An Elevated Jewelry Studio
Unique. Organic. Sustainable. Socially Conscious.
From the Suburbs to Mountains: The Journey of Lifted Artisans - A Story of Love, Adventure, and Ethical Jewelry
As a 19-year-old fresh out of high school, I embarked on a journey filled with dreams of creativity and self-expression. While exploring college classes, it was in philosophy, theology, and art that I found my true passion. While working as a bookseller in Ventura County, I delved into the world of glass art, honing my skills as a novice artisan.
Immersed in the literary works of Kerouac, Hunter S. Thompson, Allen Ginsberg, and others, my worldview expanded, shaping my desire to forge my own path. The influences of visionaries like Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, and Tara Brach further fueled my creative spirit, instilling in me a determination to live a life guided by authenticity and artistic expression.
Moving to the Mountains
In 2004, as a young couple, my now wife Tina and I embarked on a life-changing journey from the suburbs to the serene mountains. Nestled in a cozy tiny house on the outskirts of Big Bear City, we found solace and inspiration in the lap of nature. This marked the beginning of a beautiful chapter in our lives, filled with adventures in the forest and the enchanting deserts surrounding them.
I began an apprenticeship with my father at his jewelry store, delving into the art of creating, designing, and repairing jewelry. Over the next six years, I honed my craft, eventually graduating from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America. Our family grew as we welcomed our first daughter in 2009, and then we decided to explore new horizons in 2010, moving to Ventura County once again.
In Ventura, a serendipitous opportunity led me to a role as a production manager at an artisan jewelry company in Ojai, California. The vibrant community and creativity of Ojai left a lasting impact on me, igniting a passion for crafting unique artisan jewelry and living life on my own terms.
However, the mountains called out to us once again in 2013, setting in motion a series of events that would change our lives forever. A twist of fate, including the news of our second child and unexpected layoff, paved the way for a new beginning. My father, coincidentally preparing for retirement, offered us the chance to take over his jewelry studio in Big Bear Lake allowing for our return to the beautiful mountains once again.
In July 2013, my wife and I embraced this opportunity and established "Wings Jewelry and Gifts" in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village. With a vision to create organic artisan jewelry, I combined my traditional fine jewelry background with an artisan vision, focusing on recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Each piece is a unique reflection of my creativity, inspired by nature and crafted with love.
In 2025 we began rebranding to Lifted Artisans to better reflect the direction our work had taken. Today, Lifted Artisans thrives as a testament to a journey of love, adventure, and ethical craftsmanship. Rooted in a deep connection to nature and a commitment to sustainability, each piece is a work of art, never duplicated and always infused with positive energy. Managed by my wife Tina and I from our family-owned studio in Big Bear Lake, Lifted Artisans invites you to experience the beauty and uniqueness of truly handcrafted jewelry, created with passion and purpose.
With Deep Gratitude
-James Newkirk
