We believe that details matter. Handcrafted is better. And kindness to self and others is non-negotiable.
About the designer
Carrie Schafer
Be true to who you are and your life will unfold miraculously in front of you.
We all have a little voice in our head that urges us to diverge off-course, to try something new. Many times, we choose to ignore it in favor of the path that is comfortable, the path that is all-knowing and well worn. But it is these little diversions that take us--if we let them--to the most unexpected, wonderful places.
That little voice spoke to OH Designer and Owner Carrie Schafer nearly two decades ago. A marketing communications executive in Corporate America, Carrie found inspiration creating with gemstones and metals any chance she got--and Original Hardware was born.
Her passion blossomed, as did her love for small business. Original Hardware's designs are found in 300+ stores across the United States as well as Garnet Hill and Arhaus catalogs.
She opened her flagship retail and production studio in Historic Downtown Littleton, Co. in 2016, where it remains a fixture today.
Watch Carrie working on new designs in her home studio.
Our values
Our brand is built on three core values: craftsmanship, authenticity, and respect and kindness.
Craftsmanship
Handcrafted Production is our Jam
It may seem like the practice of making artisan jewelry has been lost in a world of cheap mass production, but at Original Hardware, craftsmanship is alive and well.
We believe craftsmanship comes when people take their time to focus on the details, whether it's the contrast of metals in a design; just the right curve of the metal in an earring component; the perfect scale; and cohesive collections that are unique and yet still complement one another.
That's why every core component in our line is designed by us, and it's why we rely on other artisans to cast our work, cut our gemstones and more.
Authenticity
Be original
So much about jewelry design depends upon the designer's vision for the collection and how they and their team bring it all together. We think the glue that brings a jewelry collection and business together starts with authenticity. When we truly value who we are and the gifts we bring, we are able to see the authentic gifts in others. And that's where the magic happens.
Having and maintaining authentic relationships with our suppliers, retailers, customers are the backbone of who we are.
Using authentic materials--like sterling silver and precious/semi-precious gemstones--is another way our authenticity comes to life.
Respect and Kindness
Let's make the world a better place
We live in a complex and challenging world--and we think life's too short to not treat others with respect and to love ourselves and one another.
We like to share that philosophy with the designs we create (we do believe that positive energy transfers to the wearer!). But it's so much more than that.
We have an opportunity everyday to do good in the world with the beautiful jewelry we make by sharing it with others. We also go beyond to share portions of our proceeds to causes we hold dear, whether it's to help our neighbors down the street or those who work in the Indian villages where our gemstones are cut and polished.
Be true to who you are and your life will unfold miraculously in front of you.
We all have a little voice in our head that urges us to diverge off-course, to try something new. Many times, we choose to ignore it in favor of the path that is comfortable, the path that is all-knowing and well worn. But it is these little diversions that take us--if we let them--to the most unexpected, wonderful places.
That little voice spoke to me nearly two decades ago, urging me to make my way into a local bead store. I didn't have time, but the store lured me with its floor-to-ceiling inventory of colorful baubles and beads.
I left with an armful of supplies and spent a wintry afternoon making necklaces and bracelets for friends. It didn't take long before I was hooked. It didn't take long before this addiction became my passion, then a part time business and then a full time one! I am proud that our company continues to grow and that we are a women-owned business with a talented team of women designers.
Original Hardware's mantra is simple: be true to who you are and your life will unfold miraculously in front of you. I believe that our designs reflect that philosophy. That's why our handcrafted jewelry is designed for the journey--your journey--wherever it may take you.
From the hand-forged silver pendants to the contemporary designs crafted by our own hands, we know that the little details do make a difference. Original Hardware chooses only high-quality materials and semi-precious gemstones and we prefer handcrafted components made by skilled artisans from around the world. We use ethically sourced materials and 100% recycled sterling silver. We have made the conscious choice to create our designs entirely in the U.S., where we have control over how it's made and who makes it. We aim to tread lightly on the planet, ensuring that we follow best practices for environmentally-friendly jewelry making techniques.
Original Hardware is a fast-growing brand with a presence in many high-end boutiques and galleries nationwide as well as the Arhaus Jewels and Sundance catalogs.
Our journey has taken us on an amazing ride, and each day we feel truly blessed to create pieces that symbolize the important milestones in your journey.
Thank you.
Carrie Schafer
Artisan Jeweler and Owner
Original Hardware