Lauren Neal is the Minneapolis maker behind the handmade jewelry line, NEAL, that we collaborated with for this month’s installment of Makers Alongside. Lauren took her first jewelry making class in 2008, and during that time she took full advantage of the lab and experimented with all the techniques and materials she could. She eventually decided that it was time to turn her love for jewelry making into a business, and in 2011 that dream came to fruition.

Lauren is most inspired by travel, especially the Pacific Northwest where she recently visited Oregon and Mount Rainier. Taking in architecture, art, and culture in new cities always offers her a new perspective, but she’s continually inspired by the art, sculpture, books and magazine found in her current city of Minneapolis.

Some of Lauren’s favorite pieces from HDH include the Denim Jacket in Black, the Sleeveless Tunic in Cream, and the Button-Up Skirt in Black because they all feel like pieces that would work effortlessly into her existing wardrobe.

Shop the pendant necklace from NEAL Jewelry, designed exclusively for Hackwith Design House (pictured above), on our website. It’s made of sterling silver and bronze, and only 8 were produced!

For more of Lauren’s work, you can visit her website here, and keep up with her on Instagram @neal_jewelry.

Photos of Lauren in her studio by Eliesa Johnson Photography.