Behind the Brand
My name is Caroline “Carrie” Bilbo and I am a Brooklyn-based artist, designing and handcrafting jewelry for more than 10 years.
Like many 30-something women, I’ve spent my fair share of Saturday afternoons in bridal shops assisting girlfriends in search of their perfect look. During these outings I noticed the words “wedding” and “bridal” could be added to any product, regardless of quality, to prompt a massive markup. I would cringe as thousands of dollars were exchanged for machine-manufactured hair combs and earrings comprised of cheap metal, plastic, and glass.
Contrary to today’s consumer society, I believe in creating things that will stand the test of time. Your wedding may only last one day, but you deserve to be adorned in timeless pieces that can be cherished by generations to come.
After doing some research and finding few options for brides wanting high-quality, one-of-a-kind accessories, I decided to combine my background in jewelry design and metalsmithing with my knowledge of precious metals and stones to launch Sweet Caroline Wedding Adornments.
About the Artist
What began as an interest in fashion design eventually led me to courses in fine arts and, ultimately, earning my BFA and top honors from Pratt Institute’s Jewelry and Metalsmithing program in 2009. Following graduation I launched my first company, Carrie Bilbo Jewelry. The collections and pieces developed within this brand have been featured in a variety of publications and exhibitions, including the New York Times’ “5 Jewelers to Know”, InStyle & Vogue Magazines, and the “Craft to Wear” show curated by the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Additionally, my work has been spotted in TV and movies, on New York City Fashion Week runways alongside the work of Christian Siriano, and on celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg and zendaya.
My designs often bring together the man-made and the organic in a sophisticated aesthetic communion. An obsession with intricate details has inspired me to work with impossibly delicate objects that are both naturally sourced, such as the wings of an insect, and recreated through metalwork, like the petals of a poppy flower. I enjoy working with various metals, ceramics, and casting techniques, and pairing them with precious stones.
Beyond jewelry technique I am inspired by the personal stories and interests of each client I encounter. Whether I am being commissioned to design an engagement ring for a surprise proposal, or working directly with a bride to create her dream hairpiece, there is no greater honor than contributing to a couple’s love story.
When I’m not in my studio I can be found on my apartment balcony tending to my ever-expanding garden, or in the kitchen cooking up a tasty new dish. Although it means leaving my loyal canine companion, Chester, I enjoy traveling to far-off places. Much of my work is inspired by my world travels to South America and Southeast Asia and their unique environments.
AWARDS & HONORS
PRATT’S RISING STARS: 40 UNDER 40 ALUMNI, BEST FOR NYC: CHANGEMAKER AWARD, CRAFTFORMS EXHIBITION: FIRST PLACE JUROR’S AWARD, PRATT JEWELRY SENIOR THESIS: FIRST PLACE, NICHE AWARD FINALIST: FASHION JEWELRY
