ADVERTORIAL
THE ARTISAN'S JOURNAL
After 3 decades, this retiring artisan's last pieces of jewelry are going viral
Written by Claire Smith - Editor of The Artisan's Journal
Published: May 20, 2025 - Updated: 2 hours ago
At left, May, 5, learning from her grandmother in 1960. On the right, May, 70, passing on the same craft to her granddaughter Evelyn (Photo: The Artisan's Journal).
"May says goodbye to the craft she has loved all her life. Her last handcrafted pieces are now available - up to 75% off.“”
It all started at his grandmother's kitchen table.
May still remembers the tinkling of beads on an old wooden table and her grandmother's gentle hands guiding her. She was just a child when she learned the art of jewelry making, not from a book, but from family.
“Every time I create something, I feel her with me,” May says. “She passed on to me more than just a skill: she passed on love.”
Now, 35 years later, May is preparing to say goodbye to her tools. After a lifetime of handcrafting unique pieces, she is retiring. And for the first (and last) time, she is offering her latest designs at up to 75% off.
At left, May, 5, learning from her grandmother in 1960. On the right, May, 70, passing on the same craft to her granddaughter (Photo: The Artisan's Journal).
A dream fueled by passion, not profit.
After college, May didn't pursue trends or corporate jobs. She chose a different path, one that led her to dusty bead stores, handcrafted tools and hundreds of quiet hours shaping stories of metal and stone. She sold her first necklace at a local market in New York. Since then, she hasn't stopped creating necklaces and building loyalty with her customers, who love the soul of her work. “Each piece tells a story: that has always been more important than making money.”
Decades later, May's workshop had become a sanctuary, a space full of stories, sparkle and the steady hands of a master (Photo: The Artisan's Journal).
More than 30 years, thousands of pieces and countless smiles.
From personalized wedding sets to birthday bracelets, May's jewelry has marked the most intimate moments in the lives of thousands of women. Each piece bears her signature: hand-finished, heart-driven and made to last. Even in hard times, she refused to outsource or cut corners. “If I wouldn't gift it to my own daughter, I won't sell it.”
With her other granddaughter Evelyn by her side, May shares not only her craft, but her heart, her stories and the love behind each handmade piece (Photo: The Artisan's Journal).
Pass the torch to the next generation.
Today, May teaches her granddaughter Evelyn the same thing her grandmother taught her. It's a quiet ritual: stringing beads, laughing, telling stories. The tools are the same, but the meaning has deepened. “This is not the end: it is the closing of a beautiful chapter.”
With her other granddaughter Evelyn by her side, May shares not only her craft, but her heart, her stories and the love behind each handmade piece (Photo: The Artisan's Journal).
His last collection, available now, before it disappears forever.
This is not a marketing gimmick. May is really retiring, and this is her last sale.
Each piece is handmade, available in limited quantities and heavily discounted as a thank you to their loyal followers.
"It's not just jewelry. It's 35 years of memories, love and legacy. I want you to have a piece of that." - May
