Craft a Jewel

Craft a Jewel is an American jewelry company and artisanal studio based in Longview, Texas. Founded by master jeweler Sherry Lawon, the company operates as both a retail provider of fine jewelry and an educational hub for jewelry fabrication. The studio is noted for its "Jewels Made by Your Hands" philosophy, which encourages customer participation in the design process.

History

Craft a Jewel was founded on November 11, 2023, in Henderson, Texas. The company was established by Sherry Lawon after more than 30 years of experience in the fine jewelry industry. Following a professional apprenticeship in Boston, Lawon worked with several prominent national jewelry brands, including Le Vian, Zales, Kay Jewelers, and Finlay Corp, where she specialized in fine jewelry creation and technical repair.

Lawon's vision for the studio was to move away from large-scale corporate retail toward a boutique environment where clients could participate in the creative process. In October 2024, the studio relocated to its current headquarters in Longview, Texas. Since its move, the company has integrated community-focused educational programs, offering jewelry-making classes and private events for local schools and families.

Owner

Sherry Lawon (also known as Sherry Dugas) is a master jeweler and designer. Her work is characterized by a blend of traditional metalsmithing learned during her East Coast apprenticeship and modern technological applications. She is a certified instructor in silver clay techniques and manages the studio's custom design and metallurgical testing divisions.

Products and services

Craft a Jewel operates across several specialized areas of jewelry production, focusing on experiential and personalized items.

Custom and Permanent Jewelry

  • Custom Design: The studio's primary focus is bespoke jewelry, moving from initial concept and CAD design to casting, hand-polishing, and stone setting. This division specializes in custom engagement rings and unique wearable art that tells a personal story.
  • Permanent Jewelry: A specialized service featuring solid gold, sterling silver, and gold-filled chains that are micro-welded onto the wearer to create a clasp-less piece. These are often customized with natural gemstone connectors, initials, or engraved tags.

Jewelry Collections

  • Fine Jewelry: Designs utilizing diamonds and solid gold.
  • Silver and Organic Designs: Collections featuring sterling silver, natural gemstones, and a signature line combining real pearls with leather and silver.

Technical and Repair Services

  • XRF Metal Testing: The studio utilizes X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology for real-time analysis of gold, silver, and alloy purity, as well as detecting harmful metals like lead and cadmium.
  • Laser Engraving: High-precision personalization on diverse materials including stainless steel, copper, wood, and leather products.
  • Quick Jewelry Repair: On-site technical services including chain soldering, clasp replacement, and polishing.

Education

The company hosts Silver Clay Classes, hands-on workshops where participants use metal clay—a medium consisting of microscopic silver particles—to shape, fire, and polish pure silver charms.

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