by Mary-Devon Dupuy

Lauren Eckstein Schonekas is joining the likes of fellow Sacred Heart graduate Mignon Faget and becoming New Orleans’ newest jewelry designer. Schonekas creates original jewelry from found objects, and she’s bringing her line of couture pieces to Haute Boutique in the Warehouse District this Thursday, May 31. The designer of Construct Jewelry is launching her summer line with a trunk show that will feature live music by Sara Beth Geoghegan and drinks provided by Old New Orleans Rum.

Elegant and eclectic necklaces, earrings, and bracelets of Construct Jewelry are pieced together from Schonekas’ collection that dates back to Katrina.

“I’ve found things everywhere from flea markets, estate sales, antique sales, it’s a constant collecting and buying process,” Schonekas said. The designer has a waste-free approach to jewelry making, and nothing she buys gets left behind when everything is said and done. “My main goal is always reuse it and give it a new purpose. That’s kind of like my internal principle. Things that I don’t want to use come into use later.”

Customers get a little slice of history in every unique piece Schonekas creates. In your bridal necklace, you might find a dress clip that was made for a woman over a hundred years ago. Schonekas’ pieces also feature Czech glass beads, Russian gold bead caps, and vintage pearls. There’s your “something borrowed,” right there.

Schonekas specializes in bridal jewelry, spinning classic styles into modern couture pieces that are as eye-catching as they are elegant. “I just use rare or unique vintage pieces to make one of a kind couture designs. It’s a modern update to old pieces.” Schonekas also creates jewelry for all the single ladies, and she offers many non-bridal pieces that you can wear on-the-go. All of her works of art are fairly affordable for handcrafted pieces, so don’t be daunted by the word “couture.”

The designer is also thrilled to have Sara Beth Geoghegan performing live at the event. The native New Orleanian singer will make a stop in her hometown before she travels to Tucson, AZ for her tour. The event lasts from 5-8pm at Haute Boutique, 725 Magazine St.