I have been interested in Jewelry making and metalsmithing for a few years. In 2019 I started collecting the various tools and supplies needed to make silver rings. It turned out that I was pretty good at it. I started this company in 2021 with the plan of making some supplemental income when I retired in a few years. In 2021 my plans were forced to change when the telecom company I had been with for 26 years laid me off. With a big leap of faith I decided to try making and selling jewelry full time.
The goal for Rain City Jewelry is to, in addition to silver, work with interesting and unique materials. Materials such as carbon fiber, Fordite (byproduct auto painting in Detroit), stainless steel, resin, meritorite, clock and watch parts, typewriter keys and strikers, Damascus stainless, ground opal, etc.
Upcycling at its finest
In making Steampunk earrings, rings and pendants I am using parts from mid 18th to early 19th century pocket watchers. Typewriter keys and strikers become earrings. There are many opportunities for upcycling in jewelry making.
Working on a spoon ring collection. When I have sample rings of all the spoons, I will release them for sale on Etsy. I'm also working on a collection of earrings made from vintage dies. This will be exciting once done.