Jewelry Designer Nicole Eichman - P.A.W. Print

"I like the Sarah Jessica because it's left of center, like me," said Nicole Eichman, founder of The Devil's Workshop, describing a chunky stone necklace with a floral pendant placed to the side, "I call it the Sarah Jessica because it reminds me of her." Similar to the television show of which Parker was the star, Eichman's delicious designs appeal to wide-eyed youth and sophisticated adults alike. Eichman originally designed jewelry to appeal to fashion-forward young women like herself, but has since proven her ability to present designs bearing an elegance that attracts mature woman but which is priced to appeal to the pocketbook-sense of all customers.

Eichman received her master's in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. She practiced this humanity for a year before diverting the direction of her life toward an artistic end. She says she made this decision because she saw little tangible evidence of progress in her chosen line of work. She then worked as a veterinary technician. Eichman, who loves animals, volunteers at an animal shelter. She rescued three of her four dogs from illnesses such as parvovirus, a viral disease that commonly attacks puppies and is often fatal. Only a year ago, Eichman started, "The Bitches' Baubles," a line of jewelry designed for pets. When the pets' owners began asking her to make jewelry for them, she shifted her focus to making jewelry for humans and thus began, "The Devil's Workshop." Eichman remembers being a child, hearing the old adage, "Idle hands make for the devil's workshop," and applied that advice both to her life, and, to the naming of her studio. A self-described insomniac, she stays up all night designing and assembling her accessories. "I can't walk away from a piece," Eichman says, adding, "That's like walking out on a movie."

Inspired by the style of Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Jennifer Aniston, Eichman is candid about her intention with her craft, "I've been looking to get famous since I was five [but] I just didn't know how," she admits, continuing, "Anyone ranging from the Olsen twins to Lauren Hutton, I'd be honored to see my stuff on." The original line Eichman created drew from her experience as a waitress at The Continental in Old City. Waitresses commonly wear all black and she wanted to design pieces that would dress up a simple outfit. "My pieces are intended to be worn with something as casual as a tank top or as classic as a cocktail dress."

The versatility of Eichman's jewelry is complemented by the fact that almost every piece is unique. "I generally don't make more than three to five of the same necklace unless it's for a bridal party or something. I just got sick and tired of seeing people all wearing the same designs." Eichman turns to Beadworks at 604 South 2nd Street for the raw materials to create her lines. She teaches part-time at Beadworks and is available for one on-one consultations.

Purchases of Eichman's custom-made jewelry can be initiated by appointment or bought at B. Lillian's in the Ritz Shopping Center in Voorhees, New Jersey. Her work has been featured at Charlie's Jeans in Old City, Leehe Fai in Rittenhouse and Doreen's Paraphernalia in Marlton.

In order to contact Eichman about her work, you may send her an e-mail at jjehls@aol.com or phone her directly to set up an appointment at (215) 551-1337.

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