Love13 Collection
Having lived in small spaces and constantly on the move, I just cannot afford to gather too much “stuff”. As a result, whenever I look for that special piece of jewelry or a pair of shoes or a bag, I need to have an emotional connection before I buy. When I find that endearing piece, it almost always becomes a part of my collection. It is even better when I find a whole collection that has a wonderful story filled with world travel and experiences that most of us can only imagine.
Recently I discovered a unique jewelry line, Love13 Collection by Ivelisse Valentin. I liked her pieces right away and as we connected online, I asked her to share her remarkable, fairy tale like, story.
Ivelisse grew up in the small town of San Sebastián in Puerto Rico. Raised in a single parent household, she could only dream of owning jewelry as nice as what her friends were proudly wearing. Never being one to give up, she spent much of her teenage years creating jewelry from whatever materials she could find. Wood and plastic made a frequent appearance.
After college, she decided to shake things up and joined the US military. This formative experience allowed her to see much of the world. Ivelisse had the opportunity to visit Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands. The desire to create jewelry, however, was always present. Shortly after completing her tour of duty and moving to North Carolina with her family, she started her own business which she built while completing her doctorate.
In memory of that little girl growing up in Puerto Rico, she creates beautifully sparkling jewelry which is accessible to everyone. Her work is inspired by the many diverse cultures that she has experienced and she wants women everywhere to have the chance to feel special and beautiful.
To discover Ivelisse’s jewelry line, visit her etsy shop.
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