About

KRISTINA "Tina" BRIGHT

GIA Graduate Gemologist, GIA AJP

Jewelry with a personal touch for over 25 years. Limited edition pieces crafted by hand, one at a time. There is no large factory studio with machines and minions, it's just me. I wear all the hats: creator, designer, maker, bookkeeper, web administrator, photographer and jewelry polisher. And just to illustrate how obsessive I am about jewelry, I'm now also a GIA Graduate Gemologist.

Each piece is an individual inspiration, created with intention and love. I use only recycled gold and sustainably sourced materials. My diverse collection will ebb and flow, yet always focus on quality pieces made to last.

 

A little history about me...

My great-grandfather emigrated to the US with his wife in the early 1900’s from Iceland.  The occupation listed on his Declaration of Intention with the United States was “Jeweler.”  He went on to own the Ballard Time Shop in Seattle for many years.  As my father was adopted, I only met Johann once, but clearly his passion and life’s work resonates with mine.  With tools in my hands since I was 8 years old, jewelry has been a passion of mine most of my life.  I turned that love into a small business in 1990 although most of what I made was given as gifts. Today my jewelry continues as a venture I pursue with passion and creativity. Envisioning beautiful wearable art and providing excellent customer service are my top priorities.

I handmake many elements of my pieces including the all-important clasp. I meticulously craft many of my ear wires sterling silver and occasionally work in 14k and 18k gold. Each piece is made by me and incorporates fine quality freshwater pearls, gemstones, genuine Swarovski crystal and handmade glass. The hammered details in my work are forged with high quality German tools and polished to a high luster shine. I also use a variety of hand-tools for the custom texturing on my pieces. No two pieces are exactly alike.  My work is the culmination of my love, skill, grit, endurance and giving.  I love making gifts you give to yourself and gifts you give to your loved ones. It is my true joy to make jewelry that speaks to your life and life milestones.

There is no tribe of minions or hired hands, just me working at my bench and negotiating all the endless details that running a small business is about. You the customer keeps the engine of our communities alive, thank you!

My educational background is in the fine and performing arts with a B.A. degree in Music, Vocal Performance and advanced studies in Theatre at Seattle Pacific University. Now, with a long career in the jewelry industry, I continue my education in jewelry and gemstones and have completed the Graduate Gemologist Diploma (GG) and Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).  

Awards

  • Collective Visions Gallery Show (CVG Show)
    • 2016 “Tribal Dance” necklace
    • 2010 “You are My Sunshine” ring
  • The RAGS Wearable Art Show Marketplace, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
  • The RAGS Wearable Art Show Gallery, 2011, 2012
  • Best of 3D Art- Old Town Silverdale Art Walk, September 2009

Some other stuff…

The arts as a whole have been a constant throughout my varied life. Soon after my children were born in the mid to late 1990’s I accepted a part-time position as Director of Music Ministry at Bremerton United Methodist Church to stay connected to my music.  My jewelry business became increasingly busy during this time as well.

My journey has also intersected other projects and people that have enriched my life and business.  In 2004 I met a homeless man who had been living in his car.  His journal of his experiences became a book with the help of Sandy Rice and the non-fiction novel “Breakfast at Sally’s” was published in 2009 by Skyhorse Publishing in New York.  In addition to assisting with the editing and promotion of this book I traveled the US speaking to many homelessness organizations and churches about the issues surrounding homelessness.

Around 2006 I joined the Advisory Board of our local Salvation Army in Bremerton.  A couple years later I was offered a full-time position at The Salvation Army to run a Capital Campaign for a building project in Bremerton.  This proved to be another passion project that fueled a new phase of creativity for me. Currently, I volunteer with the AVID program at Bremerton High School.

With our children grown life has taken on a different pace, and I get to create in a beautiful space on the shores of Hood Canal.  My husband Don and I have 4 grown children between us, two granddaughters, and enjoy traveling, running, urban hiking and spending time on our boat moored on Lake Union.  When I’m not immersed in jewelry and gemstones I enjoy visiting with my kids, singing and playing my piano, playing tennis, running with my husband, studying Continuing Ed in Gemology, reading, and becoming a Plant Based chef.