When strolling around art fairs, I always stop at the jewelry booths.  There are so many different styles and types of metals—and usually a wide range of prices. Due to the pandemic–no Brookside/Westport or Plaza art fairs this year…However, last week I stopped by Sierra Winter Jewelry, a unique shop at 7017 Oak next to Eclectics to get my jewelry fix. This showroom has been open for several months now, but somehow I missed it!

Owner Sierra Otto had the urge to make jewelry early—she started back in high school.  At KU, she studied metal smithing and jewelry design.  She spent several years designing for Silpada (a now-defunct KC company) and finally went out on her own.  She sells direct to consumer via her website and to wholesalers around the country.  Earlier this year she opened this showroom and now operates the business just a few blocks from her Armour Hills home, where she lives with her husband and young daughter.

Sierra explained her designs are “globally inspired”  and she releases a new collection two times a year that consist of about 15 pieces—her next one will debut in October.  I asked Sierra about her best selling pieces, and she says the simple and classic  “Eclipse”  is very popular, along with the “Easy Rider” horseshoe ring and the “Mama” collection, featuring rings, necklaces and bracelets often given to new Moms as shower and new baby gifts.  All of her pieces are sterling silver or 18K gold vermeil, and some feature precious stones such as turquoise, lapis and opal for a special focal point.  In addition to jewelry, the shop also sells specialty bandanas, candles, incense, cards and nail polish for sale.

Business has been brisk, despite the pandemic and Sierra plans to host private events and trunk shows once we return to a more ‘normal’ lifestyle.  In the meantime, stop by the store—or website.  Sierra Winter Jewelry is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am-5pm, and noon-4 on Saturday at 7017 Oak St.