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Savvy shoppers are discovering that the
best place to find one-of-a-kind
jewelry isn't at the mall. Local jewelry designer Richa
Kapoor has opened the doors of her home on the outskirts
of Almaden to residents for private shopping appointments.
Kapoor makes necklaces, bracelets,
earrings and pendants using handcrafted
gems that
she picks herself. She uses real
silver in all of her designs, which
range from a simple string of aquamarine gemstones to
elaborate amethyst designs which look like bunches of
grapes.
Kapoor started selling her jewelry
at the Campbell and Sunnyvale farmers markets three
years ago.
"Farmers markets are to promote local
artists," Kapoor said. "Some of my customers say they
don't like to go to Macy's because everything looks
the same and they're looking for original pieces."
For Kapoor, the farmers market has
served as a stepping stone to having her jewelry sold
in a boutique. She currently has her jewelry for sale
at the Cottage Craft Boutique on the corner of Camden
and Union avenues. She is now looking to find a boutique
in Los Gatos.
With business flourishing, Kapoor decided
to host home shows for her neighbors and others in the
community who won't normally travel to Campbell or Sunnyvale
for the farmers markets.
She hosted a home show earlier this
month and saw more than 60 people come by to look at
her jewelry. Kapoor often discounts her jewelry at the
home shows, so many of her neighbors and customers have
no problem going to her home.
Many of her customers are residents
from Kapoor's former Almaden neighborhood. She says
they have proven to be loyal.
"My customers know me so I also do
a lot of home shows," Kapoor said. "I send out fliers
and they're there."
Padmini Rao is a longtime friend and
loyal customer from Almaden. She said she likes the
unique designs and her willingness to customize her
designs for her customers.
Most of her pieces follow an overall
theme such as oceanic, passion, love and calm. Many
of her themes are inspired by nature.
Kapoor has been making jewelry since
she was a young girl. Her father was a gemologist, which
gave the background to choose and use gems.
She has a master's degree in microbiology
and designed website pages before becoming a mother.
Once her son was born, she picked up her old hobby again
and decided to make a business out of it.
Kapoor attributes her success to her
husband, Rahul, who has been responsible for promoting
her business.
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Photograph by Vicki Thompson