Mira is a handcrafted talisman jewelry collection inspired by the mystery of ancient stone circles. Featuring ethically mined Herkimer diamond quartz, Fairmined 14k gold, and recycled sterling silver, each piece is a modern tribute to sacred landscapes and timeless symbols.

In this special Everyday Thin Places podcast episode, jewelry designer Michelle Pajak-Reynolds shares how she started making jewelry at 5 years old, her travel adventures, including mining some of the gems that will be in her future collection, the research that is inspiring her current work and much, much more. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform.

Go behind the scenes of Portraits of a Lady, where the Sylphide collection takes center stage. See how thoughtful design, expert styling, and a talented creative team transformed a vision of timeless elegance into striking editorial images.

Moonstone, the gem of beautiful dreams, has captivated cultures for centuries with its shimmering glow and mystical lore. Believed to be solidified moonlight, it is tied to love, intuition, and the water signs of the zodiac. From ancient Rome to modern design, moonstone’s silken adularescence makes it a favorite among jewelers. Discover its history, meaning, and care tips here.

Take a look inside Squirrel City Jewelers, now featuring Michelle Pajak-Reynolds jewelry.

Discover the beauty of pin-set gemstones, a centuries-old jewelry technique reimagined with modern artistry. Unlike traditional settings, pin-setting allows gemstones to shimmer from every angle, creating luminous, one-of-a-kind designs. From delicate chains to bold statement necklaces, explore how this artisanal process transforms natural gems into wearable works of art.

Inspired by moss, literature, and long walks through Ohio’s forests, this post traces the creative journey behind the Voyageuse Collection. From ancient moss colonies and national park trails to chrome diopside, golden enhydro quartz, and vesuvianite, it explores how nature’s textures, colors, and quiet resilience are translated into ethically crafted fine jewelry with a deep sense of place and purpose.

Unlike gemstones pulled from the earth, pearls are created inside living mollusks, forming slowly through time, patience, and care. This post explores how natural and cultured pearls are formed, why character-rich seed pearls hold special beauty, and the symbolism of pearls as June birthstones representing resilience, wisdom, and transformation. You’ll also find simple care tips to help your pearl jewelry glow for years to come.

Discover the creative process behind the “Angels & Gems” editorial, a collaboration between jewelry designer Michelle Pajak-Reynolds and fashion photographer Julie Stanley. From designing jewelry inspired by water goddess mythology to styling, hair, makeup, and photography, this behind-the-scenes look shows how every detail comes together to create ethereal, magazine-ready images that bring jewelry collections to life.

From backstage at New York Fashion Week to the Emmy Awards red carpet, follow the journey of the Undina Collection—meticulously handcrafted by designer Michelle Pajak-Reynolds.

Most preschoolers have trouble deciding between Play-Doh and finger paints. Not Michelle Pajak-Reynolds, though. Even at the age of five, the Cleveland native knew she wanted to create jewelry: powerful statement jewelry, not unlike the bracelets and tiara that Lynda Carter brandished on television's Wonder Woman. 

I’ve designed jewelry since I was 5 years old so my work has evolved a lot over the decades. My first pieces in the early 1980’s were made with pop-beads and jelly bracelets. As I got older I spent my babysitting money on beads and jewelry supplies from craft stores and taught myself how to make the pieces I wanted to wear.

The following interview by Beth Anderson was originally published on Chic Galleria on August 1, 2016.