We recently connected with Carter Eve and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carter, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I took my first metalsmithing class when I was in high school and fell in love with the process of making jewelry and small metal sculptures. I didn’t think it was something I could do as a career, or as my “calling” at that time, however. A few years later I ended up moving to NYC for college, studying Design + Management and I happened to live above a jewelry store. Every day I would walk by and look in the windows, and eventually I started going inside and talking to the goldsmith and asking questions about wax carving and his process. Finally he told me, “You should take some classes, I don’t have time to teach you”, so I started taking jewelry classes in Brooklyn and became obsessed. I ended up transferring to Savannah College of Art and Design and received my BFA in Jewelry + Objects. During my time there I spent every waking moment at the studio, making things. It was hard work, and there were many pieces that didn’t turn out beautifully that’s for sure. But at the end of the day, my hands were dirty, my eyes were shining, and I felt an immense sense of satisfaction that is hard to put into words. I truly loved what I was doing each day, and I knew that I had to honor this compulsion to create, it had become like breathing to me. I have been making jewelry professionally ever since and first created my line of fine jewelry in 2013. Over the past 10 years I have worked for other companies as a jewelry designer and creative director, always involved in every aspect of design and manufacturing, but I never gave up on my dream of having my own jewelry business. That dream came to fruition in a full-time capacity in 2020, and I still love what I do every day. I still love creating jewelry, and making one of a kind sentimental pieces for my clients. My purpose still lies in my love of creation, but now I also get a sense of purpose from bringing joy to my clients through these beautiful objects.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I create meaningful fine jewelry made from sustainably sourced gold and ethically sourced gemstones and diamonds. Each piece is an original design and handcrafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. My line of fine jewelry can be purchased through my website or through my retail partners both on the east and west coast. I also specialize in custom jewelry design and creation, focusing mainly on engagement rings and wedding bands but I also do unique custom pieces, basically anything my clients dream up, I can create. With my fine jewelry line, each and every piece is made to order and handcrafted so that each one is slightly unique and no two pieces are exactly the same. That’s the difference between handmade jewelry and mass-produced jewelry that is sold at large scale retailers. There is a charm to handmade items, and a soul to them that you can feel when you wear them.
With my custom engagement rings and wedding bands, each ring is completely custom, often times starting with just a reference photo or a sketch, and then through a collaborative design process with my clients we reach a final design, choose the stones together and then I create the final rings. This process is very personal and special and I end up becoming great friends with most of my clients. I feel so honored to be a part of so many love stories and to learn about my clients and their journeys as they move through life.
Running my own jewelry business has always been my dream, and I am so proud of what I have created and to see the growth over the past few years. My focus is continuing to grow the business and hopefully to open a retail store/atelier soon! I would love to teach metalsmithing classes at this space and have it be a creative collaborative environment that inspires wonder and showcases unique jewelry pieces.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I think the three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were:
1. Persistence. When things got tough and it seemed like there was no way I would ever be able to launch my line or open my own business, I did what I had to do (went to work for other companies) but I never gave up on my dream. I worked late at night at my jeweler’s bench creating new pieces, I worked on weekends designing, I always kept a sketchbook with me and I just never gave up. There were times when this dream truly felt impossible, all the cards were stacked against me, and everyone I knew encouraged me to just give it up, and take the safe road. I felt a little crazy at times insisting that I knew I could do it. But now, I know that none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t believed in myself against all odds. So I think persistence is one of the main reasons why I am where I am today.
2. Curiosity. I think curiosity and maintaining a sense of wonder about both the world and whatever it is that you are doing is one of the most important qualities to have. If you always remain curious, you can find new solutions and creative breakthroughs that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. I always try to maintain curiosity about the design process and how things are made, and I also like to be curious about my clients. If you are always curious, life and/or work are never boring!
3. Passion. If you are passionate about what you do, it shows. People can feel it when you talk about your work, they can feel it when they see your work, they can sense it in your eyes when they light up as you describe what it is you do. Passion is hard to fake. If you are in a certain line of work that doesn’t bring you joy, it becomes obvious to the people around you and negatively impacts your career and life in many intangible and tangible ways. My best advice is to find something you are passionate about and follow that. If it lights you up, you get to share that light with others.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking for people to partner or collaborate with! My next big dream is to open a jewelry retail store that is also a workshop/atelier, so I am looking for a business partner or someone who shares the dream of opening a retail store, someone who has management experience or a love of jewelry.
If you are this person or know of someone who would be interested, please info@cartereve.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: carterevejewelry.com
- Instagram: @carterevejewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carterevejewelry/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz4mbNogxc9yp7bnVeyf9ww
Image Credits:
Lauren Alexandra, Grant Puckett, Alena Saz, Valerie Petralia, Orion Carloto for Bode Magazine
