Local Woman Owns Boutique Online

Jane Maurer combs gem shows, antique shops and estate sales to provide unique jewelry for her boutique's clients.

The only difference between Maurer and the dozens of other boutiques in Marblehead is that Maurer's boutique is online only.

Maurer owns the online boutique "Seaside Studio" specializing in antique and home made jewelry.

"I went to art school and worked in real estate for a long time," Maurer said. "When my son came along, I started in the antiques and painting again."

"I started making jewelry and wanted to distinguish myself. You know the old Harvard business school philosophy - do it different and better," Maurer said. 

It was from that philosophy Maurer saw a need for an online boutique that sorted through online and local antique shops to provide high-end pieces at affordable prices. With that collection, she mixes her own handmade jewelry created with materials she picks by hand.

Seaside Studio is filled with rhinestone earrings from the 1940s, pieces made from sea glass Maurer found on Marblehead beaches and enamel koi fish Maurer's clients are craving. 

"When you have an online business, you can't let customers pick up things and hold them," Maurer said, noting that if someone is shopping on her site locally, she meets them at local coffee shops if they would like. "You have to be very picky to give people things that are affordable and nice."

Maurer said customer service and good reviews are what make her online boutique popular with jewelry lovers.

"When you don't have a brick and mortar shop, you have to always work at getting the name out there," she said, noting she uses social media sites to market herself. "I have to have pristine customer service."

Part of that is allowing people to return anything they aren't happy with and shipping just about anywhere in the world. Maurer also researches the jewelry industry constantly, learning how to spot pieces that are well made and one-of-a-kind.

"I don't think things have to be expensive to be beautiful," Maurer said. "I want people to find a piece they really like wearing and feel good about themselves."