Robyn H. Golden

My Featured Work:

My Story

“Jewelry is to an outfit as a picture frame is to a picture… You are never perfectly dressed without the finishing touches of that special statement piece of jewelry… Jewelry is my passion and after wearing my designs, I hope it will become your passion too.”

My name is Robyn H. Golden and I am the owner, creator and designer of R Golden Designs, a handcrafted, fashion–forward, but classic jewelry line.

I am a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management and Business Administration with a concentration in interior design and marketing. Upon graduation in 1979, I entered into the retail realm as a manager of a junior specialty store. (The fashion industry played a huge part in my practical experience, allowing my creative side to be revealed.)  However, in 1987, I left the retail realm and acquired a full-time position in a field that was completely opposite of everything I trained and worked for, and remained in this position until I retired in May 2021. In 1990, after having my second daughter, I decided that I missed the hustle and bustle of retail; and knew it was my perfect opportunity to obtain a position in the fine jewelry industry. I was lucky enough to acquire a part–time position within two renown fine jewelry companies and remained in the industry until April 2017, while still working in my full-time position.

During this period, the fine jewelry industry started changing. Gold became out-priced and sterling silver started to have an impact in the marketplace. Paying attention to these trends, I began to build my sterling silver collection, which was a difficult endeavor. When I began to search for that special, dare-to-dazzle piece of jewelry, I was never able to find that one stand-out design that I was searching for. As a result, I decided to start designing my own jewelry; and that is how R Golden Designs began! I am a self-taught creator/designer and I love creating "statement" pieces.

When I think about the journey that has taken me to this point in my life, it is difficult to pinpoint one particular avenue that led me to become a jewelry designer. My path in life, which guided me to the creation of my designs, was influenced by three different avenues. The first introduction was by my mother, who captivated me with the way she always coordinated her outfits and accessorized them with her jewelry never to wear the same thing twice. You see, I was taught, by my mother, that you are never perfectly dressed without jewelry and that your jewelry is the "picture frame" of your outfit. My mother used to say, Jewelry is to an outfit as a picture frame is to the picture. My second influence was that of my mother’s sister who owned and operated a fine jewelry store in New York. I remember how mesmerized I was when I stood in that store and looked at all the beautiful jewelry and the way they were designed and displayed. That picture never left my memory. And… ultimately, having the opportunity to work in the fine jewelry industry with so many talented individuals who taught me to think and create out–of–the box designs. All these scenarios and more led me to be the artist I am today. Accordingly, the underlying theme of my jewelry: handcrafted, custom-designed, one-of-a-kind sets of distinctive and highly versatile necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, as well as other accent pieces made only with 925 sterling silver and genuine gemstones.

In September 2015, I decided to take a trip to see my friend in Chicago. As we were planning weekend activities, I noticed one of the largest InterGem shows was going on. I had heard of these shows, but never imagined I would be able to attend one. I asked my friend if she would be willing to go with me to the gem show and she did. When we walked into the main ballroom, which was the size of a football field, I felt overwhelmed. As we began to walk up and down the aisles, comparing products, prices, and designs, I determined right then and there that I wanted to design my own jewelry and said to myself, “I can do this”.. We were at the show for a total of eight hours, no exaggeration. After much contemplation regarding what product to purchase to start this endeavor, and $500 later, we returned to my friend's house with the first product in hand. I really had no idea what I was going to create, what to do with all this product, or where it would lead me. Whereas, I am a self-taught designer, I underwent a lot of trial and error and frustration, but eventually the designs started to form beautiful artwork. And so… my “hobby” began.

My inspiration for my designs begins with the stones. When I purchase my gemstones, I am always looking for that unique, eye-catching stone that will become the focal point of my design. Whether I gravitate toward the color or the shape, it has to absolutely dazzle me. When I hold a stone in my hand, if I cannot envision a design, I will not purchase the stone. And so it all began…I made several designs and I started wearing them to my full-time position and to the jewelry store. I was getting so many inquiries about my jewelry from co-workers and customers that I decided I was finally going to give this “hobby” a chance. This so-called hobby of mine has now transformed into my ultimate “passion”.

I faced many challenges along the way. It took a long time to perfect the design process, for which I am still actively learning new techniques. When I started out, I also found myself running low on inventory and was limited in funding until I began to sell. Unfortunately, I could not get into the wholesale side of the gem shows, since jewelry design was not yet my source of living. However, I was lucky to make connections with several vendors who were kind enough to work with me so that I could afford products necessary to make my designs. 

After three years of creating jewelry part-time, it was time to see how my “passion” would play out. I decided to open up an Etsy online shop in November 2018. Pieces sold thanks to word of mouth, which was where I truly excelled. Then, with Covid-19, everything turned upside down. In April 2020, I had to start working from home, causing me to redesign my jewelry work space.  As a result, I had to bring out my product each time I designed and then put it away until the next time. I made the decision to concentrate on designing jewelry after work to build up my inventory. I continued to work with what remained and waited for everything to calm down. I was still uploading new products to the Etsy online shop, hoping to make some sales. 

In January 2021, I found out that I had an opportunity to retire from my full-time position after 34.5 years and that I would be able to retire in May 2021. I thought to myself, This will be my “golden” opportunity . . . I can finally turn my “passion” into a “business”.  Prior to retiring, I began to research what steps I needed to take to become a full time business. I acquired my retail sales license and artisan exemption, purchased my tools of the trade, reached out to wholesale vendors, and secured my buying power for all my products. I then reached out to different avenues; signed up to do craft fairs and various shows, which will now allow me to begin my new journey into the artisan world of jewelry.

May 2021, I officially retired. I changed my workspace back to accommodate my jewelry designing; it is not a large area, but it works for now. (I can tell you that the only time I can actually see my desk and floor is at the end of the day, when I pack everything up until the next morning.)

In January 2022, I became a part of Ohanga. My dream is becoming reality. My ultimate satisfaction will be when I view individuals holding my jewelry, trying it on, examining it in the light, and making that final decision to purchase it.

Jewelry is my passion, and after wearing my designs, I hope my jewelry becomes your passion too!

Enjoy your design and wear it in good health and happiness.

Robyn