Montgomery Antiques & Interiors is excited to welcome jewelry designer Fran Riddell back to our store for a fun event next week. On April 15 – 17 we will be hosting a show and sale of Fran’s Renaissance Collection… her handcrafted original jewelry creations that gives new life to vintage brooches, pins, etc. This is the perfect opportunity to find unique items to give to the ladies on your list this spring. Think Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. And, don’t forget to find a treat for yourself as well!
All Fran’s pieces are one-of-a-kind, handmade works of art. The use of lovely fresh water pearls is her signature. Fran’s bracelets and necklaces have been featured in many magazines and newspapers. Her vendor space was a favorite with jewelry lovers at MAI’s Camellia Antique Show in Montgomery last spring. Fran’s most recent venue was her inaugural set-up for Fran Riddell Renaissance Collection in Texas at Marburger Farm… a huge success! (Check out Fran’s Facebook page to see who’s the celeb who fell in love with Fran’s bracelets.)
Fran is no stranger to Montgomery. When she comes to our city it’s truly a homecoming. Fran and her husband Sam lived here for several years before returning to live near family in Mississippi. Both contributed greatly to our community and made many wonderful memories and friends here. “What most people would have known me for was my event and wedding designs. I probably did between 40 and 60 weddings a year.” says Fran.
So, how did jewelry become Fran’s specialty? Here’s Fran’s story:
“I learned the trade while my husband was in graduate school and seminary. I was the assistant to the owner of several jewelry stores and shadowed him for several years. My designs initially started out as gifts to be shared with loved ones for special occasions. My sister, who I am extremely close to, asked me to create a necklace and bracelet for a friend’s child in south Louisiana. After designing the pieces I posted them on Facebook just for fun. From that point on it turned into Fran Riddell Renaissance Collection. My Facebook page absolutely blew up with interest of what I was doing which consisted of taking old family pieces of jewelry, estate jewelry, and vintage jewelry and re-designing them, creating the cultured pearl necklaces and bracelets.”
” I now travel from Texas to North Carolina doing around 24 to 26 shows a year. There are a couple of jewelry stores that carry my line in Mississippi and Louisiana, but to be truthful my favorite is to go face-to-face with clients because then I’m able to explain the history of the piece of jewelry and work with them to ensure a perfect fit..”
” It’s been a great blessing, it’s been a joy, and it has always been an honor to work with these wonderful pieces of jewelry that have weathered with time. Each one is a special work of art and intended to be worn every day, every week.”
Custom work is one of Fran’s specialties. She has transformed everything from antique cameos to vintage shoe buckles. So search through all your family heirlooms and those vintage trinkets you’ve stashed away in the jewelry box. Let Fran work her magic to give your sentimental favorites new life as wearable art.
Amy Lovett
MontgomeryAntiques
