At a time when it’s totally plausible that millions of people are wearing the same faux-vintage, turquoise choker that was featured prominently in the Urban Outfitters window display, finding one-of-a-kind pieces that are unique and fashion forward is important. Luckily the Cambridge Open Market (the collection of vendors on the Science Center Plaza), which will be open Fridays from 11:30am – 5:30pm through October, features plenty of wares from handcrafted-jewelry vendors. This past Friday, the market was abuzz with shoppers and designers alike, as both students and local residents descended upon the Plaza for some good old-fashioned retail therapy.

This Roving Reporter took part in the fun and had the opportunity to meet some of the market's artists.

Erin Nelson, jewelry designer, Freebird Designs

Roving Reporter: What inspires you in the jewelry that you make?

Erin: Well, mostly the gemstones themselves. I don’t really start with an idea of what I want to make until I have the gems in my hand.

RR: Do you have a favorite gemstone?

Erin: I would say probably a stone called labradorite, which is a semi-precious stone, and it just has a lot of iridescent colors in it. So it looks different at different times of day and depending on what you wear, so it’s a little more interesting than the other stones.

RR: If you could pick only one of your pieces to wear, what would it be?

Erin: Probably one of the lockets. They have, on one side, a vintage postage stamp, usually a bird or butterfly, and on the other side an inspirational quote or reminder that you can have with you throughout the day.

Molly Kirkpatrick, vendor, SoWa Vintage Market

RR: How would describe your shop here?

Molly: An eclectic mix, they’re all vintage finds. We like art, and a little bit of everything to try to appeal to most people. We like things that are a little weird, things you don’t see every day.