06/26/2026
Hi! If we haven’t met yet my name is Kelley and I make and design Aquinnah Jewelry. I grew up in Madison, CT and now live with my family of two kids, two dogs and husband in Killingworth, CT. My entire life I’ve traveled back and forth from Connecticut to Martha’s Vineyard. I named my jewelry collection after my favorite place on Martha’s Vineyard called Aquinnah (when I was a kid it was called Gay Head).
My favorite beach to go to with my family was Moshup beach in Aquinnah. It had it all from a picturesque, rose hip lined path to the beach, perfect size waves, white sand, colorful clay cliffs, smooth stones, and my sister and I would even find starfish there when we were little. Back then we would rub the clay, that was flowing from the cliffs into the ocean, all over our naked bodies, wait for it to get dry and crusty and run in and out of the ocean. But, that is one thing we can’t do anymore because the cliffs are a federally protected landmark and are sacred to Wampanoag tribe of Aquinnah. The history of the island is really incredible so if you ever visit definitely go to the Martha's Vineyard Museum to learn all about it. 🐋
My love of making jewelry started when I was very young with my family on the island. My sister and I would spend hours at a local bead shop called Beadniks that sold the most unique beads and more. On rainy days or in between swims we would string beads and make necklaces and bracelets for all of our friends and family. In the almost 50 years I’ve been going to Martha’s Vineyard it has changed a lot but my memories will always stay the same.
You don’t have to know Martha’s Vineyard to have a connection to my jewelry. My designs are universal to everyone. They are inspired by nature and all the living things and wonderful people that make our lives, our planet healthy and beautiful.
And, I have to say I couldn’t do it without my friends and family. Especially my mom who still helps me with everything from stickering boxes to stringing the tiniest beads. I am so grateful. ❤️
