sustainable fashion , and a few other locally handmade goods to enchant and inspire . I also have a strong social media presence and my own website to match the foresty vibes that inspire all of my art .
“ I pride myself in my efforts to run an ethical and eco-friendly business with an earthy core . I hope customers can feel the magic of nature and all of my hard work in each piece .”
Lena , whose first name derives from the Greek word signifying “ earth ,” says she specializes in “ high quality , consciously created jewelry for all walks of life . From the wild and rugged to the refined and elegant , my mortal hands create a variety of treasures .”
Her creative process often includes utilizing copper and solid sterling . “ But my heart usually gravitates toward working with 14k gold ,” she said . “ From a single strand of my made-in- USA wire , I can wield a wide variety of jewelry types , sizes and other customizable features .
“ Recently , I have been in the mood to make
very elegant dainty pendants and hammered earrings . I have ... really cool antique anvil that is always a spectacle to watch if you ’ re ever in my store .”
She also relies on mining some of her own Herkimer diamond gemstones .
“ They are so special to me while also being so strong and twinkly ,” Lena said . “ I fill in other celestial varieties of gems from a network of lapidary artists . I work with a lot of shimmery stones like Labradorite , Moonstone and Sunstone . I could theoretically frame anything in my signature wire wrapping designs .” She names all of her designs after goddesses . “ From my sweet and simple ‘ Theia ’ to my more intricate and magical ‘ Druid ’ design , I just like making art . I have a knack and it is my pleasure to use my creative forces for good in the world .
Lena grew up in a place , Ringing Rocks Park , where her backyard was a boulder field of special rocks that sound like big hollow brass bells when you hit them , she says .
“ I met my husband on New Year ’ s
Ringing Rocks Mint is Fayetteville ’ s newest hand-made jewelry store .
2021 and we decided to join forces and move to West Virginia . ... Three years later , we have two young sons and we just officially tied the knot this past June during our handfast ceremony in our fern garden . We absolutely adore living here in West Virginia and enjoy every bit of the vast nature all around .”
Lena embraces meeting people , spreading her message and sharing her work .
“ I think the coolest part of my job is the people I get to meet all over the world . The power of art is just amazing . Being an artist also allows flexibility to enjoy spending time in New River Gorge with my family . My jewelry business provides for us with help from our small Airbnb my husband completely rebuilt with his own two hands . Together , my husband and I make a great team and we really love and appreciate the opportunities that have opened to us here in West Virginia . It ’ s genuinely such a wild and wonderful place to start our homestead and continue growing family .”
Ringing Rocks Mint can be found on Facebook , as well as on Instagram @ Ringing _ Rocks _ Mint . The business recently reached 50,000 followers on Instagram . The website is www . RingingRocksMint . com .
The store , located at 137 S . Court Street in Fayetteville , is open Fridays to Sundays .
Her friend and colleague in the jewelry realm , Trey Swartz of Southern Pillar Jewelry , recently moved into a section of her store . The entire downstairs consists of their combined workshops .
“ We thought it would be way cooler if we worked together and brought a multifaceted shopping experience to the area ,” she said .
In addition to exploring what the business has to offer , she urges the public to “ look for our signature woodland vibe ” at big events like Bridge Day and Healing Appalachia .
“ I am very proud to be an artist ,” Lena said , “ and so happy to be here in West Virginia helping pick her up by her bootstraps as we blaze a trail for a brighter future for generations to come .” �
Jaia Lena and Trey Swartz make custom jewelry , including earrings , with rocks , diamonds and gem stones .
A selection of rings made by Trey Swartz .
A necklace made by Jaia Lena .
34 � SOUTH � SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER ’ 24