Origin of the product
In June of 2011 I had an epiphany. I’d been dabbling with creating jewelry for years but none of it felt right. I sold quite a few pieces over the years but I never completely believed in it. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t passionate about selling the product until someone asked me why I don’t wear any of my own jewelry. What I realized is that as much as I loved making the pieces I would never actually wear one because it wasn’t my style. What I do wear and have worn for years is a stainless steel ring that my father, Floyd Lawson, machined for me as a gift. I rarely take it off both for sentimental reasons and because it’s an amazing looking ring. Once I finally accepted that I need to produce something that I truly believed in and would wear everything fell into place.
Origin of the brand
I tossed around the idea of naming the brand after myself but came to the conclusion that there are plenty of lines named after the proprietor. I reflected for quite awhile trying to find a name that meant as much to me as the product that would be produced but ultimately the choice was an easy one. I would dedicate the line to my grandfather, Jimmie Leonard Lawson, an amazing man who I respected greatly and who loved me unconditionally. Everything from forcing garlic pills down me when I was a child to believing in everything that I tried as an adult. I miss him dearly and he will never be forgotten.
The machinist
My father learned the machining trade from my grandfather when he was a teenager and has been in the industry ever since. He, like my grandfather, does everything my hand without the assistance of CNC computer technology. In fact, my dad doesn’t even own a computer and, unless I force the issue, he probably never will. A trait that I secretly admire. When I approached my dad about creating this line with the added possibility of teaching me the trade he was genuinely excited. Every piece is created with the same amount of patience and care, the final result being not just a piece of jewelry or accessory but a piece that you will pass down to your grandchildren.
Joshua Tree
Throughout the site you will see images and references to Joshua Tree, Ca. My grandparents moved out there when I was very young and it’s been one of the few constants in my life. My grandparents home was always the place I could visit where I knew most everything would be the same. There’s always the occasional upgrade here and there but the feeling has stayed the same for the last 30 + years. I’ll never forget the early mornings helping my grandfather feed the horses knowing that when we were done it was time for a hearty pancake and bacon breakfast backed up with a garlic pill that I never quite understood. I don’t know that I fully appreciated all of this as a child but as an adult I can look back and remember how lucky I was to have such an amazing place to visit throughout the years.
Goods
The primary focus of this line is going to be stainless steel rings but we realize that man cannot live on rings alone so we will be adding some variety in time. Belt buckles, bottle openers and the occasional pendant are in the works and should be available very soon. If you have any special requests don’t hesitate to shoot us an email: info@jllawsonco.com
