KLBB Radio Show

In case you weren't able to tune in to the show on KLBB AM 1220 a few weeks back, here is the link! I was asked to be on the show called "Insure Your Success" presented by Thomas Fierst Insurance Agency. We chatted about business and how important focus is in our work and in our lives. 

Get to know me and my business a little better through the interview. I hope you enjoy.

A Butterfly Affair

My granddaughter with a
Monarch Butterfly

Monarch butterflies are one of the great joys of our summer. In addition to their beauty, the story of their life cycles and incredible journeys is amazing and inspirational.

Five years ago I met with a couple about wedding rings. They were older, somewhat unconventional and wanted their rings to express how they felt about their new lives together. They went home to think about it. It took a while! I was delighted to hear from them this spring.

A monarch caterpillar had attached its chrysalis to the eves of their house. They actually saw it emerge.

They were struck by the unique turquoise color and golden markings of the chrysalis as well as the wonderful metaphor of the new life emerging as this glorious creature. “Ah ha! Let’s call Jim.” They asked if this symbol could be used as a design for their custom made rings.

I found two elongated oval turquoise stones. The ring is made of 14K yellow gold with a line of pure gold beads representing the pattern of gold dots on the chrysalis.

Beautiful, meaningful, and certainly unique!

Artist Open House

My friend Mary Jo Van Dell, who is an exceptionally talented painter, had an art show at the end of April. There were several other artists involved, wine and cheese, and good conversation.

I featured my "Driftwood" jewelry collection, as well as some ready made pieces. Here are a few pictures from the event you might enjoy.

Flyer for the Art Opener

Jim showing off the "Driftwood" Collection

Jim showing a customer part of the goldsmith process

Beautiful Fabric Art from Sue Hedin

A few pieces of Mary Jo's. The pottery is by Joe Samuelson

A view from the busy hallway

Mary Jo's studio. This is where the magic happens!

Please remember that in addition to the custom designed jewelry, I also have unique and beautiful pieces available if you are looking for something for yourself or someone special in your life! 

A Family Affair

We live in a world where most things we buy are mass produced, put on a shelf and sold to us. Once it was common to go to a craftsperson and have something made especially for us – the way we wanted it to be. This is exactly what I offer.

Christmas card

The oak leaf rings

This past Christmas I received a picture from a couple I made wedding rings for five years ago. They had found me on the internet. We exchanged e-mails and then met at my studio. They wanted their rings to have an oak leaf pattern. I did some sketches with their input and made the rings. I have not seen them since.

It is a truly wonderful picture and I am so pleased they wanted to share this event in their marriage with me. It made my day. 

Driftwood rings

Last week I received an email from former customers announcing another new arrival:

"Hey Jim, it's Mark and Anna!

You designed our rings over seven years ago when my husband came to you with his idea and you created a beautiful engagement/wedding ring out of cast driftwood twigs. We hope you are well! We would love to see you, and if possible perhaps get our rings cleaned, this Saturday - as we plan to be in Stillwater. Also, we have a little girl, Lenora who is almost 4 months old and we would love to introduce you to her!

Mark, Anna, and their baby

Let us know if this might be a possibility. Ideally we could stop by mid morning.
Cheers, Anna and Mark"

I guess my point is that the rings symbolizing a marriage are more meaningful when you know the person who makes them and when they are made especially for you. In a way, we become part of each other’s lives, part of an extended family.

Please check out my “customer letters” page on my web site and feel free to contact me for more information. And I would appreciate your sharing this blog with anyone you feel may be interested.

Let’s talk about diamonds

Let’s talk about diamonds. They are beautiful, unique gifts from the earth – the symbol of something that will last forever and never fade. If you want a diamond I will get one for you.

First of all it is very important to me that the diamond you buy is “conflict free”. This is assured by working with reliable, trusted and ethical suppliers - people that I know personally, have a long relationship with and who share this concern.

When you come in, I will explain what diamonds are all about.  In ten minutes you will know more about diamonds than many people who sell them. We will talk about quality and price, then, if you like, set up another appointment. I will go get several diamonds in your price range for you to look at and choose from.

I do not have a drawer full of stones or hundreds of “unique” settings. I only have a few diamonds as samples to show you.

What I do that is different from the stores, is to go to my suppliers and carefully look at each diamond available and choose one that meets my standards and has the qualities you have asked for.

After decades of being in this business I have come to know the subtle differences in the qualities of a diamond that go beyond the standard classifications. Does the cut enhance the brilliance of the stone. Are the flaws dark or light. Are they in a place that can be easily seen or not. Is there clearness in the structure of the stone or a slight haziness. Is there florescence and if so is that good or bad. It is essentially a matter of how does the stone look to my experienced eye.

You learn about diamonds. I find the best ones. You choose the one you want. And you will most likely save money. I charge less than the stores because I don’t have a lot of money tied up in stones and when you get here you will see that I don’t have a lot of overhead.

Diamonds are like people and couples. Each truly is unique. You have chosen each other. I would love to help you chose the right diamond. 

Winter Wonderland

Final ring- Front with cabin 

Ann and Steve are good friends of mine who were recently married. Steve and his family have a cabin in the Black Hills where they have spent wonderful times together. They asked me to make their rings for them. 

Final ring- Deer tracks leading to rose

When I asked what they wanted their rings to be like, Steve thought of the cabin. He then drew a sketch. Ann wanted a rose to be a part of the design as well. There are deer tracks leading from the rose to the trees surrounding the cabin- a winter wonder land.

The "sketch"
You don't need to be a Rembrandt, I'll know what to do

Ruby and Diamond ring

This ring is a twentieth wedding anniversary gift. They were both students when they were married and could not afford a diamond engagement ring. She is of Czechoslovakian descent and loves the look of jewelry from that part of the world. They commonly to use garnets and the gold is a different color from what we are used to seeing. The diamond is a little under one carat and of very high color and clarity. We used deep red rubies instead of garnets and the 14 K gold has a more reddish hue. The pattern of the stones is similar to the designs used by her ancestors. I am pleased with how it looks and she loves it.