Andréa Candela - Zionsville Monthly Magazine

Writer / Janelle Morrison . Photographer / Lori Koppold Zionsville’s oldest jewelry store has a new member of the team and a new full-time bench jeweler, Anna DeBoer. A recent graduate of Indiana University, DeBoer earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in metals and jewelry design and was hired on by David Haug, owner of Jewel Box Jewelers, prior to her gradation. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, DeBoer began her artistic exploration in photography while in high school and early on in her college career. Though passionate about the field of photography, she learned that her true passion was using her hands to create, rather than sitting behind a computer editing photos. “I figured out that I really wanted to go into the jewelry program while in college,” DeBoer said. “I really enjoy it and put my whole heart into it. My professors noticed that too, and they were very encouraging. My family has an artistic background and is very supportive of my work. While in college, my base material was carbon fiber, a highly industrialized material. I had to learn about its restrictions and how I could transform it into my own art.” DeBoer spoke of her curiosity about all the styles and aspects of vintage and modern jewelry. She enjoys learning about and working with all styles from traditional to alternative and modern. While attending a trunk show hosted by a production jewelry guild that she was a member of while attending IU, DeBoer met her future boss, Haug. He was perusing the jewelry to purchase for his store in downtown Zionsville when he randomly asked the group if there was anyone from their guild who would be interested in a full-time jeweler position post-graduation. DeBoer wasted no time volunteering herself. “I came up to Zionsville to see the store and meet the staff,” DeBoer recalled. “I quickly fell in love with it all. Opportunities like this just don’t happen to everyone. I am excited to work with the very knowledgeable staff and their customers. Just like the owner, manager and other staff members, I get to build relationships with the customers. Many are multi-generational and have long histories with Jewel Box Jewelers. They give each piece of jewelry a face and a back-story. I get to learn about the piece’s sentimental value beyond its monetary value. “Big box jewelers send their repairs out and don’t always have the same level of care or knowledge about the piece that they are handling. Another benefit to having an in-house bench jeweler is that the turnaround time is much faster since it is done on-site. Building connections and relationships with the customer is an important part of what I do and is another service that Jewel Box Jewelers offers to its customers.” A menu of the services that are offered by Jewel Box Jewelers include watch batteries, on-site repairs, insurance replacements, pearl and bead restringing and other repair work. Additionally, appraisals are available by appointment. Jewel Box Jewelers is proud to welcome DeBoer to its store and is also delighted to announce the addition of a couple new lines that are quite unique and exquisite. While you are waiting on your repair, be sure to check out the MeditationRings and the Andréa Candela collections. MeditationRings provides the finest quality of handcrafted gold and sterling silver designer rings with spinning bands. All the MeditationRings are handcrafted by artisans in Israel and are made of the finest quality materials. The goal is to provide customers with unsurpassed, personable and professional service. The MeditationRings collection is frequently seen in leading fashion magazines and is worn by many of Hollywood’s leading celebrities. The MeditationRing is based on the ancient Tibetan Prayer Wheels. The practice of turning the prayer wheel is said to be of immeasurable benefit for oneself and others by helping the practitioner accumulate wisdom, increase good karma and purify negative thoughts. Jewel Box Jewelers is thrilled to offer another high-fashion line without the designer pricetag. Identifiable by the unique Armadillo finish and rope edge design trademarks, Andréa Candela is on the forefront of the jewelry industry, incorporating “Old World” craftsmanship for today’s fashion-forward individual. First introduced at Vicenza Oro in January 2005, Andréa Candela is sold exclusively in fine jewelry stores, upscale department stores worldwide and now on the brick street in the historic downtown Zionsville. For more information about Jewel Box Jewelers and its hours of operation, visit jewelboxjewelers.net.

Who’s on the Bench at Jewel Box Jewelers?

Who’s on the Bench at Jewel Box Jewelers?