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 the second part of a two-part episode. Today, my guest is Whitney Abrams, owner and founder of Whitney Abrams Jewelry, a private jewelry studio specializing in high-karat jewelry. If you haven’t heard part one, please go to TheJewelryJourney.com. Welcome back.    When people tell you they want something redone from old pieces, or if somebody dumps something on your desk and says, “O.K., here’s my grandmother’s ring,” do you see something visual immediately, or do you have to play with it? How does that work for you?   Whitney: Sometimes I do and sometimes I absolutely don’t. When I had my gallery, I was not in a place where people brought repairs. I didn’t change watch batteries or things like that. It was a jewelry gallery. I did have someone dump their teeth out on my jewelry counter one day, and I thought, “Well, this is a no. I’m not doing this.” I learned very early that if I didn’t have a connection with visualizing something or seeing something to make, or if I didn’t have a connection with the customer, that it was better for me to refer them to someone who could accomplish what they wanted to accomplish. Step one was setting a boundary and saying, “I don’t want to take this on because it never turns it out well.” I would much rather be spending time connecting with a piece, creating something meaningful for somebody.   Because I did that, I focused on creating a relationship with many of my clients. Even if it was an art piece I had already made that was in the case, if they came in and connected to it, that’s an introduction to creating a new relationship with that person, because they see something in you they relate to. When they would bring somethin