Montauk surfer makes handmade jewelry inspired by the ocean

Montauk native Ariel Engstrom has for many years had two passions — the sea and jewelry — and she’s merged both loves into her business.

Engstrom, 32, is owner of Below The Blue, a shop on Carl Fisher Plaza in Montauk, where she sells jewelry she and her team make that’s largely inspired by the sea. They create sterling silver, solid gold and gold-filled pieces they design, but they mostly fashion custom jewelry on the spot while the people buying it wait.

"Below The Blue was inspired by my happy place — under the sea," said Engstrom, an avid surfer who grew up in her family’s homes in both Montauk and Puerto Rico. "I’ve lived most of my life in the water, from surfing with my family to free-diving in front of our house."

She added, "I’ve always loved jewelry too. If you knew me in high school you would remember the 20-plus rings on my hands — more rings than fingers, always — and the chunky peace sign necklaces, the statement cuffs … As I got older, my style progressed into more beachy — minimalist."

Engstrom, who also sells natural skin care, beauty and wellness products at Below The Blue, starts each day at the water with thoughts of possibilities for jewelry designs swimming in her head, she said.

"I walk the beach every morning with my dog — it’s my favorite part of the day — and I find the cutest white seashells, and my favorite one sits on my neck," Engstrom said. "Jewelry allows you to wear moments of time."

Engstrom, who sells items from her store on her website, lives in Montauk in the summer and Puerto Rico in winter. She started making jewelry in her early teens.

"I always loved creating — I didn’t have the tools and knowledge back then but I loved playing around," Engstrom said. She went to college briefly in California and then Hawaii, to study physical therapy, "but the waves were too good," she said, so she didn’t graduate and became a jewelry-maker.

"It wasn’t until I was living in Hawaii that my passion came about. I started experimenting with shells that I would dive for and started making things for friends," she said.

Engstrom took a three-hour soldering class that inspired more jewelry ideas. She also watched YouTube tutorials and read blogs to hone her skills.

"My first creations are laughable — but you have to start somewhere," she said. "I still have the first sea glass ring I ever bezel set — she’s not pretty — but she’s the muse for all I create now."

Engstrom recently spoke to Newsday about her jewelry business. Answers have been edited for space.

How do you go about making your jewelry? Do you sketch out the design first?

I wish I was artistic in the way that most jewelers are. Everyone has their thing and drawing is not mine. When I get an idea in mind, I’m usually laying down in bed in the middle of the night. I start to think in my head about how things would work.

Where do most of the materials come from that you work with?

The majority I actually find myself. Sea glass, shells and shark teeth all come from my travels. I travel a lot with my sister — we go on surf trips a few times a year to various places and I’m always collecting along the way. I source from small businesses for gemstones, pearls and beads.

What’s the range of prices for your jewelry?

You can get little huggie hoops for $10 and you can get a gemstone bracelet that costs $300. You can get a plain necklace for $55 or you can build a charm necklace which adds on to the price per charm.

What is it about jewelry that you love so much?

Jewelry can express individuality. We can adorn ourselves in things so meaningful and precious, and to me that is beautiful. I also love how a pair of hoops can make you feel like you didn’t just roll out of bed, or how that little glistening of gold can capture the sunlight.

Why do you have such an affinity for water?

I’ve been in love with the ocean ever since I could remember., I’ve always had a connection with it. It’s something I’ve never forced on myself, it’s something that comes naturally to me. Ever since I was a little girl I have loved the sea and it’s as simple as that.

Who’s the "team" that makes jewelry with you?

I have a talented team of girls who feel like family. They have an amazing style and I usually tell them to create whatever is in their mind. They always know what’s in style.

Do you still always wear many pieces of jewelry everyday like you did in high school, and do you have favorites?

I feel absolutely naked if I’m not wearing jewelry. I wear 11 rings currently. My fish bone ring is probably my most favorite piece.

What would you like your business to look like in five years?

Maybe I’ll have five shops.