For starters, my name is Jodi Hall. I am a cardholder for both the Cherokee and Choctaw tribes. I come from a long line of tradesmen; for instance, anywhere from saddle makers and boot cobblers to many blue-collar workers. Growing up in the rodeo and ranching industry certainly influenced my love of Turquoise. This journey of native-made jewelry started with an inheritance from my father-in-law, who is a cardholder for the Sioux tribe of South Dakota. This family has generously passed down hundreds of old stock turquoise from before the 1970s as well as a small collection of silver and tools.
How did I learn my trade?
I first thought silversmithing was going to be pretty simple, like sticking two pieces of silver together using a flame. I quickly realized this trade was more intricate than sticking metal together. Fortunately, there is a wonderful mom n’ pop shop called Windle’s Rock and Jewelry Shop about 30 miles away that has been making turquoise jewelry for many years. The owner of the shop, Mr. Windle, was kind enough to take me to the back of the store to sit with me and teach me techniques on how to create fine handcrafted jewelry. Still to this day, Windle’s has influenced my style of silversmithing.
What has my workspace looked like?
My “shop” consisted of a TV dinner tray in the corner of my in-laws' barn. All I had was a plug-in, a lawn chair, and the tools I needed to get started. That little TV dinner tray was my workspace for almost a year. From there, I moved to the kitchen table of mine and my husband’s first home. We lived in our first house for two and a half years. In that time frame I was making jewelry off and on before I decided it was time to take my silversmithing to the next level. I needed a real workspace. Right before I committed to building a workspace there, we found our current home where we have been for a little over a year. Over this last year, we finally built a shop and office for my business.
Where am I now?
Thankfully within the years of hard work, quite a few things happened. Since moving to our current home, I decided to create my own wedding band. Having just bought a house, we lived a little tight on money. I wanted a turquoise wedding band that fit my style and needed it to be cost-effective.
From there, I started researching to learn the methods of setting diamonds in jewelry and how to build wedding rings which was no easy feat. I had a lot of amazing customers who worked with me on customs until I came up with a few set items I could remake perfectly. After the shop was built, I scraped together some pocket change and achieved my biggest goal in silversmithing, engraving!
My business has flourished since! So many wonderful people have come and gone in my business. Saying I am honored is an understatement. I create intimate pieces of jewelry that bind the bonds of marriage, thus signifying so many memories and milestones. Whether you are toiling with a shovel or laboring with your hands, when the sun goes down, you are still a hardworking, dedicated tradesman.
One ring at a time, I am building my career from the bottom up. Silversmithing is a trade that I am damn proud of!