Why Jewelry?

The Story Behind K Novinger Jewelry

Did you always want to create jewelry? Was owning your own store your dream since you were a kid? Does jewelry work run in your family? The list of "how did K Novinger Jewelry come to be?" questions could go on forever...and 99.9% of the time, the answer is "No."

Our owner, Kristin Novinger, first went off to Central Michigan University to play field hockey and pursue her dream to be a Juvenile Detective Officer. If you ask her what she wanted to be, she'll always reply the same "A detective, ya know - like 21 Jump Street."

The Transition From Detective to Gemologist

Now that's a big difference! What made you change to jewelry?

"As a freshman, I had to take an elective course and the only one left was metalsmith/jewelry so I decided to take it. After the first semester, my professor said I showed potential and urged me to take a second class. Next thing I knew I was majoring in metalsmith/jewelry with a minor in business. I spent the next 5 years learning the craft I would come to love for the rest of my life."

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."

— Vince Lombardi

What about after graduation?

"After graduation I took a year off and backpacked through Europe - to this day it's one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. Afterwards, I went to GIA (Gemological Institute of America) where I took classes like jewelry making, design, colored stones, diamonds and wax casting. At the end, I was a certified Graduate Jeweler Gemologist."

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like WORK" - Albert Einstein

Following her graduation from GIA, our fearless boss lady moved to NYC (2 weeks before the tragedy of 9/11) to work for a designer in the Diamond District. They made pieces for celebrities such as Beyonce, Usher, etc. Though Kristin started grading diamonds, she eventually worked up to becoming the Production Manager. She stayed working in the city for 4.5 years until....

 

 

While living in NYC, Kristin began to feel burnt out by the busy days and the city life. Though she was sticking it out, it seems fate stepped in! Kristin's car was stolen and she decided that was her sign, it was time to move home.

" I moved home and worked out of my dad's office, taking design appointments by word of mouth, from 2005 - 2012. I had my insurance money from my car being stolen and was saving up to find the perfect space for my own store. In 2012 I finally found what is now K Novinger Jewelry and opened my business with myself and 2 part time employees."

K Novinger Jewelry - Now!

K Novinger Jewelry is still in that same location that Kristin fell in love with back in 2012 - it has been flourishing in the 7 years since. Now up to 7 employees, we're lucky to continue growing behind our fearless leader - a woman to empower us all!