Treasures from Paradise

VIVA and Made by LALA J dream up a line of handmade jewelry that nods to the Gulf.

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Looking for a stylish keepsake with all the subtropical allure of the Gulf? Look no further than this handcrafted clay jewelry that pays homage to our region’s landscape in a modern way.

Landscape architect Mariah Bakke, who runs VIVA Landscapes and VIVA La Casa vacation rentals in Fort Myers, tapped the mother-daughter duo behind Made By LALA J to create a line of nickel-free and hypoallergenic earrings, bracelets and layering necklaces that draw from the modern tropical backyards she designs. Think: earrings with forest green leaves dangling from hammered gold bases; delicate, gold monstera studs and swooping rattan teardrops. “They serve as a little reminder of the joy the sunshine brings, how the sand feels between your toes, how the waves sound breaking on the shore, how lush our landscape is, or how beautiful our sunsets are,” says Lisa Anne Jenkins, who runs Made by LALA J with her 8-year-old daughter, Lily.

While much of LALA J’s early stock catered to kiddos—Lily’s designs tend to feature pretty pink bows, flowers and seasonal motifs, like pumpkins for Halloween—the VIVA line is their first collection made with adults in mind. The collaboration launched with 14 pieces that nearly sold out at the release party in May. Lisa and Lily sell the jewelry made to order with a two-week turnaround from their website. Lisa’s favorite? A dangling pair of studs with off-white pebbles, accented in the middle with an understated palm screenprint for a subtle coastal touch. The team is currently dreaming up a second line, set to drop in October, with more plant-inspired beauties prompted by the region’s bounty.