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A Jewelry Collector's Story

Gemstone Collection

As far back as I can remember, I collected jewelry.

It all began with my Father, giving jewelry to my Mother and me to mark occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. He always picked out interesting pieces  on his own- one of my favorites being a band of square channel set rubies for a birthday. I was used to seeing bands with round diamonds, so I especially loved that this was different. I think that began my quest for collecting jewelry.

I was lucky that we travelled as a family when Summertime came, and I began to seek out unique jewelry every new place we went. The thrill of the hunt for designs that I'd never seen before was always at the forefront of my brain, no matter where we went. I loved when I could take home something that was different and marked the occasion or place that we'd been. Everytime I wore it, I was instantly transported back to the place where I had found it, and got to relive the experience of where we had been. 

Years later, and I still love to collect jewelry. It's absolutely the very first thing that I think about when a Birthday arises... but these days I seem to settle for more practical necessities. Not to mention, my life is becoming more streamlined and clutter-free...so if I am going to buy something, it's got to be pretty special. And who has time anymore for that kind of search?! Maybe one day soon I'll devote an ENTIRE AFTERNOON to searching solely for a new sparkler to add to my collection. That would be amazing. I mean, the odds that I would be able to just focus on that are... slim to none. Just too many other online distractions to click on to lead me astray -like my four year old needs new cowgirl boots...but maybe one day it'll happen. I sure do love the hunt!
xox-Laura

 

Pop Up: WingHaven Gardens!

I am excited to announce my first Pop Up shopping event of the Fall 2016 season will be happening October 20th at Wing Haven Gardens in Charlotte! 

Wing Haven Gardens Event featuring Laura James Jewelry on October 20

I am thrilled to have been chosen as their featured Jewelry Artist for this intimate event, which will also showcase the works of five other local charlotte artisans from paint to ceramics and hand blown glass... this is a must-make event to not only stroll through the gardens with music and cocktails, but to also get the jump on your Fall and Holiday shopping :).

I can't wait to unveil my latest works that have yet to be seen...plus a few pieces that will be crafted especially for this event (hint: jewelry with birds, wings, etc!). 

Wing Haven Gardens is known for their intimate events that typically sell out, so make sure to grab your ticket now via their website www.winghavengardens.org!

Can't wait to see everyone!

xox-Laura

Mood Board Magic

My Mood Board of the Week: Beach Inspired Jewelry 

Mood Board Inspiration for Summer 2016 from Laura James Jewelry.

There's nothing better than a Mood Board to record any jewelry design inspiration that comes my way! When the design inspiration hits me, it's like GOLD, so I have learned over the years to document, document, document it- otherwise, it will vanish (an a-ha moment gone in a matter of minutes...there's nothing worse!) So, after getting the thoughts and ideas down on paper, the next the best thing for me to do is to transfer it to a Mood Board.

The Mood Board reflects the colors that I want to use in my next Laura James Jewelry collection...and is in plain sight in my studio workspace. I know how important these are for my creative process and execution, and this one was especially fun to put together because the colors make me think of my most relaxing happy place...the Beach!

I can't wait to see what comes from these strands of stones...I love the juxtaposition of the sparkly pyrite with organic, vintage glass. Stay tuned!

xox

Laura James

 

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