Shoreline rocks, skeleton keys at the antique store, sample paint colors and exotic fruits—these are the kinds of things that inspire local jewelry designer Erin McDermott. Not that her work includes actual boulders or papayas—it’s more that shapes, colors, and patterns spark her creativity.
If you get to the City Market in its earliest hours (we’re talking 7am-ish) you might catch McDermott jammin’ on her iPod and working away on a new piece of jewelry—she’s in the zone. And of course there’ll be an array of her work on display, from a spruced-up classic freshwater pearl look to some lively turquoise-coral combos, or my favorite: amethyst plum peacock earrings.
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Erin McDermott’s got the tools and the talent. |
If 7 is too early, McDermott can work with you to plan a custom made piece, whether traditional or funky. A UVA grad who, instead of studying abroad, went to New York City to delve into jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she’s a rather fabulous gal herself. And any woman versed in welding and experienced in woodcarving—not to mention passionate about stones and gems—gets our notice. Check out the goods at erinmcdermott.com.—Suzanne van der Eijk
