Queen bee

For the past year, Lindsay Jones has been teaching herself metalsmithing techniques for her jewelry line, Honey and Goldies. Her interest in making jewelry began years ago when she was studying Native American beading techniques to create intricate necklaces and earrings, but she soon found the beading process to be tedious and sought out a different creative outlet for her craft.

“About a year ago I invested money into buying all the necessary tools for metal smithing like an oxygen torch, drills, bits, solder and all the materials for the bracelets and rings like metals and stones,” said Jones. “It cost a few thousand dollars, but it was so worth it.”

Originally from Truckee, Calif., Jones now lives in Reno and uses her love of the West to inspire her jewelry.

Her work pays homage to traditional Southwest silversmithing designs that showcase large natural stones and stamped metals cut in geometric patterns. She has developed her own unique style that combines these traditional designs with contemporary trends. “I’m inspired by Southwestern patterns and the colors of the desert,” said Jones. Her rings, bracelets and necklaces feature silver, bronze and various stones like onyx, opal or turquoise. Many of the stones she uses in her work are sourced from Nevada. As a big fan of 1950s music, Jones created the name of her jewelry line from a combination of two 1950s music groups, Honey and the Bees, and Goldie and the Gingerbreads.

Her work can be found online in her Etsy store (www.etsy.com/shop/honeyandgoldies) or at the Gold Seam Vintage boutique inside the Never Ender in Midtown. Megan Matthers, owner of Gold Seam Vintage, was inspired by Jones’ work ethic and her desire to create highly polished hand crafted pieces.

“Her metal work [compares] to many antique pieces that are so popular today,” said Matthers. “Her style really fits in with Gold Seam, as it is crafted with great quality and creativity. I like her pieces because they have a timeless quality to them, they incorporate Western symbols with modern embellishments. Also, the use of Nevada stones just makes them sentimental and totally awesome.”

As a new business owner, Jones uses social media tools like Instagram and Facebook to spread the word about her jewelry and gain new followers.

“Instagram has been a huge help for me,” said Jones. “It’s where most people can see my work.” She often posts photos of her new creations and hosts giveaways through that site (@honeyandgoldies). The majority of her work is sold online in her Etsy store where she posts her designs, or in custom orders. She will also bring her jewelry to the Holland Project’s upcoming Rogue Art and Craft Village on Dec. 7 at the Holland Project’s location on Vesta Street. The Rogue Art and Craft Village showcases local artists and craftspeople who bring their goods to sell at this event for the holiday season.

Jones isn’t sure how far she wants her business to grow. She has seen success with her jewelry line in its first year of business and is expanding her knowledge of metalsmithing and lapidary to keep improving her craft. She has been a hairstylist since 2004 and currently works at Pearle Studios in Reno.

“I’m not sure how much I want Honey and Goldies to grow because I love being a hair stylist too, I’m not sure I could completely give that up,” said Jones. “I like where I’m at now, and I’m going to see where this goes. Hair styling and jewelry making are my two passions.”