And then there was...This.
As my first blog post, I thought I'd answer the questions most regularly asked:
How did I get into this? or What's my background?
When I tell you that my grandparents owned a jewelry store in downtown Winston-Salem, NC and that I wear a ring designed by my Grandfather, you'll clearly understand the link between my company and my family history. When I tell you that my Dad became a hobbyist stone cutter who taught himself jewelry making skills so he could set all those many stones, you might think, "well, of course she knows how to make jewelry". And then, finally, when I tell you that when I was middle school, my family bought a jewelry store (which frankly seemed crazy at the time), you may totally wonder how I could do anything else but make/design jewelry! In fact, that's what my brother does.
But it took a while...40 some years...for me to find my way here. My resume includes 10 years of hardware/systems sales and software sales to the Fortune 500 for companies both entrepreneuial and large. My family became my priority when I left corporate America to stay at home with our daughter. All the while, I pursued my artistic interests and hobbies, and kept myself in classes: wheel thrown pottery, drawing, painting, knitting. But jewelry as a hobby? Nope, not on the radar.
I never, NEVER, even remotely considered any profession in the jewelry business, much less as a Jewelry Designer....until 2006. That was a magic year when I considered the possibilities, decided on a path, and sold my first pieces in the span of 4 weeks. All of a sudden, becoming a jewelry designer and starting this business was something I felt compelled to do. Didn't understand it. Just recognized it. Strapped on my courage and followed the sound of the singing.
Now I can say confidently: I am a third generation jewelry designer.
This company, this experience has been the key to finding my creative center. And I have many to thank for this: my family and friends for their crazy, unwavering support, my ancestors for paving the way, my employees for their dedication and loyalty, and finally to my customers who love to wear the kind of jewelry that lets each of them have their own 'voice'.
I totally love you guys!
What's the significance of the KEY charm on my sterling pieces?
Two things:
First, we tend to keep so much 'locked up'. Everything that matters to us. That's okay for some material stuff (but even that stuff you should use and enjoy). But the rest of it...the metaphoric stuff? We should unlock it ALL! Our heart, our mind, our creativity, our spirit, our voice. Let it loose 'cause it wants sing! This little key reminds me and I hope will remind you that JOY comes from unlocking the 'safe' and setting it free. And we have within each of us the key we need. Christine Jones Jewelry has been about me 'setting it free'.
Second, the key on my work is almost an exact replica of the one belonging to furniture I inherited from my jewelry-store-owning grandparents. This nod to my grandparents just feels right and makes me happy.
If you have a story to share, I'd love to hear about it.
C-