Check Out Jessica Calvert’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Calvert. 

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Its an honor to be here, thank you for having me! Like many creatives, I have been tinkering and manipulating materials my whole life. As a child and young adult, I found so much joy in handcrafting gifts for the people I love. This passion grew into a natural inclination to work with my hands and study various materials, ultimately leading me to the Craft & Material Studies department at the College for Creative Studies, where I was drawn to glass and metal. For the past 15 years, I have used my unique combination of experiences and CCS degree to work in design and product development, simultaneously brainstorming and planning how to use my skills toward a greater passion. I wanted to combine my love of creating with my love of family. I also wanted to use my skills to support others and create something meaningful. 

When I began brainstorming how to combine my skills, passion, and love, I thought about my family and was quickly reminded of loss. Like many, I struggle with the idea of the ones we love eventually moving on from this earth. How the people who were so much a part of our life, and then one day are not. If I think back, one experience stands out that was an unconscious start to my memorial jewelry collection, One Heirloom. 

At 15 years old, I experienced true grief for the first time when we lost my uncle to a long battle with cancer. I struggled with the thought of not seeing him weekly as I did throughout my childhood. Leading up to his funeral, I had the strong urge to give him a gift; I wanted to stay connected to him. Being the overly sentimental and slightly eccentric person that I am 😉 I decided to make him and myself matching friendship bracelets. Woven as one and cut in two, Uncle Teddy wears half of the bracelet, and my half still sits in my jewelry box 24 years later. It’s funny how something as simple as woven string gave me comfort in one of the most heartbreaking times of my life. 

Thinking back to this moment, I could say One Heirloom has been in the making for nearly my whole life but consciously for about 11 years. Finally, in 2019 I took the plunge and began sharing my creations publicly. I was SO NERVOUS! It took me a long time to decide if I could handle opening my heart this way. I knew it would be hard at times, but I also knew it was something needed. The subject of loss is difficult to think about, but I was quickly reminded that this very emotional time of life needs support for the grieving, and we will always need a way to honor and remember our loves. The One Heirloom memorial jewelry collection was created specifically with this in mind. 

Each piece is designed to be timeless and your “one heirloom.” Carefully crafted glass memorial stones permanently encapsulate a pinch of cremation ashes. Every stone I make is as unique as the person it honors. I allow the process to dictate the patterns and swirls inside the stone. The finished stone is set in sterling silver or 14K gold. The jewelry designs offered on my website are inspired by and named after my ancestors. I love that I can keep their memory alive and that so many of my clients connect with the pieces because they, too, have an Aunt Marie or Grandma Caroline. Today these pieces can be found on my website at oneheirloom.com. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. After all, it took me 11 years to develop and move forward with honoring our loves through my craft. Like I mentioned previously, I was so nervous! It took me a long time to decide if I could handle opening my heart this way. I knew it would be hard at times, but I also knew it was something needed.

When I was finally gaining momentum with 1H and confidence in what my heart could handle, COVID hit. Now, I knew there would be moments when creating for the grieving would be emotionally challenging but throw in a world pandemic where everyone is facing thoughts of mortality. REALLY?!? “BIG SIGH…⁠

During this same year, four significant people in my life were diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. One, I’m happy to report has recovered, and three, I’m so sad to say, passed away within weeks of each other.

With a heavy heart, these moments forced me to pause and gather myself, but they also reminded me what I’m creating is needed.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My current work is the memorial jewelry collection One Heirloom. One Heirloom cremation jewelry offers a tangible way to keep our passed loves close—heirloom-quality designs created to support the grieving & celebrate life. 

These heirloom pieces are available online and consist of a hand-sculpted glass gemstone that permanently encapsulates cremation ashes and precious metals. The stones are set in either sterling silver or 14k gold. The collection is crafted using various techniques, traditional jewelry processes, hand-sculpting, 3D CAD, printing, and casting. 

I’m proud to say I’m offering something that is needed and unique. My choice of high-quality materials and my client interaction sets me apart from others. I use durable scientific glass that will not turn yellow with time, unlike resin look-likes. These pieces are designed to be timeless and tomorrow’s heirloom. 

I aim to keep open communication with my clients should they have additional needs, questions, or concerns. The process is about their comfort, and I want to make every effort to make it as simple and communicative as possible. Often times I’m blessed to learn more about the person or pet they are allowing me to honor. I have received photos and stories about their departed loves, and I genuinely cherish these moments. Witnessing these glimpses of life and love between the client and their person or pet is such an honor. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I worked for a bronze foundry in San Diego, CA for two years while my husband was stationed with the US Marines. During these two years, I became a mold maker and assisted in large-scale bronze casting, where we turned local artists’ clay and wax sculptures into solid bronze. I met some incredible artists and learned so much, an experience I will not forget. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oneheirloom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneheirloom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneheirloom