Spring is here and we’re excited about the 27th annual Wesleyan Artist Market (WAM) opening its doors at Wesleyan School for two days, Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WAM celebrates a vast array of mediums and price points. Creative, fun and beautiful treasures abound for every taste and budget.
Approximately 85 professional artist from across the southeast will be in attendance this year to showcase their wares. Shop for yourself or check off any gift needs with fine art including oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, drawings, glassware, jewelry, woodwork, photography, mixed media, textiles and more.
As diverse as the exhibitors are, they share one thing in common, along with the whole community; they all rave about WAM!
It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to three of this year’s talented participants with this artist spotlight series, this time featuring jeweler (and the gem behind Shiver + Duke), Edith Anne Hunt.
Decades of dazzle
In the charming locale of Milton, Georgia, a creative force is hard at work, transforming inspiration into stunning adornments. Meet Edith Anne Hunt, the founder and designer behind the beloved jewelry brand, Shiver + Duke.
For over a decade, Hunt has been a familiar face at the Wesleyan Artist Market, evidence of the enduring appeal of her stylish creations.
But the story of Shiver + Duke is more than just a tale of beautiful accessories; it’s a heartwarming narrative rooted in family, artistry and a keen eye for fashion that pleases jewelry lovers everywhere.
A grandmother’s influence
Hunt’s zeal for jewelry is undeniable; it’s a love that’s been passed down through generations. Her grandmother, also named Edith, was a fashion icon in her small South Georgia town.
“She was a fashion queen,” Hunt recalled. “I loved going through her jewelry drawers overflowing with fabulous treasures and playing dress-up.”
This early exposure to the world of jewelry sparked a lifelong passion.
Vintage Green
Before Shiver + Duke graced the jewelry scene, there was Vintage Green, a name that hinted at Hunt’s fondness for breathing new life into vintage finds. Those early days were undoubtedly inspired by her grandmother.
However, scalability made that approach challenging for wholesale. So, nine years ago, the company rebranded, not after a fleeting trend, but after the two most precious charms in Hunt’s life.
“Shiver and Duke are my children,” she explained. “I wanted to create a brand that reflected my love for them and the timeless beauty of jewelry.” It’s a personal touch that speaks to the heart and soul poured into this business.
Hunt still incorporates antique elements like cameos and lockets when possible, offering customers a chance to own a piece of history. Her love for repurposing old treasures endures.
“It’s a family affair,” she added. “My kids love to help out in the studio, tagging and organizing. It’s a fun way for them to be involved in the business.”
From medical sales to jewelry
For Hunt, jewelry making isn’t just a career; it’s in her DNA. Growing up, she witnessed her mother running her own jewelry business, which planted a seed of creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. While Hunt’s initial path led her to selling medical equipment, the allure of crafting beautiful baubles proved too strong to resist.
Fourteen years ago, she took the plunge, dedicating herself fully to the world of jewelry. “It was a natural progression,” she reflected. “I grew up with it, and I’ve always had a knack for it.”
Hunt’s ability to create wearable art was cultivated through immersion and natural talent enhanced by years of observation and experience. She shares an artistic spirit with her mother and acquired a foundation from high school art classes and later painting endeavors.
The family connection has thus come full circle. Today, Hunt’s mother, a seasoned jewelry artisan herself, is an integral part of the company. This mother-daughter duo shares an artistic vision and brings a unique blend of perspectives and creativity to each piece. While Hunt primarily spearheads the design process, her mother’s input remains invaluable.
Hunt’s inherent skill and “eye” for design, complemented by a business degree from Auburn University has ensured Shiver + Duke operates with both artistic flair and business savvy.
Quality first
What sets Shiver + Duke apart? It starts with the materials. Forget flimsy, easily tarnished metals. Hunt is committed to quality, using 18 karat gold fill over a base of jeweler’s brass. This isn’t your average gold plating.
The 18 karat gold boasts a rich luster, and with a 3% fill that’s heat-bonded to the brass, it offers exceptional tarnish resistance. This meticulous process ensures longevity and a beautiful finish that will last with proper care.
Using solid gold would increase prices by thousands of dollars, leading to a collection that is financially out of reach for many.
For those with sensitive skin, Hunt assures that her jewelry is nickel-free. “We haven’t had any issues with our pieces causing irritation,” she stated. “However, if you have a severe allergy, you may need to stick with solid gold or sterling silver earrings.”
