What you’ll learn in this episode: How Whitney has maintained relationships with clients since moving her studio from Chicago to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Why the pandemic has changed the way we buy and sell jewelry for good Why Whitney sometimes turns down commissions and encourages clients to work with other jewelers How social media has changed the type of jewelry customers want How to find creative ways to give clients a luxury experience when you can’t meet in person About Whitney Abrams Whitney Abrams’ high-karat gold creations are a reflection of her love of the Renaissance aesthetic and her admiration for the technical abilities of the Ancients. Inspired by the rich tones of high-karat gold and intense hues of unique, precious stones, her hand-made pieces involve the wearer in an experience of regal beauty. Her interest in intaglios and cameos has led her to develop relationships with several German carvers who provide her clients with custom carvings that connect them with Abrams’ creations on an unparalleled level. Whitney has studied goldsmithing and exhibited her jewelry throughout the United States and Europe. Her work is included in a number of publications on the subject of jewelry as an art form and jewelry making techniques. Whitney Abrams presents her collections privately to collectors throughout the country, as well as online. Additional Resources: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram Transcript: Since joining the Jewelry Journey Podcast as a guest in February 2020, maker and jewelry gallery owner Whitney Abrams’ life and business have changed dramatically: she moved away from her busy Chicago studio to vacation hotspot Lake Geneva, WI, and has spent the last year finding the inspiration that comes with a more relaxed lifestyle. Although it’s been challenging to provide customers with the luxury experience she’s known for in a pandemic, Whitney has discovered that the relationships she fostered with her customers can withstand the distance. She joined another episode of the Jewelry Journey Podcast to talk about what life is like in Lake Geneva; how she keeps in touch with longstanding clients; and how social media has helped her business grow. Read the episode transcript here.    Sharon: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Jewelry Journey Podcast. This is a two-part Jewelry Journey Podcast. Please make sure you subscribe so you can hear part two as soon as it comes out later this week.    Today, my guest is Whitney Abrams, owner and founder of Whitney Abrams Jewelry, a private jewelry studio specializing in high-karat jewelry. Whitney was one of our pre-Covid guests in episode 62, which you can find in our podcast archives on the Jewelryjourney.com website. Today, we’ll hear Whitney’s jewelry journey and how she’s handled the challenges of continuing her business in the time of Covid. Whitney, welcome to the program.   Whitney: Great to see you again, Sharon. Thank you.   Sharon: You’re quite an accomplished high-karat goldsmith. For people who haven’t heard your story, can you tell us about your jewelry journey?   Whitney: Sure. Thank you for that compliment. I grew up loving jewelry. I came from a family that loved jewelry.  My dad designed pieces over the years for my mom that he had other jewelers make, and my grandparents collected a lot of jewelry. Starting from when I was about seven, I was gifted with jewelry for every occasion. It was really part of the fabric of our family. I always had a penchant for stand-alone gems.   Although I went to school for communication studies at the University of Iowa, I found my way to a fine arts metals minor there. They had a nice jewelry department, so that fed into my interest in making. I learned how to fabricate. From there, I went into business—it was a national advertising sales position—for years, but I always did jewelry on the side. At my home I had, not a studio per se, but a maker’s room, I called it, because I didn’t have a torch. I continued taking studio