It was the loss of her favourite gold necklace that caused Erin O’Connor to want to open her own store. Realising first hand just how attached to jewellery we are – how they hold such sentimental value – she knew what she wanted to do. Nearly one year later, Pärla is becoming the go-to boutique for contemporary, hand-made jewellery.
“I love good quality, simple design with clean shapes and silhouettes, and how jewellery can really bring that to life,” states Erin as we sit down to talk all things Pärla. This scandi sensibility is very clear to see when you walk into the Boxpark store, “It’s something I’m very passionate about, working with products and people I love.” When buying stock, her considered approach leans towards versatility, picking pieces that can be interpreted in different ways. The name Pärla reflects this; not only does it mean pearl in Swedish, but it can also be translated to mean gem or jewel too.
The eight designers she represents are all establishing themselves, and Erin has created a close-nit family and a place for them to support each other. What about other brands on her radar? “Acne and Celine; I love the cuffs they’ve created this season. And Moxham, I think [Maddie] is very talented, her pieces are so cool. Like V Jewellery and Jessie Harris, you can style it in your own way” As for the high-end brands, we’ll have to wait, as accessibility is key for Pärla. “Whether you’ve a gap in your wardrobe or looking for a gift, tell me your budget and I’ll find you something.”
It’s this personal shopping service that makes Erin, and her boutique, stand out. Her close relationship with the designers allows her to go the extra mile for those wanting to purchase the perfect little something. Maybe the chain on a necklace is too long, perhaps you’d like a certain ring in silver not gold, or you’d like something engraved. All these little changes are possible at Pärla. As is opening the store at 8am to try on jewels on your way to work, “whatever you need – I’ll sort it.”
We couldn’t leave without talking current trends, and Erin confirmed our suspicions, chokers are the thing. Has her personal style changed since surrounding herself with these great designers and brands? “I’m a lot more open minded when it comes to jewellery now. I used to only wear gold, now I love to mix and match. I’ll even pick my jewellery before I pick my outfit now.” And what about that one piece, the one you’d wear if you could only wear one forever? “That’s a tough one, but I’d wear my [V Jewellery] Spine Ring forever. It’s so easy to wear and goes with everything.”
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