Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Jones.
Chrissy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My husband, Ryan, was looking to purchase jewelry for me, but unfortunately all he could find were expensive pieces. Like everything else, he learned how to make it himself. After many boxes of supplies and secret missions in the workshop, Ryan presented me with two handcrafted sterling silver rings. With extra stones and supplies, we began Christine Ryan Designs.
The business expanded from traditional stone setting to fabrication of settings. We featured unique stones from all over the world and were introduced to Australian opals. Now we work exclusively in natural Australian opals. We work directly with the opal miners to select the best quality and color.
Like Ryan, there are many people looking to get outstanding, well-crafted jewelry at an affordable cost. We enjoy designing and making the jewelry and then traveling all over the southern US to sell at fine art shows. The goal is to be accessible for people to wear and have fun with their jewelry.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
We design and fabricate beautifully, affordable opal jewelry. We value craftsmanship and affordability. We want the jewelry to match things you already wear and have it been at a price point that you can treat yourself to getting something new.
We have a studio in Texas where we make everything, with our own two hands, four if you count me and Ryan. We value attention to detail to ensure that each piece is properly made. We create jewelry primarily in sterling silver with accents of gold and copper. We work with natural Australian opals because we don’t see many jewelers working with them. We want our customers to buy the jewelry because they like it. Our designs are wearable for every day. It’s something you can put on with any outfit. We stay in a reasonable price point so you can always get something new or not feel guilty that you are buying yourself something.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
My suggestion for any upcoming artist is to get as professional as you can, as quickly as you can. We started at a flea market and quickly moved to art shows, then fine art shows. We started with a $100 tent and now have a $1500 tent. The more professional we looked the more opportunities we got into. A fake it till you make it attitude.
I also suggest live art shows. You get a lot of attention on your art work when you participate in art fairs. The promoters bring the crowds and you get instant feedback and hopefully purchases. We did a lot of market research this way for our designs and determining our customers.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
We participate in many art fairs around the Dallas area and southern US. New designs and collections are updated on our website and Facebook. we are also on Instagram. Definitely check out our website with the event schedule and come hang out with us. We are known for a “men’s waiting area.”
www.Christine-Ryan.com
www.facebook.com/christineryandesigns
www.instagram.com/christine_ryan_designs
Contact Info:
- Address: Beaumont, TX
- Website: www.Christine-Ryan.com
- Phone: 512-845-1562
- Email: chrissy@christine-ryan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/christine_ryan_designs
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/christineryandesigns
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
