Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christy Barrett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2023, I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to pursue the development of my art through atypical avenues. I approached a few local gallery owners regarding the idea of a gallery showing for local jewelry artists like me. No one was willing to take on the logistics and security risks. I reached out to another artist who had begun to show her work in area galleries and we found an alternative to the “typical” art gallery show.
We worked for 3-5 months on creating a cohesive collection of floral jewelry and artwork and presented our work to the public at a local library with a formal reception.
In those months of creating, I was presented with the opportunity to buy the tools and instruction needed to elevate my skillset as a bench jeweler to a whole new level. I gained a new mentor who is a master jeweler.
Both of these opportunities have helped me to grow as a jewelry artist by not only expanding my skillsets but also by pushing my own imagination to the extreme.
The gallery showing was a success and I will only continue to grow under this new mentorship with a retired master jeweler.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been a creative. As a young adult, I was a news writer and reporter for several newspapers and a magazine in Mississippi and Louisiana. After 2 decades of creating with words, I focused on raising my family. That took me out of writing and into the corporate world of secretarial work for about 10 years. I was working at an accounting firm when my supervisor mentioned that he thought this leisure class in textured metals that was being offered at a local university might be a good fit for me. He recognized my creative nature and encouraged me.to try it.
From the moment I walked into the classroom and saw the flame shoot out of the end of the torch at the back of the room, I was hooked! Hand tools, metal, fire and the marriage of them to create heirlooms? Yes, please!
Since then, I have tried to carve out my own niche of handcrafted artisan, original jewelry that anyone would be proud to hand off to the next generation.
I have never really “fit in” and I don’t want my jewelry to look like anything else that is commercially available. I feel like jewelry should make you feel something positive.
Between the metaphysical properties of the stones and the designs, my pieces are created to enhance an outfit as much as it does the heart of the wearer.
Jewelry is a deeply personal, powerful expression of the wearer and it should be well made of high quality materials that will withstand the test of time.
I work in reclaimed copper, sterling silver and, most recently, gold. I source stones from reputable lapidarists I personally know or have connected with via social media.
I put quite a bit of time, research and thought into the creation and execution of each design. Custom orders require a bit of getting to know the client and what the objective/occasion is for the piece. Having a custom crafted piece of handmade jewelry is something truly special. I was given my first piece when I was 15. My dad had it made for me out of a piece of turquoise he picked up on one of his trips to Colorado. There’s nothing fancy about it, but it was made for me and I treasure it. That is how I want my jewelry to impact my clients.
It isn’t meant to be trendy or just like (fill in the blank with a name brand jewelry line.)
It is meant to celebrate the personality of the individual who wears it, to memorialize a sacred moment in time, or to be a reminder of a significant feeling that is truly personal.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Connecting with a client is the most rewarding aspect for me as a creative. A lot of times, people can’t seem to find the words to accurately express an idea, experience or feeling. When I can capture the unspoken emotions and hard to express ideas and feelings in an artistic piece of jewelry, it is immediately recognizable on the face of my client. It is a moving experience for us both when that connection is made. It’s personal and tangible through my handiwork.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I began taking classes, I partnered with another jeweler for whom I held in high regard. Together, we created a bysiness around a line of state necklaces that, at the time, became quite trendy. Everything I created was marketed as a part of “our” business. Less than a year into the business, I was became aware that we did not share the same creative endeavors and we parted ways. I pivoted and went out on my own. Fast forward a few years and I found myself taking an online jewelry business course that made me question the way I do business.
I changed the name of my business to better reflect what it is that I do…. traditional benchwork but with original designs, thus Benchwork Originals became my business name.
It has helped me to be more recognizable for the two elements that set me apart from the vast majority of jewelry makers in my area: I actually do the metalsmithing at my jeweler’s bench and I create one of a kind designs for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.benchworkoriginals.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/benchworkoriginals
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/benchworkoriginals

Image Credits
Christy Barrett