Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Williams.
Sharon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Transforming materials and creating works of beauty has been one of my great passions in life. I have been especially drawn to projects that require the use of skilled handiwork. My journey actually started with sewing and knitting. These skills were a gateway for me to discover my talents using my hands and the importance of planning. Pattern pieces are foundational to understanding drawing and how to make an idea a reality. From there, you can turn a simple piece of fabric or yarn into a full garment.
Lampworking initiated me into the world of jewelry and taught me how to work with a torch – the primary tool for silversmithing. Once I started making jewelry with my lampwork beads the progression to silversmithing was inevitable. My constant fascination with nature led me to collect gemstones. From there, I started designing jewelry pieces around these stones. Up until this last year, I have been a self-taught silversmith. I decided to enroll in classes at the Craft Guild of Dallas to learn from some local masters of the trade. I think of myself as a naturally curious person and I’m always eager to learn more.
Looking back from where I’ve come, I am surprised at where I am today; back in school learning the tricks of the trade. That’s just one of the great joys of life: you never know where your path will lead.
Has it been a smooth road?
Time management is probably one of my biggest struggles. I have a family, a second job, and every part of my jewelry business is performed by me. My business is a one-woman show. There’s always the nitty gritty time management of making sure I have enough content for social media, especially for the digital marketing age that we are in. But more importantly, I always make sure that there is time for the creative process. The whole point of this endeavor is to give me that creative space and freedom. As difficult as it may be at times, I am happiest and in my element when at the jewelry bench. I thrive on the creative process of being able to fabricate beautiful things out of metal.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sharon Rene Jewelry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in silver-smithing and I’m building a repertoire of stone-set pieces. Every work is designed and handcrafted by me. When designing jewelry, I try to create pieces which enhance feminine beauty without giving up practicality. This comes from my personal experience, but I also think there are many women who desire more practical accoutrements that work with their busy lives.
As far as inspiration, I try to combine both industrial and natural elements that create a modern look. My shapes are based on experiences of catching an object, movement, or color in my periphery and trying to fill in what I actually “saw”. When I let my imagination roam and try to re-interpret these vague memories, I end up inventing new shapes as a by-product of this process.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We moved to Fort Worth from Dallas in 2000. I immediately fell in love with the warmth of Fort Worth. I loved the slower pace, the feel of a town. Currently, the city is really starting to develop from that old town feel to become more metropolitan. As much I do enjoy the growth and look forward to more possibilities, I also would like to continue to enjoy the charm of “Old Fort Worth” regarding small businesses. As far as jewelry goes, Fort Worth has a strong history with silversmithing and stone setting, specifically that of western style of jewelry that features turquoise. It’s a legacy that I would like to add a new perspective to with my own style of silversmithing and stone setting.
Contact Info:
- Email: srwms4@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/SharonReneJewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SharonReneJewelry
- Other: www.sharonrenejewelry.etsy.com
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.
