We were lucky to catch up with Alexandra Zone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?
Jewelry has always been something I loved. I started wire wrapping back in 2018, but it never quite felt like the right fit for me. I would often find myself admiring the beauty in unique pieces, always drawn to the ones that had something different about them. When I saw a local class offering to make your own statement ring, I couldn’t resist. That was the moment everything shifted for me—I dove headfirst into the world of silversmithing.

Outside of that class, I’ve been completely self-taught. Honestly, I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to jewelry. Whether I’m out and about or browsing online, I’m constantly inspecting how pieces are made, learning from what I see, and trying things out in my own work. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, but that’s the magic of it. It feels like a bit of alchemy—experimenting, learning, failing, and eventually creating something beautiful.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a single thing about how this journey has unfolded. When I first picked up metalwork, it all clicked for me so quickly, and that’s something I still feel incredibly honored by. The ability to learn and grow in this craft has been such a rewarding experience, and I genuinely believe that if I were to change anything about how fast I’ve learned, it would take away from the magic of it all.

There’s something so special about the process—the ups, the downs, the countless hours spent experimenting and figuring things out. Every mistake has taught me something new, and every success has been a reminder of how far I’ve come. Changing that would feel like missing out on the richness of the experience. Why rush or slow down when the journey itself is what makes it so worthwhile? It’s that continuous growth, that constant learning, that keeps me excited and passionate about what I do. Every new technique or method I discover is like uncovering a new layer of myself, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

What skills do you think were most essential?
Learning that patience is key to everything, especially in this craft, completely changed the way I approached my work. One of the biggest game changers for me was finally understanding how to get my solder to flow effortlessly. The moment that clicked, it felt like everything started falling into place. It wasn’t just about mastering that one skill, though—it was also about discovering which tools were essential to build a strong foundation. Once I had that knowledge, I could finally start creating pieces that looked polished and professional, even in the early stages of my journey.

That was a huge turning point for me because, from that moment on, I could actually see the growth in every piece I made. The confidence that came with getting the solder just right opened up so many possibilities for me. It pushed me to explore new techniques and expand my skills. Those little victories—like figuring out the right tools or nailing the perfect solder flow—made such a massive difference in the quality of my work. It gave me the freedom to experiment more, and with every piece, I felt myself growing not only as a metalsmith but as an artist.

Each small win added to my confidence and allowed me to dive deeper into my creative process. I began to trust myself more, taking on more complex designs and really pushing the boundaries of what I could do. It’s those little moments of learning and progress that shaped my journey and gave me the foundation to grow into the artist I am today.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was definitely the cost. Even though silver is less expensive than gold, it still adds up quickly, especially when you’re just starting out and constantly experimenting with new techniques. Every piece you make is an investment, not just in terms of time and energy, but also in materials. It can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to push your skills and learn, but you’re also watching your budget closely.

There were times when I had to really think about whether I could afford to keep experimenting the way I wanted to, but in the end, I always found a way to make it work. That challenge actually taught me to be more mindful and intentional with the pieces I create. It pushed me to focus on quality over quantity and made every finished piece feel that much more rewarding. Looking back, even though the cost was tough to manage, it’s part of what shaped my journey and made me appreciate the process so much more.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Alexandra, the metalsmith and founder of Alchemical Metalworks, which originally started as Silver Moon Metalsmith. In July, I decided to rebrand to Alchemical Metalworks to embrace greater growth and expand into working with a wider variety of metals. This shift has opened up so many new creative possibilities, and it’s been an incredibly exciting journey. The rebrand feels like a true reflection of who I am, bringing more of my personality and passion into the work I do. The brand now feels more alive and aligned with my vision in a way it hadn’t before, and that’s something I’m really proud of and excited about.

I got into metalsmithing in 2022 when I took a class on making a sterling silver statement ring. That class lit a fire under a passion I always knew I had, but just needed a little push to get started. After that, I was hooked. I dove right into experimenting, watching tutorials, and studying other pieces to figure out how they were made. It’s been a constant learning process ever since, and I’ve loved every step of the way.

At Alchemical Metalworks, I specialize in creating unique, handcrafted jewelry that ranges from bold statement pieces to meaningful, everyday talismans. Each piece is made with intention, reflecting the individuality and magic of the wearer. I exclusively use ethically sourced stones and materials, ensuring my work aligns with clients who value sustainability and ethical practices.

I solve problems by offering more than just jewelry—I offer meaningful connections. For clients who are looking for something truly personal and symbolic, I help them express themselves through custom designs tailored to their specific needs. Whether they want to commemorate a special moment, celebrate their individuality, or connect to something deeper within themselves, I create pieces that carry that significance.

