Aiko Designs

I met Christine Aiko Beck of Aiko Designs at the SF Wedding Fair a few weeks ago and I was drawn like a magnet to her organic and distinct designs.  I asked Christine to share a little bit more about herself for us so that we could get to know the artist behind the fabulous designs!

1. Why did you decide to go into jewelry? What are you passionate about?
Growing up, I was interested in fashion and wanted to be an artist, but I couldn’t draw and just couldn’t seem to find the right medium.  Over the years, I continued to take various classes and look into new mediums to nurture my creative side but still, nothing seemed to stick.  Eventually, jewelry was one of the mediums I took up as a hobby and finally, I discovered something I loved, something that was going to stick!  It took a while to go from the hobby to the business, but it grew organically and I still love what I do — creating pretty things that other people love as well.

2. How would you describe your style? What do you think sets you apart from other artisans?
I describe my style as sophisticated and elegant, organic yet ethereal.  My designs are very simple and subtle, but strikingly pretty and feminine.  I think my designs are thoughtful and my jewelry is special — details are important to me.  It’s not always easy to create simple designs that are unique, interesting and pretty — some designers just can’t do simple and tend to over-design.

3. What is your favorite part of a wedding?
When the bride and groom are announced and walk down the aisle together — I love to see the looks on their faces!

4. What has been your favorite wedding so far? What made it so special?
My friends Chris and Sarah were married several years ago in Sayulita, Mexico.  The wedding took place at a villa overlooking the ocean and was absolutely gorgeous!  Sarah is a graphic designer so her sense of style and unique touches made the wedding so lovely.  Luckily, some of her close friends are floral designers, photographers and jewelry designers (me!) and we were able to participate in helping her prepare and provide her with our individual specialties.  The combination of location, friends, family and fun made it quite special.

5. What would be your dream wedding to work on?
It’s always nice when someone you admire (i.e., another artist, someone with amazing style) compliments your work, so my dream wedding to work on would probably be with someone like that.  In my dream wedding scenario, I’d have sufficient time (and an open budget) to create something special and unique for the bride, bridesmaids and family/friends.  Also, ideally, I’d get to attend the wedding and it would be somewhere fantastic!

6. For fun: what’s your guilty pleasure? What can’t you leave home without?
I am guilty of collecting and loving accessories that aren’t my own jewelry (hats, scarves, handbags, etc…)!  There are some days where I’ll forget to wear a piece of my jewelry, but will have both a hat and scarf on…oopsie!

Here are more designs from Aiko — aren’t they lovely?

Aiko Designs Blue Topaz Drops

Aiko Designs Gold Moons Earrings