Late in spring 2008, South Miami native Ana Ortega moved back home from Washington, D.C., and, like so many recent college grads, couldn't find a job.

``I sent out a bunch of résumés for banking jobs, consulting firms and no callbacks,'' said Ortega, 24, who has a degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

So she turned the hobby that kept her entertained indoors during chilly D.C. winters -- making jewelry -- into a business that is succeeding beyond her expectations.

Dubbed The Mayi Collection, after its founder's childhood nickname, the line launches different sets of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings every season. Every piece is inspired by Miami's natural scenery.

``For example, my summer things are very beachy but fino, luxurious-looking,'' Ortega said. ``They include things like coral and turquoise, things that are very popular in Miami.''

The current winter line, available at www.mayicollection.com, combines shell pearls, which are made from oyster shells, with hammered gold vermeil accents, smoky quartz beads and multicolored Swarovski crystals.

Bits of coral, wooden beads and semiprecious stones such as amethyst, citrine and lapis lazuli, which evoke Miami's splashy spirit, also figure prominently.

Making jewelry wasn't on Ortega's radar when she began her studies at George Washington. She was looking for a public-policy job and interned at the office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the Bush White House and in the office of Florida Sen. Mel Martinez, who retired last year.

``I was a bit disillusioned with that sphere,'' she added. ``A lot of people go to D.C. very idealistic, wanting to change the world, but then reality sets in.''

It was her boyfriend, during a particularly icy weekend in the nation's capital, who suggested she try making jewelry.

Ortega trained with a goldsmith in Maryland and, once the weather and homesickness drove her back to Miami, she studied with jeweler Marc Thurn at the Miami Jewelry School in Coral Gables.