Our Story

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Ron Cravens grew up in Indiana and Kentucky, learning metalworking and welding, influenced by family who worked with their hands and operated their own businesses in various fields, including blacksmithing. This background laid the foundation for his later creations in artisan silver designs. Rosemarie Martinez, a native Queens New Yorker, had a passion for both Art and Science, but ultimately chose to pursue Art. As she was completing her studies in art and teaching at Queens College, she felt aimless when she crossed paths with Ron. With graduation on the horizon, she was certain that the Junior High School Art Teaching License she had just obtained might never be utilized, especially since the student teaching required was at a challenging inner-city school, which felt like a poor fit for her. It takes an extraordinary person to thrive as an urban teacher, and while she possessed that extraordinary spirit, she sensed that something (or someone) else awaited her. 

On the other hand, Ron, eager to embrace his future, "ventured off the farm" (actually a small city on the Ohio River) and made his way to California. Just as aimless as Rosemarie, he embarked on a journey across the country to New York City, where he met Rosemarie, the soon-to-be college graduate and aspiring art teacher. Together, they found inspiration and a shared vision, leading Ron to create his unique handcrafted jewelry that reflects both their stories.

In the lobby of a hospital, while Ron was taking a break from visiting a close friend, Rose was visiting her Aunt. Simply put, omitting for the sake of brevity all of the romantic flowery details, "We met, looked at each other, and went happily off into the world together a few months later. We were barely out of our teens, excited and ready for life's next adventure together."

After working in a yoga retreat in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, they decided hitchhiking across Canada for their next adventure, a whole other story. These were the freewheeling days, and it was not uncommon to see hippies (which they qualified) crossing the country much like the folks had been doing before, since the beatnik days and perhaps since the 1930’s. Those crazy adventures, hitchhiking in Canada, their close friends know, were quite colorful, but must be left out here. This is a business website after all! The times of stress, fun, fear, and excitement all helped to create an unbreakable bond between the two.

After harvesting apples for a living in the Okanogan Valley of western Canada, they worked in a vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver, where Ron developed his first craft skill as a carved candlemaker. With their newly acquired skills, they traveled California in a beat-up VW bus, circling back to the east coast and ultimately landing on Martha's Vineyard, where Ron Cravens Jewelry began. It was here that they embraced the world of handcrafted jewelry.

Life on Martha’s Vineyard was idyllic, but before you envision them living in one of those charming gray weathered Vineyard summer homes, they actually resided in a friend's glass cabin made from recycled windows. This unique home was nestled in the forest at the end of a long, sandy driveway. To add to the charm, James Taylor was their neighbor! Yet, it was still just a glasshouse in the woods.

They were in heaven, except during thunderstorms. They endured one of the most horrific lightning storms they had ever experienced, rivaling the time they camped at the edge of the Grand Canyon under towering pines in similar weather. The intensity of the storm left a lasting impression, especially when viewed from the comfort of their glass cabin.

Their meals mostly consisted of brown rice cooked on a small Coleman stove, and they ventured to the beach daily in their well-loved VW bus, all while harvesting cranberries with a scoop for low wages. They had no worries, minimal possessions, and no real pressures.

Their occupation? They were weavers! They crafted woolen belts on two floor inkle looms that Ron had made, sewing brass buckles to the ends. These belts were a hippie's dream accessory, and they enjoyed a surprising level of success selling their creations in a Vineyard Haven store. They relished earning a salary, working with their hands, and embracing their independence.

In addition to their weaving, they also explored local artisan silver designs and handcrafted jewelry, which gave them a bit of inspiration. That is when more good fate stepped in.

On one of their sales stops in town, they met a man who would change their lives. James Russell was a jeweler and leather worker who ventured to Edgartown from Nantucket to sell his artisan silver designs and other crafts. He would spend winters in Coconut Grove. His little shop in Edgartown became so successful that he needed an employee. He suggested they stop by his workshop/gallery/store, and on the same day they decided to get married, they ventured to Edgartown to see his studio. Noticing that they did not have a formal wedding ring, James Russell reached into his jewelry case and handed Rosmarie a lovely gold wedding band, which fit perfectly! He went on to explain his current situation with the shop and hired Ron on the spot. Over time, Jim taught him all the basics of silver and goldsmithing, helping him develop his own line of handcrafted jewelry. Their friendship flourished alongside his skill. As Ron Cravens Jewelry grew, his profitable business expanded, and his excellent reputation followed.

In Ron’s words, “He not only taught me silversmithing and goldsmithing but also how to actually run a business, such as pricing structure, being creative while being able to actually live from one's income. It is not easy, but it is possible. Hidden expenses exist everywhere, and Jim understands business.”

When Jim Russell Metalsmithing moved to Rockport, Massachusetts, they went along with him. Jim hired and Ron trained several other people who all became recognized New England jewelers, each with their own style. The original team included Ron Cravens, Tom McGurrin, Alan Soule, Norman Scrimshaw, Bob Pearsall, Floyd Bucklin, Tom Kuhner, and Richard Handle.

All of these jewelers have gone on to develop distinct artisan jewelry styles rooted in their own creative spark and have become juried members of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. They all began at the same fine jewelry company of James Russell Metalsmiths. Bob and Susan Pearsall and Richard Handle are no longer with us, and they are deeply missed. They felt like family, and all are forever indebted to James Russell, a generous person, great teacher, and still a lifelong friend!