“Seeing reactions to our work always surprises us. We want it to be appreciated, but when it moves someone to tears, laughter, or somewhere in between, we're deeply rewarded.”

Falling in love prompted BB Becker's first attempt to make jewelry: He found used pieces to deconstruct and reassemble into gifts for his future wife. Today his designs are a collaborative effort, as Josephine’s handwriting is engraved on each piece.

Also in love are the couple’s customers. “Their feedback frequently ends with, ‘I’m never taking it off!’ Years ago we took this metaphorically,” BB says. “But now after the occasional return of a well-loved piece asking for restoration in some small way, we realize the wearer has literally worn it daily.”

Such reactions, BB says, are always surprising. “We want it to be appreciated, but when it moves someone to tears, laughter, or somewhere in between, we’re deeply rewarded.”