Stiles By Design

About

Master goldsmith Kristi Stiles uses her 35+ years of experience to craft fine custom designs to individual order.

Story

Just above the hustle and bustle of Crystal Spring Avenue sits the studio and workshop of Kristi Stiles, one of Roanoke's best kept secrets.

As far back as her high school days, Kristi has pursued the art of jewelry design and craft with an undying passion. Rather than joining her teenage friends as they "walked the mall", Kristi began working there-- interning in the Niemann Marcus jewelry lab, that is. This internship would provide meaningful experience in the field she now knew was the one for her. In college, Kristi refined her design and goldsmithing skills, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at William Woods University and a scholarship to pursue graduate level studies at Indiana University.

In 1981, Kristi began working at a fledgling custom jewelry shop in Lake Forest, Illinois, named Unicorn Designs. Owner Lise Bennett was educated in jewelry design and goldsmithing in Britain, and was herself pursuing a desire to create unique, high-quality jewelry for a growing list of clients. Kristi found a home there, and ended up working with Lise and "the shop girls" for over 25 years. The two remain close friends, and their design/craft collaborations remain unchecked.

A move to Roanoke prompted Stiles by Design to open its doors in 2005. Since then, Kristi has been the source of much of the hammering and banging heard in the Crystal Spring area as she works away at crafting beautiful, wearable art.


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Page maintained by Kristi's daughter, Nicolena.