Smith & Stone Co. : Forged for the Future
Enjoy this conversation with one of the talents behind Smith & Stone Co., Samantha Rowe. We are also pleased to share that Samantha is one of our board members who works behind the scenes to help us plan our events.
Samantha Rowe of Smith & Stone Co.
Some examples of the stunning work from Smith & Stone Co.
Tell us about your path to becoming a jewelry maker. How did you start? What drew you to it? I have been making jewelry for close to a decade now. I have always been a creative person and found myself stuck in a boring job that did not call to my creative side. Thanks to Pinterest, I found some tutorials for vintage style jewelry and I was hooked. Three years ago, I decided to take a metal working class because I really wanted to start making more high-end jewelry rather than costume type jewelry. It was a little daunting working with fire and power tools, but I am so glad that I took that leap. After only one class, I have been primarily self-taught through YouTube videos and also trial and error. I love making pretty things that can be loved and worn for years to come. The goal at Smith & Stone Co. (which I co-own with my husband who shapes and smooths all of our gemstones) is to create future heirlooms to be shared for many generations. Everything we make is created through traditional metalsmithing techniques with each design being hand sawn, soldered, sanded and polished with the greatest attention to detail making each piece a unique work of art.
A custom moonstone necklace Samantha created for a client.
Do you have a favorite piece that you have made? Tell us about it. To date I most look forward to making all of the special custom orders that I get from my amazing customers. I always look forward to creating something that they envision. One of my very favorites is a double-sided orbit pendant that features a moonstone on one side with a simple setting and a sunstone on the other side with a serrated setting. It is really fun to figure out how to make something that I haven’t made before and to push myself out of my comfort zone.
Samantha’s metalsmithing station.
A collection of gemstone necklaces made by Smith & Stone Co.
Do you have a favorite material to work with? How about a favorite gemstone? All of my pieces are made with sterling silver. I use brass and copper to test things since that material is much less expensive which allows me the freedom to try new things. I am often asked if I will work in gold but it is really expensive so it is not likely to be any time soon. As for my favorite gemstones, I absolutely love the unassuming ones like Black Sunstone, Lodolite and Rutilated Quartz. I also love the meaning and properties behind the stones. For example, Lodolite is well known for helping the wearer reach their life goals and manifest their dreams.
The sun shining through one of Smith and Stones Lodolite stones.
If you could make any custom piece of jewelry for one person (living or dead), who would it be and what would you make them? I would love to make a piece for Stevie Nicks. I think she could really rock any of my moon pieces with her amazing style and witchy vibes.
A detailed view of Samantha’s custom metalsmithing work.
To change the subject a bit, you know that we are cat lovers at the Museum of Make Believe. You recently rescued two kittens…how are they settling in? They are doing great! Raven and Sparrow are brother and sister and they are absolute loves. They love to run, play and generally make a mess but they are also super snuggly and love people. They are the friendliest cats I have ever had…we feel so lucky!
Raven and Sparrow.
You are an invaluable part of our team in helping to plan both our virtual and in person events. You also have been a lovely co-host! Tell us about your background in that realm. I have been in the event industry for the past twelve years. I first started by doing weddings, baby showers and birthday parties for friends and family. I really dove deep into events when I worked for an art company that did licensed artwork for Disney, LucasFilm, Fox and a few more studios. I used to do all the planning for our booth at ComicCon and the Artist Alley for the Star Wars Celebration. I have an extensive background in logistical planning and now in the virtual events industry. I find so much joy in creating these immersive experiences for the fans of the Museum of Make Believe and I am so looking forward to being able to do more.
Samantha and Amy hosting the “Sidecar Puppetry Revue” virtual event for World Puppetry Day.
Any new collections or projects coming up that you are excited about? The Dark Side of the Moon Collection just launched (and almost instantly sold out). It is full of flashy stones like Labradorite, Moonstone, and Sunstone. There are a lot of little hidden details and moon imagery. I try to release a new collection every month…the next one is coming out at 6pm PST on July 22nd and will be called “Forged in Fire.”
How can people find you and purchase one of your incredible pieces of jewelry? You can find us on Instagram @Smithandstoneco as well as our website: smithandstone.co (for those of you wondering, I promise, it is really .co)
A sneak peek at some of the stones for the “Forged in Fire” collection.