Tucker-Area Jewelry Designer Launches New Business

DeKalb-based artist Marisa Pellegrini, a long-time favorite at local art shows and community events, has launched a new business, Expect Compliments, to sell her custom-designed women’s jewelry, along with hand-selected fashion accessories including scarves, hair adornments, belts and handbags.  The artist, who lives near Tucker, showcases her latest creations at www.ExpectCompliments.com, and www.Facebook.com/ExpectCompliments.  In addition to designing her own line of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, Pellegrini also works with customers to design specific pieces to complete a particular outfit or as a gift to commemorate a special occasion.  A list of upcoming jewelry shows open to the public can be found at http://www.expectcompliments.com/Upcoming_Events.html.

 “I started designing jewelry years ago as a hobby,” said Pellegrini.  “At first, I sold my pieces through word-of-mouth referrals, and then began participating in local art shows and community events on the weekends.  My hobby became a second job, and this year I was finally able to make it my full-time occupation.  I design and create all of the custom jewelry myself and personally select all of the fashion accessories we offer.  I sell the jewelry and accessories through the website and at shows, and I love working directly with my customers to create unique pieces.  For instance, I’m talking to more and more brides about designing jewelry as bridesmaids’ gifts for the wedding party to wear during the ceremony.  I’ve also had customers ask me to incorporate heirloom jewelry into a new design to give their pieces a fresh, new look.”

 Pellegrini studied fashion design at American College in Lucerne, Switzerland, and crafts her custom jewelry using semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals, mixing colors, textures and shapes to create unique works of wearable art.  She sources her materials globally, seeking out unusual, but affordable stones and embellishments.  With the same eye for beauty and value, she has established a global network of accessory suppliers for her fashion line.

 Pellegrini will appear at numerous shows, festivals and holiday bazaars throughout metro Atlanta in the coming months.  A partial listing of upcoming shows includes:

 Oct. 19 – Briarlake Fall Festival and Craft Show (DeKalb)

Oct. 20 - Elon Salon (Buckhead)

Nov. 1-2 Creekside United Methodist Church (Cumming)

Nov. 3 – St. Ives Country Club (Johns Creek)

Nov. 8 – St. Joseph Catholic School (Marietta)

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1 – Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (Young Harris, GA)

Dec. 3 -- The Commerce Club – (downtown Atlanta)

 “It’s been a dream of mine for years to fully immerse myself in the world of jewelry design and fashion,” said Pellegrini.  “I am so appreciative of my long-time customers who encouraged me to open Expect Compliments and who have supported me and my new business and helped me spread the word.”

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