Life & Work with Jessica Rangel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Rangel.

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started from a childhood love (obsession) with rocks! I’ve collected and admired them my whole life. I’ve also had a passion for creating and working with my hands for just as long. Anything from sculpting to painting to sewing… You name it, I’ve done it and loved it! Copper & Stone was born from a desire to wear gemstone jewelry in bold styles that I couldn’t find in stores.

About 10 years ago, my husband brought home copper wire from his job at the time and suggested I try using it to make the jewelry I had been searching for. With one swing of the hammer, I was HOOKED! I couldn’t believe how fun it was to dream up designs, forge them in metal and add gemstones. For many years after that I only made jewelry for myself and friends, but thanks to a more open schedule during 2020, I finally shared my art with the world and have been speechless over the support ever since!!

I’ve been able to learn skills that always felt out of reach, like soldering intricate designs, setting stones, and now working with silver! This has given me a healthy dose of confidence and ambition to keep learning and growing. From humble beginnings to selling directly on Instagram, to then having my own website and growing to have wholesale accounts… It’s all been a wild ride that I am extremely grateful for. My husband has cheered me on the whole way and the lifelong friends I’ve made in the creative community are like the cherry on top.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenges as I got started was imposter syndrome. There are countless INCREDIBLE artists out there and it was difficult to accept that I deserved a seat at the table AND that there was room for everyone! I had to get out of my own way and realize the only competition is with yourself. The creative community is so open and ready to give encouragement to every artist, no matter the skill level. I find a lot of joy in giving some of that love back to newer ones facing the same mental battle. Everyone deserves to let their art be seen by the world!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Prior to making jewelry full-time, I also worked as a housekeeper. I was self-employed and loved seeing my clients each week. It was very fulfilling work. I now use the detail-oriented skills I developed from that job and apply them to my creative work. I specialize in hand-forged copper jewelry designs, with many pieces being completely one-of-a-kind. To successfully solder copper together, it takes a lot of attention to detail as it requires higher heat and is a bit trickier to work with than other metals.

I’m known for my gemstone selection, as I work with local lapidary artists to offer only the most beautiful stones. I’m most proud of that part! It makes me so happy seeing others fall in love with the stones as much as me!

I think what sets me apart from other jewelry designers is that my inspiration comes from the materials themselves. I design around the gemstones and try to let them shine first and foremost. Then I add my copper work as a compliment to the stone. I find the warm orange tones in copper really add to the uniqueness of each piece!

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is how I make people feel. My goal is to leave everyone feeling lifted and good about themselves. The core of Copper & Stone can be summed up in 3 words: Bold. Natural. Beautiful.

I encourage those around me to be bold in their choices, in fashion and beyond. To live naturally, appreciating the small things in life and learning to love their own natural beauty. Then, to feel beautiful, as in stepping out with confidence knowing they are valued.

I’ve had people in my life help draw those positive feelings out of me when I’ve struggled, so I have a deep desire to do the same for others. I want to lift them up.

Contact Info:

• Website: Copperandstone.art
• Instagram: Instagram.com/copper.and.stone/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/profile.php?I’d=100069030977973
• Other: Pinterest.com/copperandstoneart/

Image Credits
Melissa Morrow Photography