Van Dyke

Van Dyke

Asheville Jewelers: 5 Must See Jewelers at the Folk Art Center

Asheville, a small town in Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains, gets approxamately 3 million visitors a year. It's a mecca for jewelers and other artists.

 

If you happen to be in town or planning a visit to Asheville, one of the best places to check out the work of local Asheville jewelers is the Folk Art Center. Located just north of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, its a pleasant drive and the center of the Asheville craft scene.

 

Here are five of the finest Asheville jewelers on display at the Folk Art Center:

 

1. Joan Bazzle. Joan has over 40 years of experience working with gold and silver. She started selling her work on the streets of San Francisco before winding her path to Asheville. She works with a variety of media, including beads and unique gemstones using cutting edge metalsmithing techniques. See her work at Woolworth Walk, the Folk Art Center, and Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft in downtown Asheville.

2. Jim Charneski. Jim Charneski, metalsmith, creates highly polished and elegant fine jewelry and other metal work. He uses rare stones such as bi-color tourmaline and white sapphire in clean settings that highlight the beauty of the stone. Jim also makes a series of carved metal leaves in copper and pewter for Christmas ornaments!

3. Chris Van Dyke. Chris Van Dyke, goldsmith and GIA gemologist, makes a wide selection of gold and silver jewelry in Asheville using semi-precious and precious stones. His designs use a generous amount of precious metal and clean lines. His work is designed for everyday, worry-free wear. Favorite stones include the quartz family, diamonds, and opals, which he gets from very select suppliers.

4. Sharon Bailey. Asheville jeweler Sharon Bailey makes silver jewelry with gold accents and Bakelite that's inspired by the nature around her home in North Asheville. Bakelite, the first commercial plastic, is no longer in production. She is an avid collector of the material and hand picks every piece for her jewelry. It's a durable and colorful material that's excellent for fine jewelry and compliments her fine silver perfectly.

5. Susan Marie Phipps. Susan, owner of Susan Marie Designs in downtown Asheville, works exclusively in gold and fine gemstones. Her work is elegant, beautiful, and makes a real statement. Her favorite stones include diamonds, colored sapphires, and tanzanites, all of which she hand picks to exacting standards. GIA graduate and goldsmith for over 24 years.

 

We hope you budget some of your time the next time you visit the area to check out the Asheville jewelers and other craftspeople at the Folk Art Center. There is much more to see at the downtown galleries and the River Arts District as well, and don't forget to try some local beer!

 

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Don't forget to come downtown to see more Asheville jewelers, and maybe grab a pint of local brew!

Paul Van Dyk - For an Angel 09 (2009 Paul Van Dyk Remix) (HQ)