ANDERSONVILLE — While browsing the cases at Bryn Mawr Jewelry Co., shoppers might notice a certain cut they won’t find at a more traditional jewelry store.
The Andersonville shop at 5139 N. Clark St. recently launched the Family Jewels Collection, a custom selection of rings, earrings and pendants in the shape of a familiar body part: the penis.
“I saw these penis-shaped diamonds, and I thought it was really funny. I had never seen that before,” said owner and jeweler Scott Freeman. “I just wanted to make something that would make people smile when they come in, because I like to laugh, and it’s obviously an attention-grabber, it’s hard not to notice.”
Designs Freeman has created for the collection include square gold and silver necklaces with penis-shaped diamonds set demurely in the middle and a statement-making torso-shaped gold pendant with diamond junk sparkling at the bottom.
Freeman buys the diamonds pre-cut (no pun intended) and uses them to create the custom pieces in the collection.
“The diamonds come in all various shapes and sizes, you know, just like penises do,” he said.
While the collection launched with a focus on the penis, the shop wants to expand the line to include all the “jewels” a family might have. For example, Freeman said he wants to create a torso pendant that includes surgery scars.
“I like to be inclusive of all walks of life. I’m a man of the people,” he said.
Freeman got his start in the jewelry industry at age 16, doing repairs at a watch shop. He attended the Gemological Institute of America after high school, then got a job at a family-owned jewelry store.
Freeman bought a small storefront on Bryn Mawr Avenue and opened Bryn Mawr Jewelry Co. with his wife, Jill, in 2004.
They’ve since moved to a larger location in Andersonville, where they sell a variety of jewelry, from vintage finds to custom-made engagement and wedding rings for LGBTQ+ couples. They also do jewelry repairs.
“I didn’t move to Andersonville by mistake,” Freeman said. “I love everybody, and I think this is the community to be in. I want to include everybody, because love is love in my eyes.”
The shop’s Instagram account highlights a variety of bespoke jewels alongside numerous rainbow options at every price point.
“I’ve always said, if you’ve got five bucks to spend, I’m going to find something for ya,” Freeman said. “If you’ve got $5,000, great, but it doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be a part of this really important moment in your life.”
Freeman said that is ultimately why he is a jeweler.
“We make things to make people happy, and make them feel good about themselves,” he said.
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