Nicky Riffey, owner and creator of Paisley & Co, displays custom-engraved jewelry in her studio, where she transforms personal memories into meaningful keepsakes. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
RUTLEDGE — During a season centered on love, family and meaningful connections, one local business owner is helping people capture the moments that matter most. Through her small but growing business, Paisley & Co, Rutledge resident Nicky Riffey transforms silhouettes, handwriting and cherished memories into custom jewelry designed to be kept close forever.
The business was inspired by motherhood.
“Paisley & Co was born from a mix of motherhood, creativity and a longing to do something that felt meaningful,” Riffey said.
After the birth of her daughter Paisley, Riffey found herself drawn to the idea of turning fleeting childhood moments into something tangible. A small personal venture quickly grew into a passion.
“What started as a simple idea quickly became a passion and taking the leap into custom-engraved jewelry felt like a natural extension of who I am, a mom, a maker and someone who believes memories deserve a physical place to live,” she said.
Like many small-business owners, Riffey built her brand from humble beginnings. The early days were defined by late nights, long workdays and learning through trial and error.
“In the beginning I was working a full-time job and building Paisley & Co in every spare second I could find,” she said.
With no budget, no team and limited time, she pieced the business together while caring for her children, managing sports schedules and starting her days early.
“Those early seasons really shaped the way I work now and the heart behind the brand. I’m still learning and growing every day,” Riffey said.
While styles and trends influence many jewelry makers, Riffey said her work is centered on something deeper: stories.
“My inspiration always comes from people and their stories. Babies, families, handwritten notes, tiny moments. Those are the things that spark my creativity,” she said. Customers often provide photos, memories or handwriting that become the foundation of new designs. “Every design starts with meaning first.”
Custom pieces from Paisley & Co feature meaningful details such as silhouettes, birth flowers and engraved keepsakes. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
That meaning is what makes each piece so personal.
“It means everything to me. I don’t take lightly that people trust me with their memories,” Riffey said.
Whether it is a child’s silhouette, a message from a loved one or a milestone date, each detail becomes a keepsake for the families who wear them.
Her custom process is hands-on from start to finish. Customers choose chains, charms, pendants and colors, building their story one piece at a time.
“Names, dates, silhouettes, birth flowers, handwriting, baby feet, whatever makes it theirs,” she said.
Each item is engraved in her studio with careful attention to detail.
“The whole process is personal, hands-on and tailored to each customer,” Riffey said.
This holiday season, silhouettes and birth flowers have taken center stage, especially pieces featuring children. Layered charm necklaces and handwriting engravings from loved ones have also been popular.
“People love anything that captures family, milestones and memories,” she said.
For many, these custom pieces have become meaningful Christmas gifts.
“Custom jewelry is meaningful because it’s personal. It holds a moment, a person or a memory in a way that store-bought gifts simply can’t,” Riffey said. “When someone opens a Paisley & Co piece, I hope they feel seen, remembered and deeply cherished.”
The craftsmanship behind each item is rooted in quality and care.
“Everything is designed and laser-engraved with care in my studio,” she said. Using high-quality stainless steel helps ensure longevity while detailed engraving settings create crisp, permanent designs. “I take my time with every single piece to ensure it lasts.”
Despite the creativity and work involved, Riffey said the most rewarding part of the business has remained the same.
“The stories. Always the stories,” she said. “People share why a certain silhouette matters or why a piece of handwriting means so much and it reminds me every time why I started this.”
Handcrafted jewelry from Paisley & Co is designed to celebrate family, milestones and lasting memories. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
As Paisley & Co continues to grow, Riffey hopes to expand her line of sentimental offerings while staying true to her mission.
“My goal is to keep expanding what’s possible with personalization while still staying true to the heart of why I started this,” she said.
She also hopes readers remember the importance of supporting local makers during the holidays.
“When you support a small business, you’re supporting a family, a dream and a whole lot of hard work behind the scenes,” Riffey said. “I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who chooses Paisley & Co and lets me be a small part of their story.”
This Christmas, her work offers more than a gift. It offers a keepsake filled with love, memory and meaning. Paisley & Co can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece.
Austin Dalton
Reporter, Grainger County Journal
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.
Paisley & Co offers custom, sentimental jewelry designed to capture life’s most meaningful moments. The business can be found on Facebook for more information or to create a custom holiday piece. Photo courtesy of Nicky Riffey.