Feature Friday Presents:
CatherinesJewelry!
“People always ask me how I got started designing and creating my own line of jewelry. I tell them, “It must be in the genes!” I began designing my own pieces in 1994, and set my first gemstone that Christmas. It was a 10pt diamond in a 14Kt gold floating heart setting; a friend commissioned it for his wife to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. That marked the first time I really thought of myself as a Jeweler.”
$15.00 USD $38.00 USD
$15.00 USD $18.00 USD
$44.00 USD $377.00 USD
$19.00 USD $42.00 USD
What got you interested in crafting?
It’s in my genes. My great-grandfather, Allan H. Davis, one of the founding fathers of Red Lodge, Montana, probably started this jeweler-gene in our family. He was a pioneer and brought his family across country from New York by covered wagon. He was the town’s jeweler, optician, and Post Master. Some of his tools have passed down to me, and from as far back as I can remember I have been drawn to unusual rocks and gemstones. I must’ve inherited his genes.
What has been your favorite project to make and why?
My favorite project always seems to be the one I’m working on now. And right now, I’m wire-wrapping everything I can think of – from gemstones, shells and buttons to wine goblets and champagne flutes.
What’s the secret behind your etsy name?
Well, it’s my name plus what I make: CatherinesJewelry. Not very original, but it works for me. I branched out a bit this year and added another shop with equally catchy name: CatherinesSupply. You guessed it – it’s my “de-stash” supply shop.
If you could open up a shop in your town what would you call it and what would it be like?
Catherine’s Jewelry Design.
Picture Main Street USA, my shop is in that two-story brick building with the double bay-windows. It’s up on the second floor – enter at street level through the door with the painted peacock. It’s more studio than shop (with terrific natural light and beads EVERYwhere!) Bach, Beethoven, or the Beatles provide ambiance; and the espresso is frothy…
What is the most challenging thing you have made?
A Tanzanite ‘waterfall’ ring. Twenty fabulous sparkling 2mm (tiny!) Tanzanite gemstones, each prong set into a multi-level ring setting, the face of which was only about the size of a nickel.
What are some of your goals you hope to achieve within the next year?
I’m a member of The Artisan Group – they supply swag/gift bags for celebrities at the Golden Globes, Oscars, Emmys, etc. I would really like to be in a position to actually participate and gift the celebrities next year. I wasn’t ready yet this year.
What inspires you to be crafty?
Everything. Anything. Beauty. Nature. My cat’s eyes. My daughter’s smile. My husband’s love. A trip to the gem/bead show…
What is your best quality when it comes to your crafts?
I take pride in my technique – especially when it comes to finishing the pieces. I use quality gems, beads, and findings (clasps, earwires, etc.) I make sure each piece is comfortable to wear (no wires poking out) and durable. I have inherited many fine and beautiful things; I want the things I create to last for generations too, and/but also be wearable heirlooms.
If you could have one thing to help your store what would it be?
An assistant to take pictures and write-up my listings. I hate doing it. It takes me forEVER. I just want to play with my pretties…
If you haven’t checked out CatherinesJewelry – click on the link!
Thanks for stopping by!
Love Always,
J
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