By Alyssa LaManna

It’s been said that “Every kiss beings with Kay” and the best shade of blue is Tiffany’s. But what if you’re looking for an unforgettable design that meets your vision and your budget? Move over, big box jewelers, and experience a new wave of metals with Heart & Stone Jewelry, where personalization is the secret ingredient. Now a company that takes pride in self-expression, Heart & Stone was once just a tiny metal heart, beating in Julie Booras kitchen.

Heart & Stone Jewelry, a custom jewelry design website based in Northborough that offers unforgettable metals crafted to please its wearer, began in 2007, when owner Julie Booras found herself experimenting with metal clay.

“I was obsessed,” Booras said. “I remember being in my kitchen when I made a little heart with a crème brulee burner,” she said. “After that, I knew I wanted to take it to the next level.”

A place where creativity is encouraged, Heart & Stone gives customers a chance to be the drive behind the design. “My policy has always been that I don’t want to sell at retail stores because this way, I know what people want,” Booras said. Whether it’s something that inspires you, a milestone in your life or just a way to tell someone they give you butterflies, the opportunities are endless.

“We’ve designed a cheese sandwiches charm because that’s how someone said I love you,” Booras laughed as she recalled the intimate charm. Get inspired with rivet rings, organic custom charms, key chains, necklaces and much more just waiting to be handcrafted for you. Julie and her team take pride in delivering personal designs all over the globe.

“It’s really true. If you build it, they will come,” Booras finished.

Aside from being eco-friendly, all the way down to 100 percent biodegradable packing peanuts, Heart & Stone is a company that gives more than it takes. Specialty charms can be purchased through the Giving Is Good collection, which allows buyers to support and donate 25 percent of sales to charities such as cystic fibrosis, autism awareness and more.

Six years later, Heart & Stone Jewelry has expanded its collection, acquired new techniques and has even taken a trip to the Emmy Awards to adorn the stars. Now in the fast lane, Booras said the company is busier than ever. Plans to add to the collection and a new website are under way.

What’s next? “I can’t tell you,” Booras said. “I’m really excited about everything we have coming up.”

Now, it’s up to you. Log on and express yourself. Put your heart into it. After all, you are the designer.

For more information about Heart & Stone Jewelry, visit www.heartandstonejewelry.com.

Photos: The Heart and Stone necklace by Julie Booras, and Julie Booras and actor Eric LaSalle.