Small Businesses Rule!

Hello All- It’s been too long!  I was just interviewed for a series about “successful” jewelry businesses and it left me thinking about so many things. I’m not the greatest at interviews,and it left me thinking and reflecting on what I didn’t have time to say,so I thought I would share more here. For those who don’t know, I have been in business as Jane Hollinger Jewelry since 1998 {!} and I started with the intent to be a handmade in the USA business using eco -friendly materials. At the time, it was not really talked about or stressed as a business model,and I certainly am not the greatest at talking about myself,but I am proud to say that after all these years,we still make everything in-house using recycled precious metals and HARMONY coded diamonds and ethically sourced stones. There were times when I felt like this model was becoming obsolete or not valued by buyers or customers, but I have stuck with it through thick and thin,and it has made me more committed than ever.  I was asked a questions about growth and funding during the interview,and over the years I have had interested investors who based on my success and growth wanted to invest but their vision and my vision just didn’t match. In order to make more money,investors wanted me to make my line overseas and while that may have made my company more successful financially, I would not have remained true to myself or my initial vision. This is key–as a business, I can’t stress enough how important it is to remain true to yourself,and not compromise yourself where it matters most to you. I am a mother of 2 first, artist and designer second,and business person third. {order changes as needed} This means I make creative business decisions that hopefully don’t negatively impact the world and that work in my life for me. Money is wonderful, important and necessary, but it is not the be-all, end-all for me. Success means different things to different people, and for me,as a small business owner and designer, it’s not just HOW MUCH money my business is making, but more importantly, HOW my business is making money. So,all that said, I sign off with my thanks to all who have supported me over the years,and who have supported my work and appreciated my business model!  Thanks to all my designer friends who “get it” and are in the trenches with me – you are amazing!

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Studio

This is my corner table,and where all the rings are set and finished. We have been renovating the studio,but had to stop because this time of year gets too crazy to be under construction. It seems like it takes forever to finish it–I mean REALLY finish it. {Still have shelving to make and install and a bit of painting to do} Once we are done, I will post more pictures so you can see the rest of the jewelry studio.

WORK TABLE

JHJewelry spotted on….

 

Spotted these Jane Hollinger Jewelry rings on “GASPARD”‘s blog. There are other JHJ pieces too in other shots. I love seeing the jewelry styled on the model and I am coveting the clothes in the pictures, especially the “Indress” silk blouse and “Roberto Collina” pants.

http://gaspardshop.com/category/the-gaspard-shop-blog/

Things in the Works….

Tucson gem and mineral show

I went to the Gem and mineral Show in Tucson,and it as always it was inspiring on so many levels. Part of the show is to the trade only, but all over the city there are pop-up vendors with their gem and mineral specimens. I love the hunt for stones, and being around the people who dig for them makes for great conversation. The earth holds many treasures, and the fact that humans have been digging up minerals and gems, polishing them and wearing them for thousands of years inspires me. Included in this photo are: malachite,cavansite,calcium,rutile and senelite .

the wonder of minerals

Intaglio Octopus

I found this wonderful Intaglio Octopus recently and can’t wait to make a piece with it. I found just 3,but hope to get other sea creatures if I can. I’m on the hunt! Bound in 18k gold wire, this will look so pretty against the skin….

Magical Blue Moonstones

Magical Moonstones

I love Moonstones. I just made this ring with a Blue Moonstone, but since these are notoriously difficult to photograph, you can only get an idea of the delicate color of the stone. Also, I love all the lore around stones. Moonstones are considered magical in many cultures and are said to bring the wearer beautiful visions in their dreams. Who wouldn’t want that?

Making Rings

I am making rings and loving every minute of it! Rings are a challenge but so satisfying when they work out. My studio is a temporary mess–designing always creates a huge mess! Going through my stone stash and visiting my stone dealer is so much fun. My favorites right now are diamonds, moonstones, green chrysoprase and sapphires. I also will always make a good simple band-you can never have too many and they go with everything! The ring pictured has a beaded band with a thick disc-perfect for engraving or leaving as is….

Magical Jewelry

 

There are some things in this world worth having, and I think these are among them. Sevan Bicakci is a Turkish jeweler and if you don’t know about him,do yourself a favor and look him up. I love that they are over the top fabulous and are collaborative, employing painting, calligraphy, engraving,enameling, sculpting and master gem-setting. If you are lucky enough to own a piece or pieces of his, let me know. I’d like to know if they are as magical on as they look.