Think of the greatest romantic letter writers of all time: Beethoven to his “Immortal Beloved,” Napoleon to Josephine, Zelda to F. Scott Fitzgerald. These are the inspirations behind designer Elizabeth Gibson’s new line of secret jewelry love notes.
The Scribe fine jewelry collection is Gibson’s take on the traditional language of gems, European-inspired artistic motifs, and her own knowledge of what customers like to say to their loved ones. Gibson has more than 18 years of insights, having worked in the jewelry industry for that long with her Austin, Texas, store Eliza Page.
“As a designer-retailers, I can see what people think is interesting or cool and then adapt it so I can bring it to everyone,” Gibson says.
Gibson debuted Scribe as a way for anyone who is in love or wants to show that lifelong affection to say it with gemstones—this is the updated, coolly abstract version of sentimental Victorian Acrostic jewelry, Gibson says, and she’s smitten with it.
So, whether you want to sent a torrid love poem, communicate a code, or just spell out the name of your beloved, Gibson has a ring, earring, or pendant that can do that. It’s romantic and also a modern way to say something without saying a word, she says.
“I see and sell the most beautiful jewelry all day long, but I wanted to create a gift, a story, a treasure,” Gibson says. “These are timeless, heirloom pieces.”
Here’s how it works: Much like today’s personalization, customers can write a word, a name, or a phrase using Scribe’s gemstone alphabet guide. This allows each gemstone to serve as a letter of the alphabet, spelling out the giver’s message.
Rings come in stacking styles or classic signet. Earrings have options such as studs, drops, and huggies. Medallions come in four sizes and seven emblems, each with its own symbolism and significance. The fact that medallions came roaring back as a trend was a too-good-to-be-true moment Gibson says she is savoring.
Customized pieces take four to eight weeks to produce. Well-loved phrases such as adore, believe, and dream are available ready-to-wear at Eliza Page and retailers such as Greenwich St. Jewelers and Huntington Jewelers. Item prices range between $585 and $4,500.
What makes this debut so exciting is the collaborative nature of it, Gibson says. She has worked on this idea for more than a decade now, and it has haunted her travels all across Europe—that’s where she found motifs of iron gates and historic architecture in Barcelona, Spain.
Gibson also says she has the right team in place at Eliza Page to make Scribe a reality. Plus, she says she looks forward to whatever challenges clients can bring her way with projects.
So, you want a whole sentence or a favorite song lyric on your Scribe piece? Gibson says she’s game.
“I’m not an artist diva—I’m excited about the collaboration part,” she says. “I want my customers—both consumers and other jewelers—to love their Scribe jewelry.”
Top: Scribe creator Elizabeth Gibson describes her Lace Shield medallion as a symbol of tradition, stability, and protection. She says the trusted shield symbol has been used since ancient times to indicate safety and security (photos courtesy of Scribe).
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