PinExt Interview with Amy Holton Designs and Giveaway

Blue Topaz Spiderweb Necklace Interview with Amy Holton Designs and GiveawayAmy Holton is a wonderful, talented jewelry designer in Austin, Texas.  She has such a unique story and I am so happy that I’ve had the pleasure to interview her and giveaway one of her exquisite designs.

When was Amy Holton Designs founded?

Officially in 2007 when my husband and I moved to Austin, though I have been designing and making jewelry since 2002.

Tell me about what do you love most about designing?

Call me strange, but I really enjoy fiddly, tedious projects, so this is right up my alley.  I greatly enjoy the creative process.  Often designs emerge as I work.  Not to mention, what a beautiful medium to work in!  I often order gemstones just because they appeal to me, not always because I have a design in mind for them.  This can be very dangerous (and expensive)!

What gave you the idea or spark to create Amy Holton Designs?

In 2001, after three years at Enron, I was laid off along with 4500 of my closest friends (we all know that story).  With the job market flooded with a very strong talent pool from both Enron and Anderson, finding employment was quite difficult.  I ended up taking a two year hiatus from the working world.  During that time one of my girlfriends, while flipping through one of her many catalogues, happened upon a piece of jewelry and said, “I’ll bet you could make that,” which turned into, “We should start our own business.”  I’ve always been artistically inclined and this fostered a new obsession.   We created several pieces and had them displayed in a shop for a while.  As sometimes happens with friends, we parted ways.  However, I never lost the love of designing jewelry.  Refusing to return to corporate America, I worked for Houston Ballet for four years.  I continued working on new pieces and even designed my logo during that time with the intention of growing my line on the side.  However, my schedule at the ballet didn’t leave much time for anything else.  In July of 2007, we relocated to Austin, Texas and I “retired” giving me the freedom to travel with my husband and focus on making Amy Holton Designs a reality.   Because of him, I’m able to do what I love.

Amy Holton1 300x300 Interview with Amy Holton Designs and GiveawayTell me a little about that inspires you to create and your current items?

Countless things!  One day, feeling particularly uninspired, I sat at my table staring at my stash of gemstones.  It was raining and I had the window open (I love rain).  I found myself with two strands of tiny aquamarine and prasiolite briolettes reminding me of raindrops and my “raindrop” earrings were born.  Also, I’m really drawn to vibrant greens and blues…aquamarine, emerald, the various shades of blue topaz, apatite, tanzanite.

What are some of your favorite pieces from the current collection?

I really love the black spinel bracelet.  It’s so incredibly sparkly.  The photos don’t do it justice.  I’ve wanted to do that piece for quite a while.  I love the quality of the spinel.  The hoop earrings offered in the giveaway in this article are made from the same stock.

Are you involved in any philanthropy.

Cancer research is a cause near and dear to my heart.  I also have a special affinity for the children’s programs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.  Those kids are just amazing.  Their strength is so inspiring.  I definitely want to find a way through Amy Holton Designs to support them.

Spinel Large Silver 300x300 Interview with Amy Holton Designs and Giveaway

Chic Galleria is giving away these gorgeous earrings to one (1) lucky Chic Galleria reader. The earrings are Large Argentium silver hoops wire wrapped with glittering, faceted spinel beads.  A $78 value

To enter, visit Amy Holton Designs and check out all the beautiful jewelry. Then come back to this article and leave a comment letting us know which items you loved.  A winner will be chosen at random from the  comments and announced here on September 30, 2010.

time is up8 Interview with Amy Holton Designs and GiveawayCongratulations shawna!  Hope you enjoy your earrings!

For additional entries and chances to win:

Follow Chic Galleria on Twitter @ChicGalleria

Follow Amy Holton Designs on Twitter @AmyHoltonDesign

Like Chic Galleria on Facebook

Like  Amy Holton Design on Facebook

Sign-up for Chic Galleria’s monthly newsletter in the top right corner of this page

Send out a tweet:  I entered to win a pair of  earrings from @ChicGalleria and @AmyHoltonDesign  http://bit.ly/cYr8Gq

Don’t forget to let us know!

Leslie Chatman is a chic thirtysomething from Dallas with a passion for jewelry.  Leslie is the owner and designer of LunaTeal Jewelry.  She also writes for the fine art of jewelry, a jewelry blog.  Follow her on Twitter: @lunateal.

Click here to enter more Chic Galleria giveaways!

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