pieces are made in-house, Hartman and her husband, Eric, travel abroad to Bali yearly to visit friends who assist with the jewelry making, including a special fine silver collection.
“I bring all my pearls and my drawings, and we sit in the village and we go over them,” she says.
INTRODUCING LIFESTYLE
Hartman has since expanded her offerings to incorporate Sea Lustre Living, a line of women’s dresses, skirts and wrap tops in florals, polka dots and animal prints, in addition to accessories like woven handbags.
Eye-catching home goods that capture the Balinese spirit round out the lifestyle brand. Natural elements come together in the form of teak wood tables; there are also rattan chairs, seashell chandeliers, life-size mirrors, elaborate dream catchers, light fixtures and colorful buffets made from recycled boat wood gathered in Indonesia.
Sea Lustre is by appointment only, but eager shoppers can stop by during an open house typically offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Sea Lustre, 140 Bridge Road, Tequesta; 561.373.3198; sealustrejewelry.com
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