A one-of-a-kind jewelry store with an intriguing name, Our Spare Change, opened at 112 Avenida Del Mar in March of this year. Sisters and business partners Hillary O’Modhrain and Danielle Johnson have now realized their dream of opening a storefront on Avenida Del Mar where people can stroll by, drop in and marvel at the varied jewelry collections. 

“The purpose of a brick and mortar is to be a part of the community. The heartbeat of what we do is connect with people,” said Hillary. 

 They first operated above Sur Coffee before opening their flagship store and workshop near North Beach in 2023. It all started in the sisters’ dorm room at the College of Charlston, South Carolina from 2011-2017 where they created coin jewelry with sayings, eventually making all types of jewelry in gold and sterling silver. With Danielle an art major and Hillary a business major, their concept of Our Spare Change was born.

This charming, downtown store is a welcoming and safe place for all ages. Among a wide selection of gold and silver necklaces, bracelets, and rings, the charms are a big hit. Customized jewelry with a theme can be hand-stamped and engraved onsite. Not only can one build a charm bracelet with endless choices but also a charm necklace and even charm earrings.

Hillary is passionate about community events for both locations. Families can enjoy back-to-school activities and a dress-up Halloween party with jewelry for kids. Adults can participate in evening cocktail/wine parties, and there’s a monthly book club that takes place at the North Beach store.

The flagship workshop location at North Beach is where the all-female jewelry-making artisans do their magic. The hand-made aspect of the store is due to the talents of Katrina, Katy, Sydney, Serena, and Hannah. Eventually, classes will be offered where people can solder and learn how to bead and wire wrap. Over 90% of the jewelry is hand-crafted in-house. 

For a jewelry experience, Our Spare Change will spark the human connection with custom engraved pieces. For those who can’t get enough earrings, the Earring Club is a new addition.

For a subscription fee of $30 a month, a member can expect:

• One stunning pair of earrings per month (June’s selection was Turquoise mini hoops).

• Delivery straight to your door or store pick-up.

• Exclusive access to never-before-launched earrings.

• Affordable luxury to add to your everyday look and to your earring collection.

In keeping with the San Clemente Journal’s 30-year anniversary celebration, a nice surprise was revealed. As youngsters Hillary and her sister Kaylin were on one of the magazine’s earliest covers depicting their dad pushing them on a swing set near the pier.

Oursparechange.com. Instagram: @oursparechange.