Unique Designsin Beautiful Jewelry

The desire to look nice and accessorize outfits with jewelry is perfectly natural. According to theprivatetherapyclinic.co.uk: “ An interesting feature of humans, as opposed to other mammals, is our love of adornments such as jewelry and tattoos. Obviously, most animals don’t have the intellectual or physical ability to make such things, but the fact that adornments like this are found in all human societies—and have even been found by archaeologists in association with pre-human ancestors of ours—suggests that a love of adornment is also a healthy, natural function of our species.”

 

Assuming that Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble were at least loosely based on real cavewomen, one is quick to note Wilma’s bulky rock necklace and Betty’s charming black strap necklace with a center stone or shell. These fictional ladies have spawned many jewelry collections. 

Jewelry can express a personality, make a fashion statement, offer self-confidence and serve to launch a conversation. There are observations on jewelry’s connection to one’s personal style found on therarcadiaonline.com website: “If you tend to choose more unique and interesting pieces, people will likely view you as being creative and fashion-forward. If you prefer classic and timeless pieces, you may be seen as being more sophisticated and elegant. And if you like to mix and match different styles of jewelry, you may be perceived as being fun and quirky.” Whatever your particular charm, there’s jewelry to match. 

 

Background Before the Business

 

In 2000, Susan Brickhouse moved the New River Valley to be closer to aging parents. She had grown up in Roanoke, attended National Business College and worked at Norfolk Western Railway for five years. “I decided to see what the rest of the world was doing and moved to Atlanta,” she relates. “I attended a fashion merchandising college and, after graduation, worked with a major retail company as a jewelry buyer before moving into retail management.” 

Once in the NRV, Susan started another career in real estate, selling new construction residential homes. In 2011, she visited her brother and sister-in-law in Florida, and instead of coming home with a new recipe and some souvenirs, she returned to launch a new business. 

“My sister-in-law Debra arranged for us to take a jewelry making class at a local bead shop. We really enjoyed it, and in our excitement said: ‘Let’s start a jewelry business!’ I wanted to get started as soon as I returned home.” 

Susan dove right into researching supplies and watching numerous jewelry-making videos. “I made several pieces of jewelry, invited all my girlfriends over to view them and get their opinions.  I made sure they understood they did not have to purchase anything, just comment. Most of the jewelry sold that night.”

 

 

Launching the Business

 

When she moved forward to form a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), the attorney asked for the name of the business. “My mother had passed away earlier in 2011, and she was always on my mind.  Filamina was her middle name and I always loved it, plus my mother adored fashion and bling. She is still my inspiration, so in August of 2011,  Filamina Jewelry, LLC, was formed and I created the tag line, ‘Wear It To Be Seen!’” 

Susan joined the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting and grand opening event, created a Facebook page and joined the local American Business Women’s Association chapter. She participates in several local craft shows and donates handcrafted jewelry to several charity silent auctions.

“I am always trying new techniques, with wire weaving bracelets being one that challenged me. I was never satisfied with the outcome, so after selling a few pieces, I moved on to something else. What I enjoy most is creating designs using natural gemstones and nature-inspired components.”

 

Custom Jewelry Design

 

Filamina Jewelry is often contacted to create custom designs for wedding parties, proms, graduations and other special events. The bride or person commissioning the work is invited to the studio to pick out crystals, pearls, gemstones, etc., to go into the design. Susan always sends a photo of the jewelry for approval before she begins crafting it.  The largest order for a wedding included eight necklaces, a bracelet and a brooch which were shipped out West.

It was Elizabeth Taylor who quipped: “Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.” And any piece from Filamina Jewelry can do that.  

 

www.filamina.square.site.com

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Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos by Jon Fleming