By Politiquette’s Marissa Mitrovich: Politiquette is a place to be inspired by the art of fashion. Readers gain an understanding of the politics of why to wear–and the etiquette of when to wear–specific styles. Marissa Mitrovich founded Politiquette with the goal of bringing further substance to the dialogue surrounding style in DC.

This weekend is one of the best annual events to celebrate and experience the arts in DC: the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair.  You can check out this amazing event Saturday and Sunday in northeast DC.  Featuring over 150 vendors, I was lucky enough to talk to the talented Jessica Speckhard of secondDaughter jewelry to learn about her line of jewelry and the arts & crafts fair.

How did secondDaughter begin?

I started making jewelry in 2011 while studying at Parson’s School of Design in New York.  I took a course with Professor and esteemed jewelry designer, Bliss Lau and was inspired to pursue this form of art.   

I saw jewelry as wearable art.  It has a functional aspect and with jewelry it’s part of daily life.  I also loved the sentimentality of it.  Jewelry is often a gift between lovers and friends, something you can wear everyday.

Jewelry design was not my focus in school, and I have not had formal training, all of my designs begin as experimental and evolve.  Since Parson’s I have studied metalwork at The Corcoran School of Art and I’m currently taking a class at 52 O Street Studios where I have learned to sculpt and cast metal.

The materials I use continue to expand, my first collection was made of acrylic, the second of ceramic and now metalwork.  I hope to make fine jewelry at some point.   

The official business, secondDaughter, began in 2014 and has primarily been based in DC.

Where did the name secondDaughter come from?

I am the second daughter in my family, so it is personal.  My older sister always teases that she will start a “first daughter” company.

You are originally from DC- what is your take on the fashion and style scene?

I was born in DC and lived here until I was 9, then moved around the world as the child of diplomats, and returned again after my studies in NYC.

I think in DC the style is done in an original and special way.  There is a conservative pocket who have to dress a certain way because of government, so it takes more creativity to dress in a way that is original, but subtle.  People have to put a little more thought into being original.

Who is the secondDaughter customer?

My customers are conscious consumers, people who appreciate that my things are made and produced in the United States.  I work with many small businesses, mom and pop companies do my plating.  This is really important to me.  It brings me great joy to help small businesses.

Rhode Island used to be jewelry making capital of the country.  During the recession many of the businesses closed.  I still work with some folks in Rhode Island.

My customers also like that my pieces are bold, they want to go against traditional DC norms and don’t want to dress conservatively.

They also want something special but to not spend a fortune.

What is most special is that men are buying my jewelry.  It appeals to both women and men.  Also, they are women and men of all ages.  It’s really amazing to design something that is appreciated and universal enough that someone of any age wants to wear it.

Every season you introduce a new collection, what inspires each collection?

I design two collections a year, a fall and a spring collection.

The material I choose to use actually inspire the design quite a bit.  The design grows out of the materials.

I do tend to lean towards shapes that can be reusable, I want the designs to have longevity.

I don’t look at magazines or what other designers are doing.  My designs are more inspired by whatever is happening in culture right now. I know this is chest to say, but I also draw inspiration from nature, it’s really true.

My fall collection will be available at Crafty Bastards on Sunday.

How to you envision the brand growing?

I want the business to grow organically, because I want to maintain the integrity of the designs and business.  Stores and buyers will influence designs and I hope to be able to maintain the originality of my designs.

How did you become involved in the Crafty Bastards Arts Fair?  

A local artist named Margaret Bakke told me about the event and to apply.  She said it is one of her favorite events in DC for promoting arts.  I actually have not been before, but I am excited to be there on Sunday.  

Where can you buy secondDaughter jewelry in addition to Crafty Bastards?

The secondDaughter website; Ella-Rue; HOMME; L-Say Designs