JET Jewelry on Etsy Team

MY LIFE AS A JEWELRY DESIGNER.

I have always loved jewelry, in any shape or form. My jewelry box is full of all different metals and styles. So it wasn’t really an accident that I began designing jewelry about 6 years ago. I have always felt a desire to own my very own “boutique” with lots of unique jewelry pieces and gifts.

When Bill (my significant other) and I first met, he introduced me to the wonders of hiking in the Adirondack Mountains here in Upstate New York.  It was there that we discovered our very first piece of garnet. You can find small pieces along the river in North Creek which is just about an hour and a half drive from our home. This discovery made me decide that jewelry making would be a great way to display this beautiful stone. I wasn’t too keen on the hiking part of the relationship, but since I thought of him as a “keeper”, I figured I better at least make it worthwhile!!

I started out with very simple designs. As time went on, I added semi- precious stones and sterling silver to the jewelry I created. I enlisted Bill to provide the cutting, sanding and tumbling needed to form the pendants. He jokingly refers to himself as “manufacturing” and to me as the creative genius behind our business.


While attending one of the very first craft shows we frequented, a lovely vendor introduced us to the possibility of selling on Etsy. That was back in 2006 and we have continued to grow our business. We have made many wonderful friends throughout the years. One of our very first customers was Pam from Cooljewelrydesign. How neat it was to see her decide to make jewelry herself and join us as a member of the Jetteam, (Jewelry on Etsy) which is one of the many teams designed to foster communication and support for other jewelry makers,  on the website.

One of my favorite stones is amethyst. I just love the deep purple color and almost perfect tone that this stone has. I try to make as many pieces as I can with it. Of course, purple is one of my favorite colors which may be why I am so attracted to this particular stone.  I also love to create with turquoise which is such a versatile stone. Paring it with other semi precious stones really make it pop!!

As time has gone on, our business has expanded to include participation in a co-op of vendors locally. Artique is a wonderful venue to display and sell our jewelry. We have garnered many friendships from the other vendors as well as customers. There is nothing better than listening to the customers browse through the shop and comment on our pieces with delight. We also display our jewelry on consignment at The Katbird Shop

                                                  

Although I have been employed in a management capacity for over 25 years, making jewelry has provided me with an avenue for relaxation after a hectic day at the office.  I will forever cherish the wonderful friends we have made throughout the years both locally and through our online venture.  Next to meeting Bill, who is my real “gem”, I can’t think of a better way to spend my hours. Maybe that boutique will someday actually become a reality. For now, I’ll just continue to enjoy learning new techniques and satisfying our customers while basking in the beauty that mother nature has to offer.

Thank you for reading!