Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Leddy Barnes.
Hi Jen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved art and crafting tiny things. That passion evolved into ceramics during college and, serendipitously, led me to an introductory metalsmithing class while studying abroad in Florence, Italy, in 2007. Jewelry-making offered the perfect trifecta: small-scale craftsmanship, technical precision, and design in the form of wearable art. That experience ignited my path—a pursuit shaped by self-directed experimentation, formal training at a respected trade school, and the parallel, hands-on process of building a business and finding my niche in hand-fabricated jewelry.
Using traditional goldsmithing techniques, I craft each piece with recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced stones, with a particular affection for vintage and antique diamonds. I specialize in custom work, heirloom redesigns, and limited small-batch collections. My style is modern and minimal, often featuring vintage and Art Deco-inspired details. Sustainability and craftsmanship are foundational to my work, and I strive to create jewelry that is not only beautiful, but meaningful—built with both history and future generations in mind.
Today, Jen Leddy Studios is based in Austin, TX, where I live with my husband, son, and our two cats.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. My path wasn’t linear or traditional, and while that could be seen as a challenge, I now recognize it as a choice. I’m proud to have grown my business organically—piece by piece, relationship by relationship, customer by customer.
Instead of following a direct trajectory—completing formal training first, then apprenticing, and eventually launching—I built the business and learned the craft simultaneously, through trial, error, and sheer determination.
Some of the biggest hurdles were time, connections, and finances. For several years, I worked full-time in restaurants to support myself while slowly developing my skills and nurturing a budding jewelry business. In the beginning, outside of the structure of school, there was the added challenge of finding resources, tutorials, and suppliers. The jewelry industry has long been known for its “insider” structure—something I’m grateful to see shifting, thanks to increasing accessibility and global networking through online platforms.
As with many entrepreneurs, there were times when finances became the most pressing obstacle. Bootstrapping a jewelry business required patience and strategic prioritizing: from choosing which classes to take (i.e., which skills to develop), to determining when to invest in expensive tools and equipment. It’s also important to understand the unique limitations of working with valuable commodities as materials—they’re not only an investment, but they also influence and inform design choices. Intentional decisions, baby steps, and timely perseverance were key.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in hand-fabricated fine jewelry, with a strong focus on custom work and heirloom redesigns. Every piece is made using traditional goldsmithing techniques—sawed, formed, soldered, filed, set, and engraved entirely by hand. In an industry that’s increasingly driven by technology and mass production, I take pride in preserving the old-world art of true bench fabrication. Skilled fabricators are becoming increasingly rare, and that dedication to craftsmanship is one of the things that sets my work apart.
Whether it’s a custom engagement ring, wedding bands, a sentimental redesign, or a limited-edition collection piece, my goal is to create jewelry that feels timeless, personal, and built to last.
I’m especially proud of the fact that I’ve built and sustained a successful sole-woman-owned small business for nearly 16 years.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice I’d give would be to take advantage of the incredibly generous and skilled craftspeople who are openly sharing their art and process with the world online! Never stop asking questions, stay curious, and be sincere. True passion, care, and interest do not go unnoticed. Practice, practice, practice!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenleddy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenleddystudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenleddystudios
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenleddystudios/
- Other: https://jenleddy.com/pages/custom
Image Credits
Marine Barian Photography (modeled shots)
