A Guide to the Best of Southern California : HANDMADE : Personal Treasures

A friend initiated Montecito jewelry artist Marjorie Johnson into the world of story necklaces. As a child, the friend had received a little ruby ring from her beloved father, now deceased. “Do something with it,” she urged the artist. So, Johnson asked herself, “If Carol were 7 and she had a box of treasures, what would be in it?”

The artist began collecting beads, charms, lockets and other miniature trinkets for a “three-strand montage conglomeration,” with the tiny ring as the centerpiece. When Carol saw it, she felt as if she had always owned it.

Johnson has been crafting custom necklaces--prices start at $125--out of old, saved or broken baubles ever since. When clients approach her to do a piece, she asks about the emotions attached to their personal objects and about their interests--music, cars, travel, etc.--then pairs their treasures with compatible items from her own eclectic collection. Johnson’s own “story” includes old keys, hearts and a miniature globe. It’s about a world of possibilities.

Marjorie Johnson, by appointment only; (805) 969-7932.