Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanne Hungerpiller
Hi Jeanne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been making jewelry in some form since I was a teenager–I started with seed bead weaving and stringing, eventually working my way to precious metals and semiprecious stones. Over time I learned wire wrapping, riveting and glass lampworking, which led to soldering and ultimately to fabrication. I have taken classes from many teachers during my evolution, and most recently completed a 6 month jeweler’s intensive with my mentor, Christina Taylor (Dreamcat Studios) here in Savannah. After my retirement from 35 years of full-time medical practice, I formed Silver and Fyre Metalsmith as a new chapter, with a website and plan for local shows/markets. My well-equipped studio is located in my home, and I am inspired daily by the breadth of my marsh view. I am particularly interested in recreating nature’s beauty in precious metal. I look forward to what the future holds for me creatively.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Attempting to maintain a creative outlet while going through medical school, residency training and ultimately private practice was often frustrating. When the obligations of family intervened time became even more scarce. I was able to keep working at my craft intermittently, and as my family matured more time became available. My recent retirement has freed me to design and produce more regularly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Silver and Fyre Metalsmith is a woman-owned small business fueled by caffeine and creative energy. I make jewelry using mainly silver (with occasional gold) and semi-precious and precious stones. I love to repurpose old jewelry and precious metal, reducing waste and turning “trash into treasure”. Mother nature provides inspiration for many of my ideas. I provide one-of-a-kind creations and am pleased to entertain requests for custom pieces. My website inventory is regularly updated with new items as they are completed. Everything is hand made by me, and I am proud of all I have been able to accomplish with the Silver and Fyre Metalsmith brand thus far.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I have always believed you make your own luck with hard work. That said, I was very lucky to meet my late husband (a Savannah native) during medical training, which is how I landed in Savannah–a city I love. I am also lucky to have a daughter who is tech savvy and helped me build the website! I am most lucky to have a boyfriend who is 100% supportive of my creative endeavors.
Pricing:
- Pieces are priced based on materials and complexity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://silverandfyre.com
- Instagram: silverandfyre
- Facebook: Silver and Fyre
