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Click to Enlarge 		Meredith Lowry
From Springfield, Missouri


Tell us your story.
I became fascinated with the piezoelectric properties of crystals when I became a Registered Nurse in 1985. I observed the diagnostic and therapeutic use of crystals and crystalline structures on a daily basis in my work as a Special Procedures nurse. Eventually, Marfan Syndrome disabled me and I was no longer able to do the job I loved so much. I had to re-examine my life by asking, "Okay, what else do I love that I can do?" The answer came to me as "JEWELRY!" and I set about to learn how to make gemstone jewelry. I wanted to continue to use my nursing knowledge, so I began to research folklore and medical texts about the holistic & medicinal uses of crystals and metals. Soon, I was making pieces of jewelry for individuals based on their holistic needs (Spiritual, Physical, Mental & Emotional), matching what I had learned about crystal properties with each individual's holistic needs and preferences. The research process for each person's piece of jewelry met my need to continue using my nursing knowledge, and creating a beautiful piece of jewelry met my creative needs. Eventually, I was able to copyright my process in the filling of these "prescriptions."

Where do you sell your jewelry? Do you have any tips on selling there?
Word of mouth spread like wildfire! Friends told family and friends and soon I was receiving enough orders to pay for my "habit." I placed my business card in the stores of willing merchants and on bulletin boards of local universities and hospitals. Other nurses began to refer their friends to me. I received an occasional call from my business cards and sold some pieces that way. At one point I tried partnering with two other women with an on-line store. However, I found the expense and time spent listing on-line to be prohibitive and it interfered with my time available to create jewelry. I would suggest that anyone who wants to sell on-line do their research and have plenty of capital to invest in advertising, search engines, ad-words, site costs, etc. Now, my partners and I sell our jewelry and special orders at art shows, craft shows, and expositions. Here, too, it pays to do your research on shows in plenty of time to get a good location at the shows and to calculate your costs for booth rental, licenses, materials & supplies for the shows. I have found that if I demonstrate my skills at the shows people are drawn to our booth or tent, first to watch, then to ask questions, then to buy. Luckily, I have two partners who are willing to take care of the customers while I demonstrate. But, I always keep in mind that the sale is my priority and to take care of the customers first. I can always go back to making pieces during slow times to draw more people into our booth. Use your vertical space to the maximum! Keep displays simple enough so that people will focus on your jewelry rather than the peripheral stuff. Hand out business cards every chance you get. We made our own jewelry cards with our company name, logo and web address on them to display earrings and bracelets. Jewelry sets are displayed in high quality boxes for gift-giving (we were able to buy them on-line for about $.25 each). Each gift box has a sticker or stamp with our name and contact information on the box. If you want to do shows, be prepared for wind, rain, hot weather, cold weather, hunger and sore feet. Always greet your visitors with direct eye contact and a handshake and tell them your name. Don't chew gum, small-talk with your partners, talk on the phone, or sit behind your tables. Take a barstool to lean against and keep an open posture. Take and use breath spray! Always, always run your credit cards each night after you close, no matter how tired you may be feeling. Get complete identification information for checks. I have found it helpful to put an Item # on each product price tag so that, when it sells, all that needs to be written on the receipt is the Item # and price. That way, I can check the receipts against my inventory and know exactly what was sold. Create Item #s that identify your own jewelry from that of your partners. It's tedious, but saves time at the cash register! Lastly, SMILE!!!

What's your biggest selling piece and why?
Bracelets seem to go faster than any other "generic" jewelry I make. But, my best sellers are my copyrighted pieces because they address each individual's needs and preferences, taking into account how much they want to invest. I include a photograph of their piece with the name of each stone indicated, then also include a brief description of each stone's properties to which they can refer. They sell well because they are one-of-a-kind and PERSONAL. They are assured that no one else on Earth has a piece of jewelry like their own.

What one piece of advice can you give to other aspiring jewelry makers?
READ, RESEARCH, and PRACTICE your technique with low-cost materials, especially if you intend to make jewelry with precious metals and gemstones. Don't be afraid to try a new pattern or idea.

Have you quit your day job yet? Can you give us any idea how much income your jewelry is making?
I guess you could say I quit my day job since I'm disabled. Right now, I make enough to pay for my "habit" and a little extra to re-invest in materials and take my husband out to dinner once in awhile.

What would you say to someone that might be hesitant to invest in Preston's course?
Weigh your potential to make a profit against your abilities to learn quickly how to make quality jewelry.

Has jewelry making changed your life in any way?
YES! After becoming disabled, I floundered for awhile, wondered what to do with myself, and felt like I'd lost my career in nursing. Making jewelry based on a person's holistic needs has allowed me to continue using my nursing knowledge, has increased my self-esteem, and satisfies my urge to be creative as well!

Do you sell any of your work on line or on Ebay? Do you do well there?
I have sold on Ebay, but everyone seems to be looking for inexpensive jewelry in that way. So, no, I no longer sell on-line.

What's your plan for the future?
To learn as many fine-jewelry techniques as I can. To continue making personalized jewelry. To continue to build my stock, and last-but-not-least, to buy a Mini Cooper!