Chic ‘Chics’ Create

Unique Jewelry

By Nancy K. Crevier

When self-taught artist and Newtown resident Cindy Manning started creating jewelry from glass beads, gemstones, and crystals four years ago, she quickly realized that she would need a partner to help her with the production, marketing and selling of her designs if she wanted to move from a cottage industry to a mainstream business. Joining forces in June 2003 with her neighbor, Nancy Metzger, a former art student before she earned her nursing degree, they founded Chics and Stones, a home-based jewelry company.

“We balance each other’s weaknesses and strengths,” said Ms Manning of the two friends’ working relationship.

Chics and Stones creates one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings from handmade glass beads and gems hand strung on stainless steel wire. The findings and settings are mainly sterling silver, although occasionally a customer will request gold-filled finishes.

“We try to find gems and beads that are a little bit different,” said Ms Metzger, “and often our beads are purchased from artisans. We also use a lot of handmade silver charms. I don’t think any two pieces are the same.”

The designs for Chics and Stones range from elegant necklaces of Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls to earthy, funky creations made of chunky stones. Both women spend several hours each week making the jewelry that travels with them to business shows, art shows, fundraisers ,and home parties, where they do the bulk of their business.

Creating a single strand necklace can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, said Ms Metzger. “Other times, we might have to unstring and restring a piece to get the right look, and that can take much longer.” C

Because both women are particular about the quality of the finished pieces to which they attach their name, they will do a piece as many times as it takes to get the right result.

“The designs just kind of flow from me,” said Ms Metzger. “I get into a color or a texture and it goes from there. It’s a  lot of fun and it’s instant gratification. ”

Ms Manning agreed, and added, “I think the beads themselves inspire us. The textures, the colors, patterns; there are so many different beads. Because we use a lot of handmade glass beads, we deviate from the norm in design.”

“The home parties are fun,” Ms Manning said. “The customer supplies us with a list of names and addresses. We send out the invitations, and the customer tracks the RSVPs. Once we are there, we set up the jewelry displays and stand back. It is very low key. People socialize and shop.”

A promotional move by Ms Metzger last year paid off in national publicity for the young business.

“I left a message with the head of the NBC Studios wardrobe department, asking her to please preview our jewelry.” The catchy name, Chics (pronounced “chicks”) and Stones, caught the studio’s attention and they requested some items be sent directly to the personal assistant to Katie Couric, co-host of Today Show. Since then, Natalie Morales, also of Today Show, has worn a Chics and Stones necklace on the air. Most recently, NBC correspondent Campbell Brown appeared at the Olympics, a pair of Chics and Stones earrings glittering from her earlobes.

“It is really fun and exciting to see things like that,” exclaimed Ms Metzger. “And we got a lovely note from Katie Couric, too.”

Beyond the financial success — the company turned a profit its first year and continues to grow — and the outlet for creativity, is another facet of Chics and Stones that both Ms Manning and Ms Metzger find fulfilling.

“The great thing about our business is how gratifying it is in all the aspects of the business, and how we are able to ‘share the wealth,’” Ms Manning said.

Fundraisers, such as a recent one Chics and Stones attended for Winthrop Hospital on Long Island, provide a philanthropic outlet for the women. Said Ms Manning, “It’s more than money that drives you to succeed. It makes me feel good to know that I am helping others, that someone is happy because of something I have made.”

Chics and Stones contributes a percentage of what they sell at any fundraiser, and local drives have benefited from the generosity of the business. Purchasers of any bracelet decorated with the pink crystal Breast Cancer Awareness charm know that five percent of the bracelet’s cost goes directly to the charity.

For some fundraisers, such as an upcoming one for an area cheerleading center, the women create items tailored to the occasion. The cheerleaders and their guests will find bracelets adorned with sterling silver charms that read “Cheer.” Even so, each bracelet is unique in its design.

 “It sounds a little silly,” Ms Manning said, “but we do get attached to our pieces. We like to see them go to ‘good’ homes.”

The jewelry is all priced moderately. Bracelets range from $30 to $60, necklaces from $50 to $90. A pewter bookmark strung with Swarovski crystals, beads and gemstones sells for just $15.

Ms Metzger photographs every piece of jewelry created by Chics and Stones. “If someone wants to match a piece, or repairs are needed, we discovered we needed photographs in order to do so.” Even so, matching a piece exactly is not always possible, due to the fact that Chics and Stones purchases only small amounts of the handmade beads at a time. “We might not have any of the beads in stock any longer,” said Ms Manning, “or they might not be available to us.” That very uniqueness of their designs, though, is what they feel draws their clients to them.

Special occasions can be celebrated with a special piece of jewelry by Chics and Stones. One of their more popular items is the Celebration Bracelet. In keeping with their design philosophy, every Celebration Bracelet is unlike any other, except for the addition of six special silver charms: “A star for success, a cross or Star of David for spirituality, a leaf for growth, a flower for beauty, turquoise for good health, and a heart for a life filled with love,” said Ms Metzger.

A new online store at ChicsAndStones.com allows customers to view and purchase merchandise without stepping away from the desk. Ms Manning and Ms Metzger also sell the jewelry by appointment only from their Newtown-based office. Call 426-5482 or 270-8269 to make an appointment or to book a home party.

Shoppers will also have the opportunity to purchase jewelry from Chics and Stones at the Danbury Sheraton on March 24 from 5 to 9 pm. “What Women Want,” sponsored by WRKI of Brookfield, will feature local items that appeal to women. There is a suggested donation at the door of $5, to benefits The Volunteer Center in Danbury.

As the company continues to develop, the women continue to dream. “Our next level is to have the Chics and Stones label carried by a national fashion catalog, like Sundance.”

Both women emphasize, however, that no matter the scope they one day encompass, Chics and Stones will never be mass-produced. It is a work of the heart.