Lisa Hunter Jewelry has a rich 25 year legacy, undergoing several interesting and successful transitions in that time. The business began as Cynthia Olson Jewelry in 1982 as a young Cynthia Olson began making jewelry in her city home. Quickly realizing that she was outgrowing that arrangement, she moved into a cozy second floor space on Delaware Avenue above Mabel Danahy's dress shop. Her contemporary style and handcrafted quality earned her a distinctive niche in the Western New York area. Soon it was time for another move to expand her business and meet the needs of her clientele. This prompted a search for the perfect location, which she found at 5350 Main Street in the quaint yet growing village of Williamsville. Working with renowned New York City architect and Buffalo native Patrick Barnes, the current gallery was conceived and built. The Art Deco flair and private consultation areas are the ideal backdrop for the personalized service for which the business is known.
Planning to continue in her life's passion, Cynthia's journey was tragically cut short by cancer. After her passing at the end of 1999, the search began for a successor who would honor Cynthia's legacy and continue the business in the same vein. This successor was found in Lisa Hunter. As a jeweler and up-and-coming designer, Lisa had known Cynthia and always been inspired by her accomplishments. After receiving her Studio Arts degree, with a concentration in jewelry design and metals, Lisa developed her technical expertise as a production manager for a jewelry manufacturer. Presented with the possibility of ownership, Lisa embraced the opportunity. Two years into her endeavor, with much support from her customers, the business was renamed Lisa Hunter Jewelry. Under her six years of ownership, Lisa infused the shop with her own fresh style and took the business to the next level of success.
When Lisa made the decision to relocate back to Rochester, NY and embark on a career in medicine, she reached out to fellow NAWBO member Barbara Maira, recognizing her potential to carry the business forward and honor the unique handcrafted approach, uncompromising quality and unparalleled customer service.
With Lisa Hunter Jewelry, Barbara has fulfilled a dream born in the hills of Tuscany. A Buffalo native, Barbara received her degree from Buffalo State College in the romance languages of French and Italian. She studied Art and Art History in Italy and developed a love and appreciation of beauty, quality and craftsmanship. Former owner of a pearl business, Barbara is an Accredited Jewelry Professional through GIA (Gemological Institute of America) with an additional certificate in pearls and pearl grading. She is also completing her studies to become a GIA Graduate Gemologist. After a distinguished career in finance, Barbara has returned to her creative roots. Barbara's passion and energy are evident and she is committed to creating, designing and selecting fine handcrafted designer jewelry.
Browse the website, stop in the shop, or call to talk to us directly. You may purchase a finished creation or work on a one-of-a kind custom design – either way, you too can be a part of the legacy... the legacy of Lisa Hunter Jewelry as well as the legacy created by owning jewelry that will be cherished for generations to come.
