Brian Smith
After four years of college at the University of Maine, I took a leap of faith with two other craft people and opened a small retail and studio work in the summer of 1969. I discovered a passion for creating jewelry and working with precious metals and gems.
With little previous jewelry training, I began studying and experimenting with many techniques and styles always focusing on strength and flowing designs. I have held onto my original goal of creating high-quality custom and handmade jewelry. One of the most rewarding aspects of my vocation is working with a customer to find or create the perfect piece that reflects the positive emotion of that special occasion or event.
We also offer an extensive selection of antique and estate jewelry from many periods. The store has evolved to become a full-service family business able to procure, create, appraise, and repair most anything in the jewelry industry. I thoroughly enjoy studying the styles & history of jewelry and have been a long-time charter member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. I feel extremely fortunate to be a resident of the beautiful Mount Washington Valley and am proud to share our jewelry adventure, services, and products with both locals and visitors in North Conway and Conway, NH.
Emily Smith-Mossman
I have been around jewelry my whole life, however my passion for jewelry and the craft was slow in the making. In 2000 I began working full-time at my father’s store, in its new location. At first, I was working the floor doing retail sales, then one day my father wanted me to try soldering. The second I picked up the torch, and watched the solder flow and the glow of the metal, I realized this was my path, this is what I was supposed to be doing!
My love for creating, and repairing jewelry grows every day. I specialize in custom designs using precious metals, and a variety of stones. Some examples of my work include freeform organic designs, custom wedding jewelry, hand-stamped personalized jewelry, and large pieces that make a statement!
My newfound love is working with antique watch movements: re-using them to create new and interesting jewelry pieces. This new line is called, “Resurrecting Time”. I like the idea of taking something that has been discarded, and exposing a side and beauty that has never been fully realized. That same philosophy I also apply to randomly found objects, to create found jewelry pieces out of things such as old gears, old knobs, etc. It has become my little way of recycling these special little forgotten treasures! I reside in the White Mountains with my husband, young daughter, and small pet menagerie
Greg R. Mossman
I recently joined the team here at North Country Fair Jewelers as of Febuary 2012. My interests in jewelry began as a fluke by my wife asking me to come in and size a ring for her to see if I could learn. From that day forth I became in love with jewelry and the many things come with it.
I grew up with an art background that has helped me with my education with metal smithing. I’ve always had my hands in being creative either it be building something, repairing or tinkering on my projects I have. ie: bicycles, motorcycles, classic cars, paintings, etc.
I look at jewelry as a puzzle and I try to figure out how its done. I enjoy the creative aspects of metal smithing and being involved in making a piece of jewelry that can be cherished for many years to come.
Katie Smith
I grew up surrounded by artists and jewelers repairing and creating custom jewelry. The sound of the polish wheel, and my father’s hands constantly stained with black polish was all too familiar growing up in this environment. It was no surprise that at a young age (11 yrs. old) I was taught how to solder, and shortly after made my first rings I sold in the shop. Jewelry has always been deeply ingrained in my family and its history; it is this that makes our shop special.
As a teenager, my father passed down to me his books on the medicinal powers of gems and stones. With this I started making custom made ‘Medicine Necklaces’. I continue to do this today. My Medicine Necklaces are created based on one’s physical and mental health needs. Each bead strung onto the necklace has its purpose, as each mineral and crystal has its own healing power.
Today I make custom necklaces with stone/wire wrapping. I continue to do custom beading jobs for the shop. I have also revisited my soldering days and now have a small collection of Sterling Silver bangles that can be found in the shop today. We hope you can experience our family business and all its original uniqueness. It is a special gem found amidst the heart of the White Mountains.
Lynne MacDonald
I fell in love with gems when I was studying geology in college. After a year of mineralogy I embarked upon gems and decided to combine my passion for jewelry and stones. I then completed my degree in gemology through Gemology Institute of America (G.I.A.) in 1999.
After working in various stores, including my own for a stint, I begged Brian for a job at NCFJ. As always I loved the Smiths and their philanthropy. He caved in and hired me over 7 years ago. I love my second family and never work a day in my life!
JoAnne Kelly
Although I am a latecomer to the workforce here at North Country Fair (1 year), I have known Brian and his family for over 50 years. Going into his unique shop and engaging with his wonderful family and staff had always been fun for me and my family. Now I get to be part of this highly knowledgeable, creative, and big hearted group.
They have been kind and patient as they taught me the craft of stringing beads and pearls, how to change watch batteries and watch bands. They have also guided me in understanding the basic knowledge of gemstones and jewelry. I love working with them and meeting the best customers ever!
Nancy Hildebrand
Jewelry is a form of self expression. Everyone wants to be known to the world differently. My favorite job is helping my customers find that perfect piece of jewelry-something meaningful and beautiful they can wear and love forever. In doing so they can rediscover themselves.
Stop By the Shop
