Meet Jennifer Odell
As the Founding Director and Head Artist/Goldsmith of Paris & Lily, Jennifer Odell brings together her lifelong fascination with antiquity, travel, and storytelling with the ancient art of goldsmithing. But her work is about more than creating jewelry. It’s about creating wearable art with meaning, history, and a story of its own.
We sat down with Jen to learn more about the inspiration behind Paris & Lily, her creative process, what draws her to heirloom jewelry, and what continues to inspire her as an artist.
What inspired you to create your brand?
I had been studying jewelry for about seven years when I first had the vision for A Tale of Five Rings. The brand was born while I was planning the launch party for the collection, and it grew from there.
What did you hope to create that wasn’t already available?
It wasn’t really about creating something that didn’t already exist. It was about expressing my imagination through my art. I still don’t think of the brand as traditional jewelry, or of myself as a jeweler. I see myself as an artist, and my pieces as wearable art. They are created for people who value that same sense of artistry and individuality.
When and how did you start?
I started in my late 30s, when I began attending jewelry school. I was fortunate to find a teacher who was a second-generation goldsmith and who taught the ancient craft of goldsmithing. That experience became the foundation for my work.
Where do you find inspiration?
My main inspiration is antiquity. I’m fascinated by the way jewelry transcends time, the meaning it holds for its wearer, and the way it can become an heirloom, carrying stories from one generation to the next.
What does a typical day look like?
Every day is different, depending on the time of year. In the summer, when my gallery on Cape Cod is open, I spend less time crafting and more time connecting with clients and running the gallery. In the off-season, I have more time to focus on creating.
What matters most to you about your business?
What matters most to me is when my clients are happy. I love hearing that someone has started wearing jewelry they haven’t worn in years because I’ve repurposed it, or that we’ve transformed a family heirloom into something they can wear every day.
When I hear these stories from my clients, I know that my work is making a difference in someone’s life and bringing them happiness. That is incredibly meaningful to me.
What is your favorite piece or most meaningful design?
My favorite pieces are my custom work. Whether it’s a custom cuff or a completely unique commission, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry feels the most special to me. There is something meaningful about creating a piece that exists for one person and one story.
What’s your vision for the future of Paris & Lily?
My vision is simple: to continue creating. It’s what makes me happiest, and I want to keep making art, creating meaningful pieces, and sharing them with the people who connect with my work.