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Fabricating Dreams
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2020/08 – August
Highlands’ Main Street boasts many jewels, but there’s one that shines exceptionally bright . . . Bijou, the showcase of master jeweler Laurel Parham-Martinez.
Highlands is the perfect setting for Bijou. Bijou’s a stone’s throw from land that’s produced dazzling gems for Tiffany’s.
Add to that Highlanders’ high regard for the aesthetic quality and the metaphysical properties of Laurel’s gems and minerals. They also appreciate her one-of-a-kind designs. And Laurel’s natural, organic forms appeal to those who treasure Mother Nature’s shapes and textures.
Every piece Laurel creates is an exquisitely-crafted miniature sculpture … a product of years of study and experience. She has a BFA in design and metal-smithing from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Her master-jeweler mentors are known nationally and internationally. Laurel’s strengths are in design, fabrication, stone setting, TIG welding (metal to metal), forging, casting, and computer-aided modeling.
She loves commissions and takes a great deal of time with each customer, homing in on their requests, sketching unique design possibilities. Nothing pleases her more than that gasp of awe and appreciation when she presents a completed piece.
Laurel loves to make precious stone and metal wearable-art dreams come true.
Perhaps you have an heirloom piece that is damaged, missing a stone or clasp. Laurel can refabricate it into a beautiful new piece. She can incorporate the latest ornament trends into a totally you fashion statement.
Walking into Bijou is like stepping into a jewelry gallery/museum – custom designs, fossils, gemstones, crystals, gold, platinum, silver, everything Mother Earth’s eagerly surrendered to the hands of this remarkable craftswoman.
While we wait for Covid restrictions to lift, contact Laurel about your commission ideas or jewelry repair. She’s open for refurbishing and phone consultation Monday through Saturday, 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 PM.; and Sunday Noon until 5:00 P.M. Her phone number is (828) 371-0652.
