Professional Experience
JacQueline Sanchez Jewelry Designs, 2002-Present
Owner/Designer
Owner and designer of an acclaimed line of original handcrafted jewelry made using artisanal methods. Sanchez created an award-winning signature line, Forever Young, that pairs colorful Lego pieces with sterling and diamonds and has been featured in exclusive gallery exhibitions. Pieces from JacQueline Sanchez Jewelry Designs, which also include precious metal collections and custom work, are acquired by many across the U.S.
Alchemy, Portland 2016- present
Trios Jewelry Studio, Lake Oswego 2013-2015
Bench Jeweler
Worked repairing jewelry for this intimate store. Specialized in restoring old family jewelry, platinum repairs and diamond setting.
Cumberland Diamond Exchange, Atlanta, GA 2011
Bench Jeweler
Provided all manner of jewelry repair for busy retail outlet, including stone setting and fabrication. Refinished Rolex timepieces. laser welder repair. Relied on as core team member who not only exceeded production expectations but also offered support and advice on technical skills and product knowledge to colleagues and clients. Oversaw inventory control, managed ordering and tracking, and provided cost estimates for repairs.
Blackwell Jewelers, Atlanta, GA 2009-2011
Bench Jeweler
Performed all aspects of jewelry repair, extensive platinum repair and sizing. Consulting with customers on repairs and educated them on the process.
Jared Galleria of Jewelry, Atlanta, GA 2001-2002
Shop Manager
Led team of professional jewelers and oversaw all production for this fast-paced retail jewelry store. Managed and motivated team to ensure consistent attention to details and quality control. As primary liaison between production team and store manager, provided essential information about status of customer orders to provide exceptional customer service. Also managed repairs for seven Jared retail locations, requiring frequent communication and coordination with multiple store managers. Oversaw inventory control and functioned as core team leader managing timely workflow for all orders. Enforced professional standards and conduct while acting as mentor and problem solver for construction challenges.
The Shane Company, Atlanta, GA 1999-2001
Bench Jeweler
Performed all aspects of jewelry repair for this popular Atlanta retail location, including stone setting, and fabrication. Gained extensive experience in working with platinum and was frequently tapped to advise fellow jewelers on a variety of technical skills and to provide product knowledge. Responsible for maintaining inventory of items needed for repairs, including ordering and tracking. Prepared cost estimates for repairs and frequently provided counsel to colleagues and clients regarding how pieces should be properly repaired.
Cumberland Diamond Exchange, Atlanta, GA 1996-1999
Bench Jeweler
Provided all manner of jewelry repair for busy retail outlet, including stone setting and fabrication. Gained expertise in refinishing Rolex timepieces. Relied on as core team member who not only exceeded production expectations but also offered support and advice on technical skills and product knowledge to colleagues and clients. Oversaw inventory control, managed ordering and tracking, and provided cost estimates for repairs.
Gem Jewelry, West Hartford, CT 1994-1996
Bench Jeweler
Bench jeweler at major jewelry retailer responsible for a broad array of jewelry repair orders, including stone setting and fabrication. Gained valuable experience in technical skills and acquired deep product knowledge. Responsible for turning out consistent, high-quality production while also managing inventory, submitting orders, and tracking multiple jobs.
Education
- Texas institute of Jewelry Technology, Paris, Texas; graduate of two-year professional jeweler program
- Counter sketching class at Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- Professional development classes in metal arts at Atlanta College of Art
- Ongoing educational workshops from well-regarded professional jewelers
Awards & Recognition
- Achievement Award, American Craft Council
- Mentor, American Craft Council Mentor Program
- NICHE Award, American Craft Council
- First Place, Jewelry Category, Dogwood Festival
- Second Place of Show, Inman Park Festival
- Featured Crafter, HGTV “Crafters Coast to Coast”
- Designs featured in national and international press
- Awarded Member of LEGO Creation Nation
- Featured on OPB “Oregon Art Beat”
Juried Shows & Exhibitions
- Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington, D.C.
- American Craft Council Shows: Baltimore, Atlanta, San Francisco
- Philadelphia Museum Show
- Craft Boston
- Designspotter, Germany
- Art in the Pearl, Oregon
- Gathering of the Guilds, Oregon