A Custom Jewelry Studio
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
After a couple years of college in Ventura County my girlfriend, now wife, Tina and I decided to make a move and give Big Bear Lake a shot. I began apprenticing with my Dad at Wings Jewelers and started developing my skills with jewelry repair and designing. All the while we took every moment to explore the beautiful forests and surrounding deserts which became my biggest inspiration. In 2007 we were married and in 2009 we welcomed our first child. Within a year we decided to make a move back out to the beach one more time.
In Ventura County once again, 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 artisan creation and living life on my own terms. Lifted Artisans would not be what it is today without this time spent in Ojai and the amazing people I met there.
However, the mountains called out to us once again in 2013. A series of events took place that would change our lives forever as the universe altered our path once again, news of our second child and an unexpected layoff the following day paved the way for a new beginning. My father, coincidentally preparing for retirement, offered us the opportunity to take over his jewelry shop in Big Bear Lake, allowing for our return to these beautiful mountains once again.
In July 2013, Tina 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 organic artisan vision, focusing on repurposed metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Each piece I build is a unique reflection of my vision, inspired by nature and crafted with love.
In 2025 we began the rebrand to Lifted Artisans to better reflect the direction our work had taken as we developed an online presence and expanded to art galleries. 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