TRENDER: Warren Jeweler LeeAnn Herreid

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

GoLocalProv Features Team

Who are the Rhode Islanders leading in arts, fashion, food, and style? They're Trenders, and GoLocalProv offers glimpses of the people you most want to know on the scene. Today's Trender is LeeAnn Herreid, jeweler and founder of Warren's Individual Icons. The name goes right to the point of Herreid's art: jewelry that gives the wearer an expression of personal meaning by being both symbolic and beautiful. And on November 2, Individual Icons will debut its gorgeous new "gemstone cocktail" necklace design, which allows the wearer to customize the necklace with their own assortment of gemstones.

RI cred: Educated at RISD, longtime RI resident

What took you to your current field as a jeweler?

A high school teacher inspired me to learn to solder when I was 14, and I then worked for a master goldsmith every day after school. Then I went to RISD.

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What does Individual Icons mean to you as an artist?

I think of myself as making Individual Icons because I make jewelry that people feel personally reflects their story. That's what makes these gem cocktail necklaces such individual icons because each of the necklaces can be customized to your favorite gemstones, family, loved ones, colors, or taste.

What role do you think jewelry plays in our lives?

It's more flexible for our ever-changing moods than a tattoo. To stare at beautiful gems fills me with a feeling of enlightened peace, and depending what you are after, it is a small, easily transportable form of wealth. People also wear jewelry as a form of self expression.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry and where'd it come from?

Whatever I've made most recently—so this month, it is the gem cocktail necklace I made for myself with sapphires, rhodolites, rubies, and diamonds.

What is the most gratifying thing about working in RI? The most frustrating?

Rhode Island has such a rich history of jewelry making—I like that a lot. I don't love the "pack your bags to cross a bridge" mentality, although I must admit, I've gradually become a bit like that myself.

 

Want your own gemstone cocktail necklace? Starting November 2, they'll be available exclusively at MUSE (420 Main Street, Warren). A celebratory reception will be held on the date, complete with actual cocktails and multiple gem options in various shapes and sizes on hand for people to choose from as they mix and match their piece. Herreid, a certified gemologist, will be there as “mixologist” to advise about the type and quality of the stones.

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