This Jewelry Entrepreneur's Home is a Vintage-Filled Gem

Rip & Tan: When did you start making jewelry? Did you always know you wanted to start a business like The Last Line?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: I was a fine arts major at Parsons in New York and left to train as a jeweler in San Francisco and never stopped—that was 18 years ago. I designed for brands, companies, individuals and fine jewelry houses ever since. I always dreamed of a fine jewelry collection and at the same time always loved brand building. The fusion of the two with The Last Line was natural.

Rip & Tan: What do you think are the classic pieces of jewelry every woman should have?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: My classic dream pieces for women are huggies, tennis bracelets, diamond collars, perfect gold chains, chunky wide hoops, colorful dainty stacking bands, a statement good and diamond bracelet and a personalized pendant. I also think a diamond tennis anklet and a signet pinky ring are classic perfection.

Rip & Tan: Any tips for storing and cleaning your accessories?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: I’m the worst at this. Jewelry should be last on first off, but I sleep and live in all my pieces and actually focus on styles that can be worn as such. I store it all in nostalgic TLL ballerina jewelry boxes.

Rip & Tan: How do you merge your creativity with running a business? Do the right and left sides of your brain ever come into conflict with each other?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: All the time. I enjoy the business aspect of The Last Line. I look at our business decisions as creative and artistic ones so for me the two worlds often become one.

Rip & Tan: What is it like to partner with your husband? What are the challenges? What are the benefits?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: It’s a wonderful and magical struggle. We can own our successes together and put forth effort unique to two people who share ultimate, life, business and family goals. I couldn’t do this without him.

Rip & Tan: What are your most precious pieces in your jewelry collection?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: The snake bracelet we created—it was a technical challenge and I feel proud of its design. Same with the flower Teddy earrings.

Rip & Tan: How is The Last Line different from other jewelry companies?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: We are a fine jewelry brand designed to make fine jewelry accessible to women by offering the perfect pieces for their entire lifetime, whether it’s their first piece of fine jewelry or a significant addition to a seasoned collection. We offer direct to your doorstep pricing without the retail markup and with all the quality of the highest end big brands. We send the jewelry quickly and with the finest details. We focus on perfected classic pieces and carefully designed jewelry box staples.

Rip & Tan: How does your personal style reflect itself in the design of your home?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: I like to let the details shine. I love a classic neutral space with pops of bright color like gemstones.

Rip & Tan: Your home and wardrobe are filled with such special pieces, old and new. What are your favorite sources when shopping for home & apparel?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: I love 1stDibs, and obviously Jenni Kayne.

Rip & Tan: What does “living well” mean to you?

Shelley Gibbs Sanders: To be able to focus and devote love, intention and happiness to myself, family and business. Finding the balance and the breath in those spots is everything.