Focus on Local Business: Judith Bright Jewelry
If you haven’t made it into Judith Bright Jewelry yet, be sure to put a visit on your summer to-do list. The Nashville-based designer brought her jewelry to Atlanta a little over a year ago, and business is going strong at the corner of Virginia and N. Highland avenues.
Dominique Pendants - $268
Bright’s designs use semi-precious stones and 14K gold-filled and sterling silver metals, and her signature sandalwood bracelets use authentic sandalwood beads from Nepal. Prices range from $38-$700, and keeping the line affordable is paramount to the company mantra.
“Instead of going for the typical retail profit margin, we take a big picture view and believe we’ll get it back over the long haul if we give our customers great quality at an affordable price,” Bright says.
1-Stone Clasps - $88
The key to this is that every piece is 100% handmade by artisans in each Judith Bright store. In fact, you are very likely to see Atlanta store manager, Leslie, and merchandiser, Aja, hammering out rings and hoop earrings or wiring stones when you stop by. Handmade has other advantages: it means they can also custom-size most pieces of jewelry to fit women of all shapes and sizes.
Equally important in Judith Bright’s success has been a commitment to a unique customer experience.
Rockstar Rings - $238
“We say that shopping in our stores is all about ‘finding’ the right piece of jewelry instead of ‘buying’ a piece,” says Leslie. “We try to see our customers as our mom, sister, bff, etc. We wouldn’t suggest they buy something they don’t love or don’t look great in! We also like to give people the space to really try every piece on they would like, even if they are just looking that day.”
All three Judith Bright stores offer complimentary gift-wrap, free shipping, and no hassle returns.
The Atlanta store was the first expansion outside of Nashville for Bright (she has since added a third store in Los Angeles).
Hand-formed and hand-hammered shapes will be made into earrings, starting at $38
“Our Atlanta store is very unique because of its location in an intown neighborhood; it’s a perfect spot because we really get to know our neighbors, their children and of course, their dogs! In addition, business travelers and tourists really love to visit this area because it’s so uniquely walkable.”
When asked how she came to be in Virginia-Highland, Bright says it was a whirlwind.
Customers model some of Bright's signature pieces
“I’d been looking for just the right spot in Atlanta, when a friend who lived in the neighborhood called and told me a small space had just opened up right at the main intersection. I dropped everything and ran to see it. I knew immediately it was the right fit for us. We feel very fortunate that we were able to get this spot; our retail neighbors are such a great complement to us, the neighborhood has been very supportive, and we are very grateful for that!”
Be sure to stop by and check out this unique find in our very own neighborhood, and don’t forget to bring your furry friend…they always have plenty of dog treats on hand!
Judith Bright Jewelry is located at the heart of Virginia-Highland, 1002 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Store phone: 404-803-0915 Website: www.judithbright.com.
Authentic Sandalwood Bracelets - $38-$118