What sets me apart from other jewelry brands is the deeply personal approach I take with every piece I create. I’m not just making jewelry; I’m crafting meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the individuality and story of each person who wears them. Whether it’s through custom designs or using unique, raw-edge stones that you won’t find anywhere else, my focus is always on creating something that resonates deeply with the wearer.

I also prioritize working with ethically sourced stones and materials, collaborating with women-owned lapidary artists to ensure my values of sustainability and support for other women in the industry are reflected in my work. Each piece I design is intentional, with a focus on connecting people to their personal stories and empowering them to express their authentic selves through jewelry.

Ultimately, my goal is to make jewelry that transcends adornment and becomes a symbol of who you are, your journey, and what you stand for.

I’m most proud of how my work empowers people, helps them feel connected to their stories, and is a beautiful way to express themselves. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about crafting pieces that allow people to celebrate who they are and what they value. For anyone looking to learn more about me or my work, I want them to know that every piece I create is made with intention, care, and a focus on individuality. My mission is to make jewelry that isn’t just an accessory but a transformative and meaningful experience. That inspires me every day, and it’s the heart of what I do at Alchemical Metalworks.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My journey in creating jewelry is deeply personal and rooted in my passion for designing pieces that resonate with individuals from all walks of life. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a woman-owned business, I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive space through my designs for everyone, regardless of gender identity or orientation. I believe that jewelry should be a means for people to authentically showcase themselves, regardless of societal norms or expectations.

For me, jewelry is not just about aesthetics; it holds profound significance. Each piece I create becomes part of someone’s narrative, reflecting their inner essence. Whether it’s an intricate, attention-grabbing piece or a minimalist symbol, I approach each design with genuine care and purpose, understanding its deep connection with the wearer.

I am deeply committed to creating personalized jewelry experiences, whether through custom designs or pieces from my existing collections. My goal is for everyone who wears my creations to feel recognized, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. It’s so important to me that my work reflects my values, which is why I exclusively use ethically sourced stones and materials. I also always aim to collaborate with women-owned lapidary artists because I believe in supporting other women in the craft.

One of the things I absolutely love about this journey is working with raw edge live stones. There’s something magical about stones that are untouched and uniquely formed by nature. These stones have a raw beauty and individuality that you just can’t find anywhere else. Each one is truly one of a kind, and that’s what draws me to them. I love finding these special pieces and incorporating them into my designs because they add so much character, and no two pieces will ever be the same. It feels like the stones themselves have their own stories to tell, and I’m honored to bring those stories into the jewelry I create.

By working with these rare and unique stones, I’m able to create pieces that feel as one of a kind as the people who wear them. That’s what it’s all about for me—crafting something deeply personal and meaningful, something that helps people connect to their own journey in a way that’s as unique as they are.

Jewelry, in my perspective, goes beyond mere embellishment; it serves as a catalyst for individuals to embrace their true selves. This philosophy continues to fuel my creativity and forms the core of everything I produce.”

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing that the pieces I create can touch people’s lives in a truly meaningful way. There’s something incredibly special about creating something that not only looks beautiful but holds deep personal significance for the person wearing it. It’s one thing to make a piece of jewelry that catches someone’s eye, but it’s an entirely different experience when that piece becomes a symbol of their journey—a connection to their heritage, a celebration of a milestone, or a reminder of something deeply personal. That’s where the real magic happens for me, in knowing that my work has meaning beyond its aesthetic.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to build those connections with my clients, to hear their stories and learn what’s important to them. Every time someone shares how much a piece means to them, it brings me so much joy and reminds me why I do this. The ability to take someone’s story and turn it into something tangible that they can carry with them every day is what makes this craft so meaningful to me.

It’s never just about the jewelry itself—it’s about what it represents for the person wearing it. Whether it’s a piece that marks a special moment in their life or simply something that helps them feel more connected to who they are, knowing that I’ve played a small part in that feels incredibly rewarding. Each design is a collaboration, a reflection of my artistry and their personal journey, which makes it so special.

The creative process becomes even more fulfilling when I see how a piece of jewelry can empower someone or give them a sense of belonging, confidence, or connection. It’s about more than just making something beautiful; it’s about creating something that resonates on a personal level. Every time I hand over a finished piece, knowing that it will become a part of someone else’s story, it reinforces why I love what I do. That’s what makes this creative journey so extraordinary—knowing that my work isn’t just adornment but a meaningful part of someone’s life and a reflection of who they are. I’m truly honored to be able to create works of art and do what I love every day. None of this would be possible without my incredible clients, who trust me and honor me by choosing to purchase my pieces. Their support allows me to continue pursuing my passion, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alchemicalmetalworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemicalmetalworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alchemicalmetalworks
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/alchemicalmetalworks/

  https://www.tiktok.com/@alchemicalmetalworks

Image Credits

all images by me