Renée Solomon handcrafts striking, one-of-a-kind pieces using mainly semiprecious stones sourced from around the world. Solomon’s Strands, a Florida-based company, provides jewelry to ladies who choose to distinguish themselves with a memorable accessory. Renée hand selects each stone and says her clients share a satisfaction knowing that no one else can own anything like their unique creation.
A former journalist, Renée began making necklaces following a car accident and an injury that required rehabilitation. She learned jewelry design earlier from a friend, but it wasn't until after the accident when she became completely absorbed in the design process, scattering and rearranging stones for hours.
“It turned out to be a blessing,” Renée said. “The repetitive movements require coordination, and it forced me to focus on one task.”
What began as a respite from arduous relearning and retraining quickly became a business when her mother discovered what she had been up to. Soon Renée was selling to friends and neighbors eager to know what else she was creating. Renée, who holds a master’s degree, went on to learn jewelry techniques by observing accomplished artisans and attending classes, including fabrication and precious metal clay. The names of the pieces come from one teacher in particular, Linda, who influenced Renée's decision to name Solomon’s Strands’ necklaces after dynamic women.
Renée, a Jamaican native, says her artistic inspiration comes from the kaleidoscope of shapes and color patterns found in butterflies, fish and flowers, as well as her world travels and the eclectic Caribbean art that has always surrounded her.
“I design for the woman who enjoys, and takes pride in, expressing her mood and individuality. She has a distinct style and a love of color,” Renée says.
Jewelry by Solomon’s Strands is worn on several continents, including women in South Africa, Amsterdam and Guyana. Some even request custom-made pieces with a specific combination of gemstones because of their healing qualities. Renée says she considers jewelry “not just an expression of a person’s taste, but it can also reveal feelings and an intimate story.”
A former journalist, Renée began making necklaces following a car accident and an injury that required rehabilitation. She learned jewelry design earlier from a friend, but it wasn't until after the accident when she became completely absorbed in the design process, scattering and rearranging stones for hours.
“It turned out to be a blessing,” Renée said. “The repetitive movements require coordination, and it forced me to focus on one task.”
What began as a respite from arduous relearning and retraining quickly became a business when her mother discovered what she had been up to. Soon Renée was selling to friends and neighbors eager to know what else she was creating. Renée, who holds a master’s degree, went on to learn jewelry techniques by observing accomplished artisans and attending classes, including fabrication and precious metal clay. The names of the pieces come from one teacher in particular, Linda, who influenced Renée's decision to name Solomon’s Strands’ necklaces after dynamic women.
Renée, a Jamaican native, says her artistic inspiration comes from the kaleidoscope of shapes and color patterns found in butterflies, fish and flowers, as well as her world travels and the eclectic Caribbean art that has always surrounded her.
“I design for the woman who enjoys, and takes pride in, expressing her mood and individuality. She has a distinct style and a love of color,” Renée says.
Jewelry by Solomon’s Strands is worn on several continents, including women in South Africa, Amsterdam and Guyana. Some even request custom-made pieces with a specific combination of gemstones because of their healing qualities. Renée says she considers jewelry “not just an expression of a person’s taste, but it can also reveal feelings and an intimate story.”
