From LAPD to Award-Winning Jeweler w/ Marie Fellhauer

What happens when a retired LAPD lieutenant finally follows a creative dream she held for 25 years? Lindsey sits down with Marie Fellhauer, founder of Hollyhocks Curations, a bespoke luxury jewelry house named for her mother, Janet "Hollyhocks" Hawk. Marie talks about how she turns personal stories into one-of-a-kind pieces. She walks through her design process, from the first conversation to the CAD drawings to the 3D-printed resin model, and explains why every piece is made in America. She also clears up the lab-grown vs. natural diamond debate and tells the story behind her Girl Can Fight ring, a 32-carat morganite tribute to a friend who beat stage four breast cancer. That ring won two AGTA Spectrum Awards. Whether you want an heirloom, a meaningful gift, or a new life for an old engagement ring, this episode shows what custom jewelry can really be. Timed Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Lindsey Stafford Show 00:33 Marie's path from 26 years at the LAPD to jewelry design 01:55 Her mother's garnet ring and the story behind the name "Hollyhocks" 03:32 The HH logo, drawn from a photo of Marie's mother 04:42 What makes custom jewelry different from buying off the shelf 06:48 A ministry logo turned into a sapphire-covered pendant that doubles as a brooch 09:45 Marie's process: in-home or virtual consults, sketches, CAD, resin prints and sourcing stones 11:25 Why every piece is American-made, including the work of a former Tiffany & Co. setter 12:54 What makes a true heirloom: lab-grown vs. natural diamonds 15:24 How experts tell lab-grown and mined diamonds apart (it comes down to nitrogen) 16:26 The Girl Can Fight ring: a 32-carat morganite and a story of resilience 21:24 Winning two AGTA Spectrum Awards: Evening Wear and Best Use of Platinum 23:00 The biggest misconception about private client jewelers: price 24:24 Repurposing old jewelry, from broken clasps to engagement rings turned into necklaces 24:59 Working with clients anywhere in the U.S. over Zoom 26:18 How to reach Marie PODCAST PRODUCTION www.itsyourshow.co CONNECT WITH MARIE FELLHAUER | HOLLYHOCKS CURATIONS Email: marie@hhcurations.com Phone or text: 310-529-5919 Website: https://hhcurations.com/ If you found value in today's episode, please like, share, comment, rate, review and subscribe.