One fall day Amy and Jess, while hanging out on Amy’s front porch, decided to go into business together – quite literally. What started out as a fun idea has turned into a full-fledged business.
Our concept is refreshingly simple – to design and handcraft beautiful, sassy, and fun jewelry.
Ames and Jess presents a variety of artistically hand-crafted pieces featuring sterling silver and 14 karat gold, accented with splashes of colored stones. Within each collection you will find stunning pieces that easily transition from casual to cocktail.
Amy White graduated from ECU with a BFA in Metal Design and Jessica Stansell graduated from Presbyterian College with a BS in Sociology. Amy and Jess are both stay-at-home moms and live in the same neighborhood in Durham, N.C.
From Amy: Artist Statement
From my earliest memories, I have had a desire to create. Whether it was sewing, crocheting, stained glass or woodworking, I found myself always taking on new projects. My parents influenced my creative talent, my father teaching woodworking at the local vocational center, and my mother opening her own gallery of handmade crafts.
In college, I took my very first jewelry class, and had no doubt this was my direction in life. I immediately immersed myself into the metalsmithing world, and have not looked back. I attended East Carolina University and achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in metal/jewelry design. During my senior show, I sold the majority of my work, giving me a great sense of accomplishment.
I have watched my work grow throughout the years, yet have noticed a common thread among my designs. Each piece of jewelry seems to be somewhat soft spoken, but if you look closely, you’ll find a loud voice. With the use of fluid lines, I create simple, wearable jewelry. I work with various metals, but my favorite is sterling silver. I accent with yellow gold, black oxidization, and texturing. I also incorporate precious and semi-precious stones utilizing a multitude of stone setting techniques.
Making jewelry is a form of meditation for me. When I step into my studio, my everyday worries melt away. The image of the piece I am creating is my focal point, and I use my talent, determination, and desire for perfection to guide me to the finished piece.
My goal is to design, create and produce jewelry that others will enjoy. I want each piece to reflect the thoughtfulness and hard work that has gone into its creation.
