Local jeweler makes hopeful necklace

Jeanette McPherson first started making jewelry out of necessity instead of desire. From 1998 – 2000, McPherson owned Mount'n Memories, an antique shop in downtown Niwot, and described her initial foray into jewelry making, "Much of the (antique) jewelry required restringing or repairing. I became adept at jewelry design out of necessity, plus my desire to turn someone else's trash into another's treasure."

Now, McPherson owns Little Wing Jewelry and uses her self-taught skills in silversmith techniques to design beautiful, hand-made pieces. From cold-forging to cutting to texturing, the Niwot-based artist has taught herself to do it all. Of gaining new skill sets, she said, "I'm constantly learning new tricks and the variety of beautiful stones are literally infinite! Jewelry making has been a boundless outlet for my creativity for much of my life."

Last November, McPherson was selected to participate in a juried show at the Stanley Hotel. She assumed that she would attend many more shows this spring but COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns have altered those plans. McPherson continues to work and recently was inspired to make a piece in response to these times of uncertainty, "One morning, after an especially restless night, I woke up with thoughts of how Covid-19 is affecting our elderly and at risk populations – how alone and isolated they must feel. I thought about a recent conversation with a friend who struggled to overcome her battle with cancer. She's confined to her home; there's no one to offer comfort - visitors are not permitted. Hugs are prohibited. I wanted to do something but what? Then it came to me; I would create a piece which could be given to others to let them know someone's thinking about them, a little reminder that they're loved and there's hope for better times ahead!"

The skilled artist wanted to make her necklace affordable to all so that its message of hope and love may carry far and wide. McPherson's "Circle of Hope" design is a solid sterling silver circle, hammered to create a beautiful texture. She selected the shape of a circle because of its metaphysical properties, including its infinite, inclusive nature.

The piece is now available online via Little Wing Jewelry's website. McPherson has received receptive, encouraging responses from her new piece. She explained, "(Patrons) have mentioned how the Circle of Hope has brought much joy to their friends. I've given quite a few away, too, and everyone seems to love the message that the Circle of Hope brings. When you can't give a hug, give hope!"