Guest Author - Jackie O´Neal

Studio Jewel
By Jackie O’Neal

Lisa Lehmann, jewelry designer and Director/Founder of Studio Jewel in Grand Rapids, Michigan believes in honoring many charitable causes- from Breast Cancer Awareness to alleviating international conflict and world hunger particularly on the African continent, hence she donates proceeds from the sale of her designs to causes she is most passionate about.

Part of her mission is to create pieces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also reflect a sense of purpose. “I get my greatest sense of personal satisfaction from designing jewelry that is not only beautiful, but also serves a purpose,” she told a representative from Professional Marketing in Michigan.
Lehmann often incorporates milestones drawn from her personal life as catalysts for new designs as is evidenced in her popular Wedding Bracelet, a tribute to her 10th wedding Anniversary.

A consummate artist and designer, Lehmann is obsessive about finding balance and perfect interplay between components. Her collection includes bracelets, necklaces and earrings which appeal to the design and fashion conscious.

Hyper-creative since childhood, Lehmann completed a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts at Calvin College in 1991 and is currently studying metalsmithing. Her future goals include incorporating metal work in her designs.

It was not until her husband, Jonathan gave her a book about jewelry making that she focused her energies in that direction. Stimulated and lost in the book for several days, the idea of designing jewelry set her on a new path. “I learn from reading and become stimulated. Everything is creative to me. I see with a creative eye,"” she noted.

Always growing and learning, her elaborate designs reflect a dedication to fine craftsmanship and concern for detail. To be sure, giving depth to her designs by the inclusion of metal work will only add a touch of brilliance to her already illuminating designs. Lehmann plans to work in brass, silver and copper. The process of working in metal has proven to be liberating to Lehmann. “It’s such a raw form. It can be melted, cut or stamped. I feel like a sculptor must feel in front of a slab of stone,” she said.
To learn more about Studio Jewel, Visit: http://studiojewel.com