By Jenni Rodas, The Wenatchee World, Wash. The Tribune Content Agency
Gypsy Lotus custom amethyst earrings are on display during Pybus Public Market Holiday Market Saturday, Nov. 23, in Wenatchee.
WENATCHEE - Katelyn Mingo, owner of Gypsy Lotus jewelry, has crafted crystal jewelry since 2009.
Inspired by her early love for stones, Mingo's work ranges from affordable earrings to custom designs, highlighting the natural beauty of crystals and offering something for everyone.
"I mean, it's not for women only, you know," Mingo said. "Wear it proudly; like a lot of my jewelry has a little more of a feminine touch, and I try to make more masculine stuff, too, that a lot of men kind of gravitate to."
Mingo gravitates more toward crystals, she said, which are a staple to her business because of the meaning behind them and significance to people.
"I do a lot of, like, wire wrapped jewelry and I try to kind of make it more about the crystals that are so beautiful and everything. So a lot of my wraps are more subtle and with smaller wire... I use a lot of sterling silver, copper... 14-karat gold," Mingo said.
She was first inspired to make jewelry while working at a bead shop.
"When I was, like, 16, I got a job at a bead shop, and so I just fell in love with all the stones and all these things when I was really young," Mingo said. "And so just like working in a shop and seeing all the stuff, and all the books, and all of the instructions, and everything, I just decided to make stuff."
The process of making jewelry, such as earrings, rings, and necklaces includes several steps and materials.
241214-newslocal-NCESD-jewelry-show-01.JPG (copy)
Gypsy Lotus owner Katelyn Mingo speaks with fellow jewelry artisan, Heather Smith Hansen, from jewelry by heather, in December at North Central Education Service District's Jewelry and Gift Show.
"Usually what I do is, I find the main first, that's why I chose this big moonstone. Then I took a large wire and made kind of a little frame around it. And I take little tiny wires and I basically, sew with wire and just kind of make it, so it's like really secure in there," Mingo said.
Mingo is at Pybus Public Market on Fridays and Saturdays. Custom orders take longer, depending on the item.
"If it's custom I have to finish it first, so it might be a little longer. But if it's already made you can buy it off of my site," she said. "I usually ship within three days."
For more information, visit etsy.com/shop/GypsyLotusCo.