About Charlene and Jim Martin

Charlene Martin

For the past 28 years Charlene has designed and manufactured jewelry of all kinds from simple earrings, pendants, and pins to high-end diamond wedding sets. This started when she wanted a special pendant at the local jewelry store. Her husband, Jim, always the conservative, said they couldn't afford it and if she wanted it she would have to learn how to make it. She did, and so started her business. She started making jewelry and taking it to stores around the area. This grew to having salesmen all over the country and sales world wide through trade shows.

During this time her artistic ability grew to painting. She has worked in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. This came as no surprise because she came from a family of artists. Her great uncles, who were twins, had an art school in Kansas City. She started painting on canvas and has since painted on anything that she feels will give joy to the person receiving the item. Her most recent projects are on old barn wood incorporating the imperfections and age of the wood into the scene. She also enjoys folk art crafting.

Jim Martin

Jim has been involved in the jewelry design and manufacturing with his wife, Charlene, for the past 28 years. With his engineering background he has designed many pieces of equipment and manufacturing processes for Charlene's jewelry business. About 10 years ago his interest in hand engraving started when he watched a master engraver ply his trade on a gun barrel. Two years later he studied under a master engraver and artist from Texas and has been engraving jewelry ever since. Jim has built and engraved everything from sterling silver belt buckles, bolas, earrings, and hair clips, to a wedding cake top and a plaque for the California State Fair for a gentleman who had shown livestock there for 65 years.

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