Payton Jewelry

In most cases, a jewelry store is just that—a jewelry store (not that we’re knocking them!). But in the case of Payton Jewelry, in the heart of Cape May, it’s a little bit of a destination unto itself.

Founded by Kristi Payton, Payton Jewelry has grown from humble beginnings—think crafting in the living room and setting up shop at craft shows—to multiple brick-and-mortar locations in Cape May, Ocean City, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The journey, which started with woodcraft and DIY jewelry making, has blossomed into a thriving business that attracts loyal customers and jewelry lovers from all over.

Payton Jewelry started out of Payton’s desire to stay at home with her girls when they were young. After becoming a mom in 1998, and then again in 2007, Payton left her job in retail management to spend more time with her daughters. It wasn’t easy. “I wanted to be able to raise my daughters, no matter how challenging it was financially,” she recalls.

Ironically, it was through her efforts to save money that she began what would eventually become Payton Jewelry in 2010. Payton, who was heating her home with a wood stove, started to notice the natural beauty of the wood as it burned, and began using some of it in jewelry designs.

It was just the beginning. Payton began hitting the craft show circuit in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with her wooden jewelry designs and a variety of other crafts. As her appearances multiplied, so too did the demand for her creations. Her handcrafted wooden jewelry, particularly the boho-inspired pieces, quickly became a hit. “People would ask, ‘Can you make bracelets? Can you make earrings?’ I would go home, teach myself new techniques, and expand the collection,” says Payton. This adaptability, along with her artistic eye, helped Payton Jewelry grow organically with a focus on high quality metal jewelry.

These days, Payton has retired the craft fair circuit in favor of successful brick and mortar stores. Though her transition took her through a period that included five different mall kiosks set up to resemble open air boutiques, Payton Jewelry is now firmly established in her three brick and mortar stores.

It’s a far cry from her early days. From learning to craft on the fly via YouTube tutorials and working out of her living room, then her garage, Payton now employs 10 women and a manager at her studio in the heart of Doylestown. “My dream was to help employ these local moms and high school girls and college students,” says Payton. “I have an amazing group of women around me.”

Another aspect of Payton’s dream came true when she opened a shop in Cape May. “When I was doing the craft shows, we rented a dream place on Pierce’s Point on Beach Avenue in Cape May Court House. We rented it every year for six years and I did all my shows and was able to have a vacation with my family,” says Payton. “I was always looking for a store. Last year, we were in Carpenter’s Square Mall, and nobody knew I was there. We moved to Washington Commons, which was a big leap of faith, but it is one of the best things I did. Now, everyone knows who we are. It’s my dream location, and it was an amazing summer.”

What sets Payton Jewelry apart from most other boutiques is the hands-on experience it offers. Not only is there plenty of jewelry available for purchase, but customization opportunities also make a visit to the store more of an activity than a passive shopping experience. The “Charm Bar,” in particular, has become one of its most popular attractions. Here, customers can personalize their jewelry, selecting chains, charms, and other components to create a unique piece. “It’s become an experience,” Payton says. “We’re seeing more and more groups come in to create something meaningful together.”

Payton Jewelry also offers permanent jewelry, a unique option where customers can get bracelets or anklets welded together for a lasting bond.

Love the idea of customization but not so much the idea of figuring it all out? Not to worry. At Payton Jewelry, everyone on staff is trained to build jewelry, so they’ll take care of any hard parts while guiding customers through the process. It’s a win-win for personalization and one of the reasons people keep coming back for more.

And of course, there is the Payton Jewelry Collection, which includes loads of pieces, some of which have been customer favorites for ten years while others are brand new. “People really don’t know what to expect when they walk in. There are hundreds of pieces of our jewelry, and it’s a layering collection,” says Payton. “There’s something for every style across the board.”

The jewelry is versatile, with minimalist designs as well as intricate layering pieces. And with so many items, there are bound to be favorites, such as the Clover Collection, which was inspired by the Payton Jewelry logo. Featuring Mother of Pearl and Onyx clover-shaped pendants, the collection blends classic elegance with modern design. Best of all? It’s affordable.

“We have pieces that range from $30 to $300, making them accessible without compromising on quality,” says Payton, who uses high-quality materials such as sterling silver, genuine semi-precious stones, and 14K gold-filled components.

While the focus is on jewelry, Payton Jewelry has expanded into lifestyle products with the launch of its “Payton Beach” apothecary line. From candles to body sprays, the scent collection is inspired by the breezy, sun-soaked beaches of Cape May and offers customers a way to bring a piece of their vacation home with them. “When you walk into our stores, it’s a little dreamy. A little beachy. We wanted a scent for our stores, and I worked closely with an apothecary in Doylestown to create it. We have it in our stores, but now we also have it available for customers,” says Payton. “We do one scent, and that’s it.”

In addition, Payton Jewelry has made a name for itself as a company that gives back, regularly collaborating with local charities and designing pieces to support causes and non-profit organizations. “We’ll design a piece that represents a particular cause and then sell it to them at cost for reselling and carry them in our stores to give half of the sale back to the charity,” says Payton.

Payton Jewelry is gearing up for a busy and festive holiday season. Whether you’re looking to create custom gifts, make merry with friends over permanent bracelets, or treat yourself to something for your stocking, Payton Jewelry offers an experience that goes beyond traditional retail.