Accessories are often the most important part of an outfit. They accentuate the entire look with subtle coordination and elegance. Though often, accessories are the most difficult decision when completing an outfit. Custom jewelry, however, may be just the trick! Ready to supply the city with these handmade accoutrements is Cantonite, Robyn Catzva Johnson.

I’d come into contact with Robyn’s jewelry line, but after a chance instagram encounter, I learned the story behind these brilliant pieces. Robyn starts, “I don’t think people expect me to make jewelry because I’m not covered in soot, smelting at a renaissance festival…it’s all a part of the mystery!” It all started with imagination and a desire for a piece of jewelry that she couldn’t find.

Robyn searched tirelessly for the perfect robin’s egg nest ring, but noneshe found would do, so she decided to craft her own. Robyn explained, “it couldn’t be that hard, right?” Before her venture into the world of wire and gemstones, Robyn was earned a graphic design degree from Towson University and had been a practiced painter. Moving into jewelry seemed a natural progression for her.

There is a lot of symbolism in that first robin’s egg piece that would inspire later designs. Robyn found herself homesick after leaving her family in Ellicot City to live in Arizona. Making jewelry was a distraction, but at the same time, reminiscent of family and home. It was also practical for Robyn’s line of work. The company she worked for purchased and reopened the former College of Santa Fe as the Santa Fe School of Art and Design. Having requested a hands on position if an art school was ever opened by her company, now three days a week Robyn was staying on campus. Lugging around her painting supplies was not something she was excited about, but Robyn’s jewelry was portable.

Robyn carried on with her jewelry designs, coming up with innovative new ways to craft earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and ring designs while the flagship robin’s egg ring was becoming more and more popular. Then an unexpected tragedy struck which would halt her creative passion. Her beloved husband passed away. Robyn moved back to Baltimore and her custom accessories business was put on hold. After some time and healing, she knew still had plenty of passion and vision to offer. Robyn says, “the profound loss has given me profound life.”

I asked Robyn where she saw this endeavor taking her and she told me, “I don’t see this business getting huge.” She would like her jewelry to be featured in local boutiques and continue to make custom pieces for individual clients. Always attempting to learn more about metals and new techniques, she’s still looking to increase her knowledge, but not the size of her business at the moment. She enjoys being local. “The takeaway,” she says, “is that I get to meet amazing people and I have an outlet for my creativity.” Appreciating every single day, Robyn adds, “I’m going to see where this takes me…it’s been amazing so far.”