Working with rock in some form or another has been a passed on trade throughout both sides of our families history’s. From masonry, to stone carving, to brick laying and concrete, Manipulating stone into a work of art seems to be a generational theme. Beginning with Melissa’s Grandfather Julius Meinz, whom just out of high school and at the brink of the great depression, took the only job he could get, cutting slabs of granite in a warehouse in Minnesota. Later he turned his skill into an art when he moved to Oregon and began carving, engraving & polishing stone as his life’s work. With stone cutting in his blood, and her appreciation for the natural beauty, Melissa’s parents (Dick & Julie Meinz), have discovered a passion out of their love of Earths finest, developing their skills in Jewelry Design, Lapidary and Silver Fabrication of semi precious gemstones. Doing all the cutting, setting, polishing and fabrication by hand.

They travel to artisan shows and locally at their hometown farmers Market, to share and sell their unique display and beautiful variety of one of a kind handmade pieces.

This is the second year Joe & Melissa have opened for business at their local Saturday Market, carrying on the family business by incorporating the Handmade Jewelry, specimen display and educational theme, with their own personal style.