Velo Gioielli – Bicycle Themed Jewelry
Purveyor of fine cycling jewelry we call bike bling
For Brian Echerer, it all started at RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) when his girlfriend wanted a bike spoke bracelet. “A what?’ he thought at the time.
After injuring his back in cyclo cross, and laying around flat on his back while recovering, his entrepreneurial spirit took over. As luck would have it, Brian’s mom, Mary Jane, is an accomplished jewelry designer and he went to her with the idea of selling cycling jewelry at BikeCraft in 2009. Three years later Velo Gioielli, bicycle themed jewelry from recycled parts, has grown into a full-time gig.
Crafting Cycling Jewelry
The original designs for Velo Gioielli are a team effort melding Brian’s ideas and love of cycling with his mother’s artistic talents. He has also been inspired by friends in the Hash House Harriers (a drinking club with a running problem) who encouraged him to put bling into his jewelry.
One look at his work and it’s obvious a lot of thought, time, and effort has gone into each piece: polished stainless steel, braided leather, etched charms — all meticulously handcrafted into unique works of art.
It drives me crazy when I see some bike charm from China on a string. That’s not bike jewelry! ~ Brian Echerer
As with most entrepreneurs, it takes perseverance to make inroads into shops and events. Brian’s next aim is to expand into the mainstream world. In the first three years, he’s learned to take the word “no” as an opportunity to possibly change someone’s mind.
I’m a cycling fanatic! I love everything about bikes. I started making spoke bracelets and it blossomed into so much more: jewelry made from spokes, tubes, broken chain, cable, and other bits of discarded bike components. I’m always open to take requests and make something special for you. ~ Brian Echerer
Where To Find Velo Gioielli
In addition to BikeCraft, you’ll find Velo Gioielli at Portland’s Saturday Market and online at pedalgifts.com or Etsy.
