While she started her business at age 31, “I’ve always loved and had a fascination with jewelry,” Gretchen says.

“I’m not sure why, but I have either collected it or coveted it from afar. As a kid, I can remember taking out my mom’s jewelry boxes, trying on all the necklaces, bracelets and rings, studying them, then putting it back and doing it again and again and again as the years went on.”

Peg’s

♡ Demi-fine and fashion jewelry
♡ Made in East Aurora, NY
♡ Founded in 2012

On finding inspiration...

“I am a big art fanatic,” she says. “Going to galleries, seeing peoples’ process and end results, their takes on a subject … that is for me, the biggest thing. I view my product as wearable art.” 

Brand name backstory:

The name Peg’s Hardware is a tribute to Gretchen’s grandmother. Peg gave a 14-year-old Gretchen a $100 bill to invest in jewelry materials and tools – making Peg a very early investor.

Bonus fun fact: What would Peg most likely wear? “Pearl-related, for sure … she was a very classic, old-school lady.”

She feels her happiest when:

“I sit down and try to conceptualize a new line. What does the output look like? What am I able to do? I’m constantly trying to push the bounds of cold connection … late at night, when it’s quiet and I’m just creating with no distractions, I find myself to be my happiest in that creating space.” 

On her playlist:

Khurangbin. “Two people, very easy listening,” Gretchen says. “I put it on a lot when I have appointments – it’s friendly to all – and we used to listen to it while we were in production.” Also on the playlist? Podcasts! Armchair Expert and How I Built This are among those that make the cut.

Follow Gretchen on Instagram: @pegshardware & @shopgerties