Kristi Jones Diaz, a Louisiana native, was raised with a passion for art. She is a third generation artist, and was named after Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952), a distinguished painter and illustrator of the early 20th century, and first cousin to her great-great grandfather, Fenner Smith. A creative personality by nature, Kristi has dabbled into numerous art forms, but has developed a strong passion for accessory design. In 2003, she started designing jewelry, and stumbled onto a new career after selling a couple of necklaces at a local hair salon. After a couple of years of creating, Kristi Jones Designs was established in January 2005.

Her love for the tropics has inspired her to create a unique line of tropical jewelry designs. Her signature style and diverse collections are as fun and unique as the pieces themselves. Her designs can be found seaside, from Cape Cod down to the Florida Keys, bringing her signature style to tropical divas everywhere!

QUALITY OF DESIGNS

Handmade: None of her jewelry is mass-produced. Each jewelry piece is carefully handcrafted, one at a time, in her studio. All of our products are proudly MADE IN THE USA!

Materials: Each of her designs is handcrafted using the finest natural materials (shells, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, etc.), and other organic materials (bamboo and seeds). Shells and other treasures from Mother Nature will vary, so please expect some slight variations in color, shape, and size from the pictorial image of the item you've ordered.

Durability: All of her stringing utilizes Soft Flex wire, a new high tech wire that has 21 strands of very fine wire, giving the strength of a mini-cable while preserving the flexibility and soft line of a fabric thread. Utilizing professional bead wire differentiates her pieces from cheaper, mass produced shell jewelry that use less durable wires, or cords and threads that will easily break! She also double or even triple crimps the ends to enhance durability.

Sterling Silver Finishings: In the wide jewelry market, most pieces contain nickel; however, this particular metal can cause allergic reactions to people who have sensitive skin. Kristi Jones Designs recognizes and alleviates this problem by preferring to utilize sterling silver, which has been recommended by doctors as a preference over nickel. Feel free to wear her jewelry without allergic reactions!

Toggle Clasps: All necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are finished with with toggle clasps, Kristi's favorite clasp of choice. They are super easy to use. She refers to them as the "two-second clasp," one, two, and you're through putting your jewelry on! Once you've tried a toggle clasp, it's unlikely you'll go back to other, more cumbersome, conventional clasps (lobster claw, spring rings, etc.).

Perfectly Balanced Earwires: All earrings are made with perfectly balanced, sterling silver earwires. The shape of these earwires are balanced to allow them to stay put, preventing your earrings from ever falling out. Kristi says, "I love them, and I don't wear any other type of earwire. I have NEVER had an earring fall out yet!” Earwires also take less time to put in compared to posts/studs, plus you never have to worry about losing your earring back piece!" She does accommodate those who prefer posts or clips, just contact us at orders@kristijones.com.

Lightweight: Most of her earrings are made as lightweight as possible to avoid problems associated with heavy earrings. Long extensive wear of heavy earrings can result in excessive pulling, causing the earlobe or piercing to stretch. "It's best to purchase earrings as lightweight as possible," says Kristi, whose earring designs offer just that....a wonderful lightweight feature!

WHERE TO PURCHASE

You may purchase her designs on-line on her website, or at the following locations:

GEORGIA: Spoiled Rotten, Inc., 2102 Osborne Road, Saint Marys, GA; (912) 576-1824.

LOUISIANA:

SHREVEPORT

Artspace (710 Texas Street; 318-673-6535)