About

Treasures of the Earth is a home-based jewelry studio owned and operated by a self-taught silversmith. 

Hello and welcome to my online studio! I'm Ashleigh and I'm excited to share my story with you! I'll take you back to the begining.

I discovered my love of silversmithing and lapidary when I joined my local Gem & Mineral Society In 2021. I was only wire wrapping at the time and for me it was love at first sight. Being able to transform ordinary looking rocks into jewelry-ready cabochons was one thing, but to give them a permanent home in silver that showcases their own unique character is what made it click. I'd dabbled in many other arts beforehand, but nothing compares to the fulfillment I get when I finish an original piece of jewelry. I took two classes at the Society's shop and the rest I learned on my own using YouTube or social media reels for the technical stuff, and through the steadfast support of my husband on matters of tools and equipment, improvision advice and marketing/business tactics. I also met my husband at this shop, so I guess you could say that joining the Gem & Mineral society changed my life and flung open the doors to my future. 

Since then, I've participated in a multitude of trade shows, commissioned jewelry at a local boutique, sold online via etsy, Facebook and my own website... up until last summer (2024) when we bought a house in a small town and welcomed our son after 4 daughters.  With four kids, a newborn and all the stuff that comes with being a first time homeowner, I took some time off to recollect.  Now I've got my studio set up in our 2-car garage and my mother-in-law staying with us to help with the kids and allow me to pursue my calling. 

I consider my first 3 years at the bench a trial run.  This is the real deal.  I'm here to make an impression- and so is my jewelry.  When you buy a Treasure of the Earth, you're getting a high end, quality work of art that will last generations, that you can hand down to your kids and tell stories about.  From alloying silver and copper to make sterling and rolling into sheet and drawing into wire, to sourcing rough lapidary material (rocks) and working into cabochons (stones for setting in jewelry), every component of my work is handmade and fabricated right here in my home studio.  This is something very few silversmiths can truly claim, and I take great pride in doing so myself.  I don't do it to save money- but because of what 'handmade' means to me. This is my passion; my expression; my very soul driving me through every moment of a Treasure's creation.  

I invite you to look at my Blog, where I'll be posting updates about what I'm working on currently, some short videos showing how some pieces are made and some tips and tricks for those curious or already invested in their own silversmithing journey.

And one more thing: being an artisan silversmith isn't just a hobby or a profession- it's who you are; what you're made of.  I'm not here just to make sales; I want to build a legacy and community- I want to know you like you now know me.  I'd love to hear from you, whether it's constructive criticism or a custom order request- or even just a friendly hello!