In 2014, Matt James opened an orphanage in Uganda and taught young girls in Nepal how to silversmith and sell their jewelry. Three years later, in late 2017, James opened another shop to teach people how to silversmith. This time, the shop is a gem studio in Provo, Utah.
James originally gained an interest in jewelry just through purchasing items to wear himself. He eventually learned how to silversmith and travelled to developing nations teaching young girls who had been rescued from sexual violence the skill so they could earn money. The Gemstudio, a 250-square-foot garage located just south of center street in Provo, is James’s way of using the trade to raise money for his orphanage.
The Gemstudio holds a workshop each weekday night at 6:30 that fits 14 people. James holds three workshops on Saturday and closes the shop on Sunday. Visitors will be able to choose a stone out of a collection of 500 gemstones and receive step by step instructions from an employee of how to make a ring. In addition to rings, the Gemstudio has supplies to make bracelets, bolo ties, earrings, and pendants. At the 2-3 hour workshops, guests will be able to create a ring, or another type of jewelry.
Ready-to-wear rings are also sold by the Gemstudio. Included in the rings they sell is a Nepal Collection that exclusively sells rings handcrafted by young girls who are survivors of severe sex crimes in Nepal. The profits made rings in the Nepal Collection go back to supporting the young girls.
A source of support, refuge, creativity, fun, passion, and community, James and all at the Gemstudio welcome individuals to visit its space, browse their collection, attend a workshop, and in the process, support those living in developing nations. Learn more about the Gemstudio, browse rings, or book a workshop session here: https://www.thegemstudio.com/
Video about the Gemstudio by Tell The Birds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUfKd-TiW4
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