Trendy 'Forever jewelry' is carefully crafted at And Arlen in West Seattle

On California Street in West Seattle sits a jewelry shop that is quickly becoming a fixture in the community.

"[Our jewlery] needs to be durable and be able to last," said Miranda Harris Hamlin, owner of And Arlen. "But it also needs to be something that is beautiful and that you can wear every day."

Miranda and her team at And Arlen make all their jewelry in-house, just upstairs from the showroom. They start with chains and metal, forming, fusing and soldering it all into one piece. And Arlen's jewelry is designed to last forever, and they offer repairs of their pieces.

"So much jewelry just needs a quick 30-second repair, and then you can wear it again if it breaks," said Miranda. "I would rather repair something than have someone throw it away and buy a new one because usually they are pretty much good as new."

And Arlen's jewelry does not just last forever — it can be permanent. Bracelets, necklaces and anklets can be custom-made and welded onto you in the store, meant to stay on your body for years.

Of course, I had to try out the forever jewelry for myself.

First, you choose your favorite chain, and it is measured onto you so that it fits perfectly. Then you choose any charms you may want to have.

Finally, it is welded together as an infinite piece of jewelry that is clasp-less, and you cannot take it off (if you need to remove it, you can take it off with scissors. Check out their FAQ for more information).

I chose a silver cable chain as a bracelet for my forever jewelry. The entire process was fun and easy, and I love having a permanent piece of jewelry on me.

Miranda said she sees lots of people get jewelry together.

"It is a really great way to have a significant piece on you that reminds you of someone you love," said Miranda.

She also sees people get one by themselves to set an intention for the year or to celebrate important moments in their lives.

For And Arlen, opening the storefront in November 2022 and offering the forever jewelry has been a huge hit. But Miranda’s journey started years before.

It was the summer of 2020, mid-pandemic when Miranda graduated from Seattle University with a degree in economics. While she was working, she was also running her jewelry business. Miranda started posting videos on TikTok showing off her waterproof, hypoallergenic and durable items that she sold online.

One video she posted took off, and it got her thinking about running And Arlen full-time.

"That kind of showed me that oh my gosh, I have this opportunity to work on my business full time and pay my bills and do what I love," said Miranda. She quit her job and focused on And Arlen full time. Her degree and entering the workforce mid-pandemic influenced her approach to how she runs her business.

"I wanted to create a work environment where people could live their lives and work second," said Miranda. "We pay everybody a real living wage. Right now, our wages are $33.25 an hour, we have unlimited time off, people get 401k benefits and health insurance, and they can just live their lives."

For Miranda, the joy her customers have picking out jewelry and getting forever pieces made is really what it is all about.

"I mean, even a year ago if you had said 'hey, like this is what's going to go down you are going to have a storefront, you will have this whole team and this amazing community,' I would have said no way like I do not believe you that would never happen," said Miranda. "The West Seattle Community is so amazing and wonderful and welcoming, and it is just so lovely."