About |
Gemlets was founded in 2002 by Renee Hodkinson upon her retirement from a 27 year career in finance and accounting. Having been an executive and mother with all of the challenges she felt it was time to use her creativity and energy in a different way. Ironically, she did not have a vast collection of jewelry at that time due to a skin allergy. Over the years, she had tried buying various pieces from retailers but always ended up with a reaction on her skin. It was at a craft fair in the northern Michigan city of Charlevoix In July 2002 that she finally decided to try one last time and bought several bracelets from some exhibitors who used sterling silver in their pieces. To her surprise, her skin did not react negatively and upon the encouragement of a close friend she bought some tools and beads and began to make some pieces on her own. By that fall, she had a show in her home and her pieces were well received by her friends and there were many requests for custom items.
She quickly attended wholesale shows and searched the internet working diligently to purchase beads and supplies at the best prices. All Gemlets are handmade by Ms. Hodkinson at her home studio and without high overhead she can maintain a very reasonable pricing strategy.
Gemlets are designed in Limited Editions and are made primarily with freshwater pearls , crystals and semiprecious stones with sterling silver in a wide array of combinations and colors. .Most collections include necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Many brides and their maids have been wearing custom Gemlet designs.
Gemlets’ website is under construction and will soon be completed.
Until then, orders, requests for custom items and any and all inquiries can be directed via email to:renee@gemlets.com or by calling the Scottsdale, Arizona studio at (480)595-5388.