Ianneci jewelry

What it is Intricate handmade beaded jewelry

Who they are Twenty-eight-year-old twins Jennifer and Kimberly Gennace got an early start as entrepreneurs: In high school, they sold custom-designed friendship bracelets and macrame accessories to other students and faculty members, including the high-school dean. “A lot of our friends wanted their nicknames or dog’s name or whatever was popular at the time,” Jennifer says. They’d rack up inventory over the summer, and then during the school year, haul around a box of $3 and $5 bracelets throughout lunch period. The twins went to Illinois State University, where they studied fashion merchandising and design; while in school, they interned in New York at brands including Henri Bendel and Lola Faturoti, covering everything from public relations to design to branding. Today, six years since they launched their jewelry line, IANNECI, those skills come in handy; working full-time out of their shared River North studio apartment, the women cover every aspect of their label—from stringing every bead on every necklace (each piece is handmade) to sending out press releases to shipping product for their online shop. Fortunately, they complement each other’s style and skill set. “Jennifer is more feminine and bohemian and free-spirited,” Kim says. “Her work reflects some of those elements. I’m more inspired by European, trendy [and] edgy elements. It’s a really good balance. Jennifer brings in the classic part of design, and I push it to another level.”

What they make “The jewelry is growing up with us,” Jennifer says. They’ve replaced friendship bracelet thread with 14-karat gold-filled chain, and now they’re known for their lace-like beading technique. Collections are less seasonally specific than thematic, one-of-a-kind pieces produced throughout the year; recently they produced an insect-inspired collection that included acrylic-encased bugs and beaded designs that mimic the anatomy of insects. In addition, they’ve been collaborating with local fashion designer Catherine Furio since fall 2010, using concepts such as the layering techniques in painting and the art of crochet to riff on the designer’s fall and spring collections. They also sell custom and premade bridal designs—earrings, necklaces and hairpieces featuring strands and clusters of crystals and freshwater pearls. Pieces start at $30.

Where to find it The Left Bank (1155 W Webster Ave, 773-929-7422), ianneci.com and September 25 at Dose Market (River East Art Center, 435 E Illinois St).