Em-Bound!..and...New Life!
Here's how this all started...
In 2009 I decided to play around with wire wrapping gems to create some fun pieces to wear. I had so much fun doing it, I created way more than I'd ever be able to enjoy all myself! I found wire wrapping and working with precious metal silver clay (PMC--99.9% silver), and solid gold is very relaxing at the end of a long day. That year I began GIA courses. I received my Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma in 2010, then in 2013 I received my Gemologist diploma.
My original shop name "EmBound" came to be when my husband and I were pursuing the adoption of our youngest child "Em". Since it was around the time I began binding wire for jewelry, Embound was just the right shop name all the way around for the time.
Embound took a break for a few years (around 2016), so I could focus on my family. During this time too, the covid-19 pandemic hit; and well, we all know the wrench that threw in life! So, in 2020 I decided to freshen up my skills. I received my Pearl Specialist diploma from the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA), and kept up with some continuing ed classes through the GIA as well.
In 2024 I was ready for a fresh start. I decided to do more with my credentials. I applied my love of working with vintage and antique fine jewelry and breathed that "new life" into my shop. I quit my day job and began acquiring many pieces that were ready to be scrapped out. I found a way to give them a fresh start. While I'd done this as well under my "Embound" name, I decided to make this a predominant part of my store's new chapter.
New Life Jewelry was officially born in 2024! The majority of pieces that influence this name are a marriage of gems from my collection, and from discarded jewelry. I have both new settings and handmade pieces (by me); but I also carefully restore vintage and antique pieces preserving as much as I can--marketably. This up-cycling process typically involves professional cleaning, careful inspection, replacing unmarketable gems, then setting ones that are more appealing and/or collectable. I hand polish most pieces in 6-8 step grits. This takes more time, but it familiarizes myself with the piece, and, I just like working with my hands. This "job" is truly is a labor of love. It helps me to support my family too*. The symbolism of "New Life Jewelry" just fits. Many of us can relate to fresh starts, so it's my hope that when someone purchases a piece, they are reminded that new chapters can be beautiful! As a Christian, "New Life" has a special meaning to me personally as well.
I also paint and draw using primarily watercolor. I have run a shop on Etsy where my original art and prints can be found by visiting: http://emboundart.etsy.com/ (...My shop is not active at the moment.)
For years I've collected common to rare and exotic gems. I offered them in my gem shop for reasonable prices as supplies for other artists and collectors here on Etsy: http://emboundgem.etsy.com/ (...This shop too is currently not active.)
Well, I thank you so much for taking the time to read a bit about me and my shops. I sincerely aim to provide you with a positive "Etsy" experience. Most items are shipped in New Life Jewelry branded boxes embellished by me. Everything is "gift ready".
*Due to the nature of my business, items in my store are non-refundable. I aim to provide the most transparent disclosures I can--along with detailed photos.
