"Pearl Pagoda" from the handmade jewelry collection of Alison Designs Alison, of Alison Designs Jewelry, creates one-of-a-kind handmade pieces using gemstones, pearls, and the highest quality sterling silver. Her work can be found in galleries and boutiques, at arts and crafts shows in the New England area, and can be ordered online. Images to the left offer just a sampling of her pieces. Please visit her website to view the complete collection online. Pieces are made to order with a two week turn-around time.

The last time I visited New Orleans, I walked into a jewelry boutique in the French Quarter and was recognized by the silversmith proprietor. Not because, by coincidence, I had once been his down-the-street neighbor. Because my Alison Designs necklace had caught his attention when we passed on the street the day before.

It didn't surprise me that he liked it, because it gets compliments practically every time I put it on. Those sentiments are for its designer, of course. But I get credit for having the good taste to wear it.

Since I know you also have good taste, and probably don't mind being complimented on it, I thought I'd take the liberty to introduce you to Alison Designs.


Not only do I love Alison's work, I'm inspired by the story behind it. Building her business as a jewelry artist is a career reinvention born out of necessity. Downsizing in the corporate world led her back to school. She reconnected with her creative self, and found a way to create a job doing just what she loves. It's a success story so many of us can draw inspiration from these days.

"I've been in business now for 9 years, and I believe it's never too late to learn something new and take a leap of faith," she wrote me when I emailed her my intentions to write this story.

No matter what your passion is, dear reader, that goes for you too.

As for me, I'll continue to wear the lesson and receive compliments all over town. Whenever someone mentions it, I thank them, and say the set was a Christmas gift from My Honey, and handmade by Alison Designs. Of course, this is not the proper way to take a compliment if you went to charm school with my Aunt. My father's sister has always taught me what you're supposed to do is smile graciously, then reply, "Oh? Do tell me more."

My compliments to Alison Designs.






In the interest of full disclosure and new FTC blog guidelines:
Alison is a family friend. This is not a paid advertisement, and I have not received anything in exchange for this article.