by Bella Erakko
From the time Brandy Hurt was five, her father—a talented jeweler—foresaw his daughter’s potential, but she admits, “It wasn’t a big part of my life.” Then the family opened AVA Goldworks in Hannibal. Slowly, she learned the craft. By the time she was 16, she helped out. And by 21, she won 1st place, bridal category, at the American Gem Trade Association, for a stunning reversible necklace designed by her and built by her father—diamonds and opals on the wedding side, rose gold with coral on the reverse for the reception.
Fast forward to today, Brandy has created her own line of affordable pendants, rings, and earrings. Starting with a sterling silver bezel (or base) she picks the gem, hand-curls decorative silver wires into the design, and stabilizes it with resin. But what lies ahead? Brandy wants to create a line of larger lightweight earrings. “Heavy metal weights earrings restrict what you can do. Resin earrings from a hand-carved wax model are lightweight, fun, and affordable.” This year she offered pumpkin pie … earrings.
Perhaps in this case father knew best. Brandy is an accomplished jeweler.
