My local jeweler died suddenly...

[Mreader]

It was totally unexpected, and it's so sad because it's just he and his wife who ran the business. I am not sure what they will do now. Before my mom died he was her jeweler for years and every piece she gifted me was made by him. One of those things was the earrings that @LemonMoonLex gave a new life to after I lost one. Honestly he could be gruff and grumpy (he gave me grief over buying Chippy), but he was really talented. He was the only one I could find to replace the center stone of my onyx emerald ring. Three different jewelers in TX wouldn’t touch it for fear of breaking the stones. I was depending on him to size my new honker when I returned to TN because I didn't want to trust it to anyone else! I had seen a unique ring in his shop over the summer, and had commissioned him to make another but with my stone. I told him to just time it for the holidays, so it won't get done. However, when I heard what happened his wife said he hadn’t yet sold the original so I am buying that. I will post when I have it. For now I will post some of his other pretties. It's a weird feeling when this happens because it's not necessarily someone I was close to, but it's so sad nonetheless. And as PSers know, having a great jeweler is such an asset!

Here are some blue zircon earrings and a zircon pendant that my mom had him make for me:



Here's an Etruscan inspired pendant that I had him make for me with two pink tourms:



And the super wonky omc he found for this ring. Not the most perfect cut but it fit! I even sent this ring to Ivy and Rose and they couldn't find a stone to fit and were worried about resetting. I didn't even think to go to him at first because he's not a vintage seller. But when I showed him the piece he said "yeah I can size that and fit a stone in there no problem".



I'm so glad that the unique ring he had is still available; it gives me some solace that his wife won't have to worry about refunding the cost of the ring I commissioned and that I will have one more of his pieces. I can't imagine how hard it is for her not only because of the loss, but having to deal with people's orders that might be mid-way done, etc.

 

[LightBright]

I’m sorry for your loss. Good jewelers are rare and he sounds like he really loved his craft, and he was an approachable and skilled jeweler. My condolences to everyone.

 

[MissGotRocks]

So sad for you and his family. Talent is a hard thing to come by sometimes! Glad you will have one more piece from him.

 

[Missy]

Gorgeous pieces.
I am so sorry @Mreader for his family and for you and all the customers who adored him.

 

[LemonMoonLex]

So sorry for your loss!
Even though we may not be super close with our jewelers, when we work together for so many years that definitely forms a bond & special friendship.

I feel lucky to have been able to purchase a piece he made & keep it in the original setting by completing the pair of earrings. If anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about, it's the gorgeous barbie pink tourmaline earring, which I found a mismatch pair out if another beautiful steely teal tourmaline from @2Neezers

I hope the pieces he made that you wear can honor him & that friendship & that you're able to find another jeweler soon that is just as daring & trustworthy. ❤