Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeni Stratton.
Hi Jeni, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always admired jewelry. Before I made my own jewelry my coworkers would often comment on the styles of jewelry I would wear. I would constantly mix, match and stack my rings. Jewelry is the final look to an outfit and I feel the most confident when I’m wearing jewelry.
My journey began when I knew I needed to express my creative side. My biggest obsession are rings. I started out making rings for myself in 14K Gold and Silver. When I would go out with my friends they, as well as strangers, would comment on how they loved my rings. Then I was asked if someone could buy my jewelry off me. A stranger loved my designs so much that she wanted to buy my rings off my hand right then and there. It was at that moment I knew I had to share my designs, creativity and style with others. This gave me the inspiration to push the limits and got me doing more unique and harder designs. I individually handcraft each piece from scratch. I work with Sterling Silver and 14K Gold as my primary metals. Currently, I create rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I even have done several wedding bands and earrings for brides and bridesmaids to wear on the day of the wedding. To know that they will wear these pieces again and again and it’ll bring back positive memories is priceless. I’m actually finishing up a personalized wedding band for a groom this week; I love the feeling that my pieces will be with them for a lifetime. Jewelry is keepsake, it’s a gift that will last a lifetime and brings back sentimental memories. I love how it can be passed on from one generation to the next. I now sell my jewelry from my Instagram page JeniMarieCompany as well as Facebook and do shows in Georgia, Florida and Michigan. I take pride that my jewelry is made with fine quality metals and have repeat customers regularly as they are excited to always see my next creative endeavor. It’s handmade jewelry in the USA, shopping small means so much and I truly appreciate each and every customer. Visit me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or Esty at JeniMarieCompany to check out my artwork. Thank you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There’s a lot to learn about different metals and gemstones. Different metals have different melting points and it’s a continuous process on learning different techniques. There are also many different ways to add texture, create shine, and ways to accent the pieces. It’s a never-ending educational craft as I’m always reading about different stones, metals, gasses, tools and more. Stones also have something called a Mohs hardness scale, it’s very important to learn the hardness of a stone when placing it into its setting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart from others is the care and attention I bring to all of my jewelry. I genuinely do all the work myself and nothing is premade. I love color and use real stones in my pieces. One of my most favorite things to create are rings, they are one of the most time-consuming pieces but they are my main obsession. I can’t leave the house without at least a few rings on. People comment the most on how easy my rings are to wear as they are comfortable. In my designs, I make sure to take comfort into consideration as when you purchase a piece you want to be able to enjoy and wear it all day long for years to come.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see jewelry becoming more unique and more customizable. People enjoy being able to make things personable. People want to be able to express themselves and I’m happy to be on that journey with them using jewelry to help others express their creativity.
Pricing:
- Currently, I sell pieces ranging from $20-$300.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenimariecompany
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenimariecompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeniMarieCompany/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenimariecompany
Image Credits
jenimariecompany