Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Crisonino & Danielle Payton
Hi Danielle & Tori, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Danielle Payton: For over a decade, I built a career as a beauty and wellness publicist, working in both NYC and Miami. I loved my work, but the rapid changes in the media industry—AI advancements, constant media layoffs, and publications folding—left me feeling uncertain. The unpredictability was taking its toll, and I knew it was time for a change.
One day, after venting to my good friend and PR client, Melina Cespedes (founder of Lash Society Miami), I shared how ready I was for something new. She suggested permanent jewelry, an idea that immediately intrigued me. Creativity has always been a part of my life—I grew up making jewelry at sleepaway camp—and this felt like an opportunity to turn that passion into something tangible.
That same day, I went home and started researching everything I could about permanent jewelry. Within days, I had a plan. I posted about it on social media. Almost instantly, my now co-founder, Tori Crisonino, reached out and said, “I WANT IN!”. We hit the ground running, we began training, invested in the tools and jewels, created a name and logo, and by October 2024, CUFFED was officially incorporated.
What started as an uncertain leap has become an incredible journey. This pivot has been one of the most rewarding decisions of our life—and the best part is, we’re just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business is never easy—or smooth—and CUFFED was no exception. Our early days were filled with challenges that tested our patience and determination. Equipment arrived broken, machines malfunctioned during testing, and we even showed up to markets unprepared, missing essentials like a generator or tent. We learned quickly, but those moments were stressful and humbling.
Beyond the logistical hurdles, we’ve faced a few major obstacles. First, educating people about permanent jewelry has been a challenge. In Miami, it isn’t as widely recognized as it is in NYC or California, and the market here is still catching on. While we’re not the first to introduce it locally, CUFFED is different. We’ve positioned ourselves as more than just permanent jewelry—it’s a vibe.
Another challenge has been educating people about gold-filled jewelry. Gold-filled offers the perfect balance of price and quality, lasting 10+ years and being safe for sensitive skin—something that is of utmost importance to us, as we are both highly sensitive to most metals. At CUFFED, we test everything ourselves. As we say, our pieces withstand “gym, ocean, and lotion”, we never take them off.
Lastly, prioritizing quality has been both a challenge and a cornerstone of our brand. From sourcing to testing, we ensure every piece we offer meets our high standards. While we offer clasps for those “scared of commitment” (our non-committals), our ultimate goal is to create timeless, durable, affordable lux jewelry that you won’t need—or want—to take off.
Each of these challenges has pushed us to grow, adapt, and refine our process. Building CUFFED has been far from easy, but the excitement of bringing something fresh to the Miami market and seeing people fall in love with what we do makes it all worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At CUFFED, we specialize in creating permanent and custom jewelry using high-quality gold-filled and sterling silver materials. While we launched with a focus on permanent jewelry, we quickly adapted to meet customer needs by introducing clasps for those who prefer versatility. This pivot not only made our jewelry accessible to more people but also allowed us to explore more extensive and intricate designs—going beyond just a simple chain and charm to create truly unique, statement-making pieces.
We’re known for crafting timeless, personalized jewelry that strikes a perfect balance between delicate and bold. Signature designs like the “Payton Lariat” and “Tori Choker” embody this duality, offering versatility and style that elevate everyday wear. Unlike many jewelry brands where cutesy and demure dominate, CUFFED stands out with an unapologetically bold aesthetic. We aim to redefine what “everyday jewelry” looks like by blending an edge with sophistication.
What truly sets us apart is our vibe. We’re two 90s girls who bring our personalities into every piece we create—think platform Crocs and Jordans, bell bottoms, and rock and roll/90s playlists setting the tone. This authenticity shapes our designs and resonates deeply with our customers, creating a connection that goes far beyond jewelry.
We’re most proud of the community we’ve built and the relationships we’ve forged. CUFFED isn’t just a jewelry brand—it’s a personal experience, a creative outlet, and a way for people to express their individuality through pieces that are uniquely theirs.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
CUFFED is now an approved vendor for The Knot and Wedding Wire! We’re thrilled to expand into weddings, bachelorettes, and bar/bat mitzvahs.
Pricing:
- Sterling silver bracelets start at $70
- Gold-filled bracelets start at $90
Contact Info:
- Website: www.getcuffedjewelry.com
- Instagram: @getcuffedjewelry
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@getcuffedjewelry
Image Credits
founders image (personal photo): Haiel Arama @gvo.haiel
all other images (additional photos): courtesy of CUFFED
