Star catchers have taken to sparkly, shiny things as far back as 6,000 years in Persia — Iran, according to archeological findings. Persians wore stone amulet stars, flowers, and engravings, imbued with great spiritual meaning.

Today, jewelry comes in many styles and forms, from vintage to modern, delicate and sleek to chunky and sculptural, adorned in a variety of materials, man-made and natural — and in Edmonds, usually conceived, designed, and forged by local artists.

As the holidays fast approach, consider the thoughtful, personal gift of artisan-made, fine jewelry found throughout Washington’s first Certified Creative District:

Cline Jewelers has been in the business of stunning captivation for all your special occasions for over 40 years. Not only do they showcase a wide, spectacular array of designer fashion jewelry, bridal/engagement rings, precious gemstone/birthstone jewelry, and custom jewelry designs, but they also buy your old gold and fine jewelry and can assist in upgrading your current pieces. 

“The power of jewelry lies so much deeper than its sparkle and beauty. Jewelry tells a story, evokes memories, feelings, and emotions, and makes for a deep connection to loved ones in your life [‘Sponsor spotlight reminder: Cline’s Buy, Trade, Upgrade jewelry event Aug. 10-12,’ My Edmonds News, Aug. 7, 2022],” owner Andy Cline said.

Jewelry designer Manya Vee and artist husband Jeff Stilwell’s MaJe Gallery sells a lot more than elegant, comfy, fashion-forward women’s clothing. Have you seen their hand-made jewelry?

Vee’s necklaces and earrings are inspired by Mother Earth and all her foraged treasures, arranged organically, as if the metallic roots and dangling, pearly bits and bobs landed that way on your neck and around your ears, naturally.

The pandemic forced her to go further within, inspired by the plants in her backyard to craft the Deep Roots Power Necklace — fashioned by wires and garnets.

“In my yard, there are plants both old and new. Their root systems go deep and wide, intertwining as each offers sustaining support to the others. There is much power and strength in the labyrinth of roots beneath the soil,” she explained on her website. “Thus, the Deep Roots Power Necklace was born. This talisman of intertwining wires, or roots, reminds you of your own deep and intertwined roots — with your family, your friends, your neighbors, and in fact, the world. The faceted garnet droplets symbolize your personal power.”

Another long-time, family-owned business specializing in fine and custom jewelry and repair, Comstock Jewelers prides itself on helping build memories through their extensive collection of sophisticated rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Australian opal, caught in 14k yellow gold. Morganite, a fallen star iridescent inside a diamond halo, encased in soft rose-gold. Drop-down sapphires in amber, pink, and blue. Proposal-worthy, royal diamond and gold treatments.

The Wishing Stone is for the hunters and gatherers, lost in another time, somewhere between the Stone and Iron Ages.

Owner Janet Yoshikawa, a gemologist/former diamond instructor, originally opened her museum-worthy treasure trove in Mukilteo in 2001 before moving over to Edmonds two different times in two different places.

The nature discovery store carries sterling silver and gemstone jewelry, healing stones, collectible mineral specimens, and interesting fossils. There’s even a bunch of rock bins in the back, “a tactile playground” for the young and the young at heart.

Here, you’ll find a sterling silver ring displaying an ancient insect caught in amber…a perfectly imperfect, mountainous-shaped Rainbow Moonstone hanging off a silvery-gray horseshoe clasp, trailing behind itty-bitty, interlocking gold chains…a Brazilian Lodolite quartz nightlight tied off with a black nylon cord…Black Tourmaline crystal beads for warrior protection.

Victorian-French vintage rules at The Curious Nest, owned and operated by jeweler Andrea Savar and her husband. She imports quality products from overseas for her boutique gallery, things you’ll not likely find in a run-of-the-mill mall or a big box chain store — or want to.

Things like vintage French medal necklaces swinging face-coins and locket trinkets in green enamel rose, bronze and garnet, Art Deco, turquoise and topaz, and cornito and Tiger’s eye; well-worn black-ruby, rosé, and pearlescent rosaries, pulsating with secrets; and Savar’s own colorful masterpiece made from rare, antique mosaic beetle art, vermeil filigree, emeralds, pearls, and peridot, and orange and green garnets.

Another jewelry designer, Jen Lawson, stocks her charming little Crow boutique with unique, hand-crafted clothes, knick-knacks, art, jewelry, and statement pieces that cry out for a home. She buys only from local, small-batch artisans, heavily supporting female-owned businesses, and regularly hosts pop-ups.

“You won’t find my items in any other shop in Edmonds. Carrying lines unique to Crow is very important to me. When you buy a special gift for someone, you can be assured you won’t find it at any other shop downtown,” she told Edmonds Downtown Alliance (Ed!) for an Oct. 7, 2020 "Business Spotlight: Crow" feature.

The Crow jewelry is especially darling, for the woman drawn to poetry, the changing of the four seasons, and quiet solitude: Leah Pastrana’s handmade, modern stone-and-metal earrings, bracelets, and necklaces; Tamara Kelly’s nature-inspired line of metal-forged, off-centered, gemstone-sprinkled, wearable art; Asa’s casual-cool Lace and Pearls collection; Christine Stoll’s whimsical altered relics; and much more.

Browse other jewelry shops at Ed!.

Feature photo: Cline Jewelers’ 2021 holiday display. Additional photos from MaJe Gallery, Crow, The Wishing Stone, The Curious Nest, and Comstock Jewelers.