Jewelry Cooperative Works For Jewelers And Customers

By Nancy K. Crevier

SOUTHBURY — Sandwiched between a dry cleaner and a hair salon in an unassuming plaza at 220 Main Street South in Southbury, The Jewelry Café offers area artists a cooperative retail outlet in a boutique setting, and provides quality jewelry to shoppers at affordable prices.

One of the 20 artists who has joined owner Laura Vhay’s new co-op is former Newtown resident Kira Nelson. A jewelry artist specializing in wire jewelry, Ms Nelson spent her middle school and high school years in Newtown, graduating from Newtown High School in 1997.

Now a resident of Milford, she attended the University of New Hampshire after graduating from high school, intending to earn her teaching degree in art. A part-time job at a nearby bead store, however, set her on the path to a new career as a jewelry designer and maker.

“Within a year [of working at the bead store] I decided that making jewelry and teaching others to make jewelry was my field, not teaching art classes. I love what I do,” said Ms Nelson, whose silver and gold wire creations incorporate semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, and glass beads. 

Originally working with seed beads and stitch work, last year Ms Nelson switched over to making wire jewelry.

“Almost every component of my work, including the clasps and ear wires, I make from either sterling silver, gold-filled wire, or plated wire,” she said.

All of the designs for her bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are original.

“I wake up in the morning and already over my first cup of coffee I start playing with the wire,” said Ms Nelson. Once she has the design set and has made the model, a necklace or bracelet takes her about an hour to complete. It can take many hours to come up with a design, though, and many of the designs are works in progress that develop over a period of weeks.

The Jewelry Café has been a great environment for her designs, said Ms Nelson, who heard about the co-op from one of her jewelry students at Manifest Beads in Milford, where she teaches.

“When you sell on consignment to a gallery or store, there is usually a 40 percent markup,” said Ms Nelson, “and that means that in order for the artist to make any money, you have to jack up the price.” At The Jewelry Café, however, a minimal ten percent fee goes toward the expense of jewelry boxes and gift bags provided by owner Laura Vhay, therefore keeping down the retail price of the jewelry and still allowing the artist to make a profit.

“I don’t like putting a big price tag on my jewelry,” said Ms Nelson. “I’d rather have people be able to buy and wear my jewelry than to say that they can’t afford it. Sales have been very good here,” she said.

In essence, what Ms Vhay does for the artists who rent space at The Jewelry Café is to act as the jeweler’s agent. “I represent them, I promote their websites, and I’ll even send customers directly to the artist. I want the artist to know they are getting business from this relationship,” said Ms Vhay, herself a jeweler and artist.

The former owner of Lulu Belle Gallery in Westville, Conn., Ms Vhay came up with the cooperative concept from talking to jewelry artists and customers frustrated by the big markups at retail level that prevent jewelry lovers from buying and artists from being fairly compensated for their time.

“I was very careful about the artists I selected [for The Jewelry Café]. I wanted people who were serious about being a jewelry artist,” said Ms Vhay.

“All of the artists try to take part in the store’s open houses and such, but Kira has been great. She participates and comes in with lots of new things. It’s hard for an artist to do that, because there are so many other craft shows on the weekend and they get so busy, especially around the holidays,” Ms Vhay said.

The Jewelry Café, which opened the middle of October, allows Ms Vhay to follow her dream of affording the community with a direct outlet to jewelry artists. In addition, the store offers jewelry making classes under the instruction of co-op artists, a do-it-yourself “Bead Bar,” jewelry rental for special occasions, and corporate gifts and gift baskets. “Girls’ Night Out” and jewelry birthday parties for all ages can be arranged, and Ms Vhay will be leading various jewelry-related workshops throughout the year.

Customers are invited to pick up a cup of complimentary coffee provided at the coffee bar located at the back of the store to enjoy as they browse the hundreds of jewelry selections. Gourmet confections are also offered for sale, including Tate’s Bake Shop cookies and handcrafted caramels.

“I really don’t want to be a ‘bead shop.’ The Jewelry Café is a showcase and really about the artist here,” Ms Vhay said.

Through the cooperative concept she makes enough to cover the rent, utilities, and labor, and for now, said Ms Vhay, that is sufficient. Her goal, however, is to have a booth at the annual Jacob Javitts Gift Show in New York City.

“I think that other store owners would love to buy from these artists. I think through the co-op, the artists and I can hone our skills together. Right now, I’m thrilled with my life,” she said.

 “So far, this co-op has been very rewarding for me,” Ms Vhay said. “Every artist has a story and you feel like you’re a part of that dream. It’s a privilege.”

The Jewelry Café, located at 220 Main Street South in Southbury, is open in December on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Gift certificates for merchandise, classes, or parties are available.

For information about the December 12 Wine Charm and Cheese Party or for the December 11 earring workshop, call 262-8599.

Ms Nelson can be contacted directly for custom designs and special orders through The Jewelry Café or at kira@originalbeadwork.com.