Gems From Dixon

If you haven't visited the Dixon Gallery andRobertson has an M.A. in crafts from the
Gardens gift shop in a few years, you might notUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she
recognize the place. It's aglow with beguilingstudied metalsmithing, enameling, pottery, silk
jewelry ranging from inexpensive baubles to itemsscreening and weaving. She also worked for
intricately handcrafted in precious metals.many years in fine jewelry at Marshall Fields in
When store manager and jewelry buyer NancyChicago.
Robertson took her post there almost four years"The knowledge of how these jewelry items are
ago, the shop focused on things such as Monetmade has really helped me be more discerning in
mugs and magnets and art prints that were notmaking quality choices," she said. She and other
big sellers with local folks.sales people at the store enjoy educating
"My vision was that (we) could do a lot better ifcustomers about the pieces of jewelry.
we focused on craft items such as pottery,Some seem to demand it. Cynthia Bloom's alluring
woven textiles, beaded purses and jewelry thatdragonfly necklace, $186, for example, is a
would support craftsmen and artists in their ownhand-painted glass button embellished with
right," she said. Items still relate to the Dixon14-karat gold, kiln fired, and adorned with rare,
through their artistry and nature-related themesantique, 24-karat gold-lined, antique Czech glass
or by reflecting current exhibits.beads and Swarovski crystals.
As she saw what sold, Robertson -- little by littleMore whimsical are earrings and necklaces by
-- expanded jewelry lines until she had tripled theAyala Bar pieced together from printed fabrics,
merchandise. Jewelry is now their best-sellingbeads, stones and crystals.
category. Shop sales have more than doubled.Some items are purely for fun: Stretch bracelets
"A lot of people look to us for jewelry theyof transparent disks in smoke and bronze are
haven't seen anywhere else that has a high-endonly $12 each but will wonderfully complement
look without being super high end," she said.fall's trendiest color -- gray.
She purchased fine jewelry pieces that sell forEleanor Scott, a Memphian and former art
$300 or $400, but also added fashion-forwarddirector of the Memphis Jewish Community
items from $6 to $30. Even those are usuallyCenter, said she and her daughter shop often at
handcrafted with considerable skill.the Dixon to find unusual gifts for friends.
"It's a lot of fun to spend $10 on a jewelry that"We've found fabulous stuff for Christmas gifts.
everyone in the office admires," she said.We've bought a lot of amber jewelry, all kinds of
And shopping at the Dixon is relatively guilt freeearring and brooches." She said she could take
because all profits support the Memphis landmark,things directly from the store to the recipient
a private jewelry museum that depends onbecause items are attractively packaged in bags
sponsors and membership. Dixon members get aor boxes.
10 percent discount.