I recommend David Lipscomb of Virginia Rock Shop at the Rockfish Valley Community Center for jewelry repairs and gemstone work. He has restrung several pearl and bead necklaces and bracelets for me. Does a great job at a fair price. You can stop by during his regular hours or call him at 434-981-1897. Submitted by Maria Spence. September 2024
bracelets, silver,
Andrew Minton Jeweler (434 979-7672) in the Seminole Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville is excellent for jewelry repair. He is fair and has wonderful recommendations. He also has a beautiful selection of estate jewelry, will order what you need or want and is very pleasant to deal with. It’s a family-run business. Submitted by Sally Bryant. January 2022
I second the glowing recommendation submitted by Sally Bryant in the WBB newsletter regarding Andrew Minton Jeweler (434- 979-7672 in Charlottesville). From the very first time I met Andrew his honesty, work ethics, and fairness have always been present. Submitted by Odette Henderson. January 2022
jewelry repair
In the June 27, 2021, issue of WBB there was a request for recommendations on where to have custom framing done. Subscribers offered three good suggestions:
• Excellent custom framing can be found at The Art Box. There are two locations, one in Crozet (434-989-0032) and the other is in Charlottesville (434-295-5426) in the shopping center next to Foods of All Nations. They provide excellent artistic advice on framing. We’ve had four large paintings framed and can highly recommend them. Submitted by Jackie Castro.
• We have had great success with framing at Michaels in Waynesboro (540-942-7813). There’s a framing center in the store and they framed two pieces for us earlier this year. Michael’s staff was very professional and helped us select the correct mats, glass, and frames. We had one very old pastel that had to be handled very carefully and a more recent lithograph. Both pieces are now beautifully framed and hanging in our Wintergreen home. Submitted by Catherine Parker.
* Audrey Haynie also reported to WBB that she has had custom framing at Michaels in Waynesboro many times and she loves their work.
• We can thoroughly recommend Fast Frame in Charlottesville. They have undertaken a wide variety of work for us on a number of original watercolors of different sizes, reframing, repairing, etc. It is an owner-operated family store; there is no pressure. The customer’s needs come first. Professional, friendly, the work is ready when the owners say it will be and it is completed to a high standard. Call them at 434-978-7874; email verncoframes@gmail.com. Submitted by James Oglethorpe.
picture framing, frames, art,
Rick Schall restored the top of our distressed and much-traveled pine dining room table. He returned it looking as good as new. He’s a craftsman and his skills and attention to detail shine through. Friendly and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommended. We visited Rick's stall at the farmers market. Call Rick Schall at 434-260- 9619; dearcreek2190@gmail.com. James and Judy Oglethorpe. September 2020
• I would like to recommend Suzie O'Dell for her expertise and artistry in pearl and bead stringing. She does repairs and also teaches beading classes (necklaces, earrings, bracelets) at her studio in Crozet. Call Suzie at 434-989-1110 with your jewelry repair questions or if you are interested in taking classes. Submitted by Maria Spence,
Don’t give up on those garments in the back of your closet that you once loved. I took mine to Rosalba in Lovingston and she was able to see immediately how to shape them up for me. She’s been in business for 20 years as a dressmaker, fashion designer, seamstress and is super talented. Custom designs, bridal, modifications, alterations, sewing instruction, call her at 434-996-0861 for an appointment. You can also reach the tailor at RVDCouture@gmail.com. She used to have a studio at RVCC but is now working from the Nelson Center across from the library. She also designs incredible jacket-type tops and tailor pants. Submitted by Sharon Gress.
I highly recommend Donna Crabtree, owner of Rockfish Gap Embroidery, for monogramming linens, towels, baby clothes, blankets, etc. With the “giving” season just around the corner, what a nice thought it is to give personalized items to those on our “gift” lists. Donna has monogrammed and embroidered two towels for me—beautiful work! And what a convenience it is to have such a delightful and talented person right here in Stoney Creek. Donna can be reached at 706-414-7325. Submitted by Alice Karrh
My grandchildren love the Virginia Rock Shop in RVCC! It’s a hit with kids and adults. Beautiful crystals, carved animals, beads, jewelry, objets d’art, something for everyone. Becca Elliott 2019
Virginia Rock Shop is a real treasure with an incredible inventory. David can do most anything you need done! For us, he has made custom earrings and jewelry, replaced lost stones, repaired items and become a favorite shopping stop for our house guests. 981-1897 RVCC #13. Bonnie Jefferson 2017