Made in America
In a world of mass-produced goods, Shiver + Duke proudly crafts every piece by hand in Hunt’s spacious, light-filled home studio, a decision driven by an unwavering commitment to quality control.
It might be easier and cheaper to outsource overseas, but the superior craftsmanship she can personally supervise — and the hands of her dedicated team (including herself, her mother and long-time employee Julie) — are non-negotiable.
This setup also allows her to balance her work life with the demands of raising her two young children. The convenience of being available for her kids is a huge benefit.
“Quality is paramount,” Hunt emphasized. “I personally oversee every piece that’s made. It’s important to me that our customers receive the best.” This dedication is why boutiques continue to reorder, trusting in the consistent excellence of Shiver + Duke jewelry.
Inspiration
When it comes to designing new collections, Hunt draws inspiration from the world of interior design. Her passion for home decor, furniture and the ever-evolving color palettes of interiors influence her creations. She observes the trends embraced by her favorite designers.
“We’re moving away from fast fashion in our homes, and I’d love to see that happen in apparel too,” she said. “I want people to buy pieces that mean something to them, that they can cherish for years to come.”
This translates directly into her jewelry; she’s embraced bolder styles and rich, evocative colors like smokey green, deep burgundy or “eggplant” and muddy khakis.
Layering, a key home décor trend, is reflected in the way her necklaces and bracelets are meant to be worn. This supports today’s popular “neck messes” style — the assemblage of necklaces of varying lengths and textures stylishly worn together. And bracelets don’t go solo much these days either; they’re worn in creative clusters referred to as “stacks.”
Style secrets
For those craving some guidance in the art of adornment, Hunt offered some expert advice on achieving the perfect look.
“For necklaces, start with a 20-inch base chain with two or three charms,” she recommended. “Then add a 17-inch beaded necklace with a single pendant and finish with a 14- to 16-inch dainty beaded necklace or chain.”
The key is to vary the lengths and textures to prevent tangling, with the thickest chain usually best placed in the middle.
When it comes to bracelets, Hunt’s advice is simple: layer them up!
“Always include a gold piece,” she suggested. “Hinged gold bangles are very popular right now. A three-stack is a great start, but I personally wear eight!” She likes separating colors with a gold piece for visual balance.
New looks
Shiver + Duke keeps things fresh with monthly additions to their line and four seasonal collections each year. While popular classics might stick around, often with updated colors, the earring collection is frequently refreshed — it’s an accessory lover’s dream.
Keep an eye out for their special occasion handbag line, typically launched during the winter months, featuring unique fabrics, fun accents and designs sourced locally.
Your next favorite piece
Beyond their website, shiverandduke.com, Shiver + Duke jewelry can be found in high-end boutiques across the country. Hunt also participates in trade shows like Atlanta Gift Mart and Dallas Market, connecting with buyers and showcasing her latest designs.
Stores sometimes request specific items or colors, but for the most part, Hunt’s creative vision drives the collections. She enjoys the process of presenting her new lines at market and accommodating special requests, when possible, like a custom Cape Cod charm she designed for a store in Massachusetts.
Find Hunt showcasing her work at local markets like WAM, Spotlight on the Arts and the Northside and Trinity holiday shows. And see her latest designs and styling suggestions on Instagram @shiverandduke.
The art of presentation
When participating in a market like WAM, Hunt displays about 500 pieces from her collection. Setting up was once daunting, but years of experience have streamlined the process, making it almost second nature.
“The real work lies in the upfront planning and pricing to ensure a smooth and appealing presentation for customers,” Hunt revealed.
Shiver + Duke provides branded gift boxes and velvet pouches for all purchases.
WAM
Participating in WAM has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for Hunt. The jeweler praises its friendly organizers, talented fellow artists and overall enjoyable atmosphere.
“We love participating in these events,” Hunt shared. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with customers and fellow artists.”
Enduring appeal
If you’re looking for jewelry that’s not only beautiful and stylish but also crafted with love, care and a bit of family magic, look no further than Shiver + Duke. With Hunt at the helm, this brand is sure to continue sparkling and delighting for years to come.
“We’re always creating new designs and exploring new materials,” she said. “We want to continue to bring joy and beauty to our customers, one piece of jewelry at a time.”
The Wesleyan Artist Market
Date: April 25, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; April 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Wesleyan School, 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Admission and parking are free.
For more, visit artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org.
A version of this article is featured in the April/May issue of Southwest Gwinnett magazine. The other artist spotlight profiles can be found here and here.
