Nat Browning, the creative force behind Of Great Value (OGV) jewelry, has embarked on a mission to instill a sense of individual worth in every person. Through her meticulously handcrafted necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, Browning seeks to spread a golden message of self-value. Since founding Of Great Value jewelry in 2017, Browning has been reaching customers online, through pop-up markets, and local boutiques.
Browning’s personal journey through a challenging period of anxiety and depression inspired the core message of her brand. She is dedicated to differentiating her products by imbuing them with a singular purpose – to remind wearers that they are “Of Great Value.” Browning reflects on her own experience, stating, “I believe my products differentiate from others because they have a main goal, to remind you that you’re ‘Of Great Value,’ a message that I so desperately needed to hear in the time that I started this business.”
The essence of Browning’s “value” message is mirrored in the quality materials she employs in crafting her designs. Emphasizing her commitment to durability and lasting value, Browning says, “I value quality, long-lasting materials that are valuable, just like you.” Each bracelet and necklace is adorned with a hand-stamped “OGV” tag, reinforcing the empowering message that the wearer is indeed of great value.
In a recent interview, Browning shared insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind her designs. Her artistic journey, rooted in a lifelong love for crafting, has found expression in meaningful and personalized jewelry.
Q&A with Nat Browning:
Do you have an art background?
Art has always been a hobby. I have always loved making things with my hands. I like painting, calligraphy, sewing wallets, and really any sort of crafting. It’s no surprise that I ended up in a creative career.
What inspired your jewelry making?
I didn’t wear much jewelry because I could never find things I liked, so I started making things I wanted to wear. I loved meaningful pieces, so I bought metal stamps and started stamping blanks with words that I treasured. I then moved onto words the people around me treasured. Next, I stamped keychains and necklaces with chunky brass chains on the floor of my parent’s garage.
Tell me about your designs?
My designs come to me anytime, anywhere. I could be lying awake at 2 a.m., on a run through First Landing State Park, reading my Bible or swimming in the bay at sunset. I’m most inspired by this beach town we call home and all the beauty of nature it hosts.
Many of my pieces start with texturing from the same hammer I’ve been using since the beginning of my business. It’s a texture of years of work and heart that can’t be mimicked. I use quality materials like 14K gold filled and sterling silver, so people can wear them daily without the quality diminishing.
My designs pay homage to the beach with names like Shore Drive Convertible earrings, Dune necklace and the Chesapeake necklace.
Where can we find your jewelry?
Locally, I sell my items at Apricot Lane Boutique, The Beach Nut, Lola Boutique, and Kitsch. However, my favorite way to sell is at weekly pop-ups at local boutiques, coffee shops, and farmers markets.
