EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
IndependentsMay 03, 2019
Feel-Good Friday: A New Home for a Veteran Jewelry Designer
Tara Hutchinson moved into a new house last month, complete with a fully furnished jewelry studio.
Jewelry designer Tara Hutchinson, fourth from left, at the April dedication ceremony to celebrate her new home, built by the Gary Sinise Foundation, a non-profit started by the actor to serve veterans through a variety of outreach programs.
San Antonio, Texas—Jewelry designer and former Army Sgt. Tara Hutchinson is slowly settling into her new home in San Antonio, Texas.
Hutchinson, a wounded warrior and Iraq veteran, turned to jewelry to regain her dexterity after being severely injured by a roadside bomb, but her former home wasn’t suitable for her needs and hampered her creativity.
The new one-story house was built to Hutchinson’s specifications, with wide hallways to accommodate her wheelchair, an accessible shower, high-tech climate controls and, of course, her very own jewelry studio.
The mortgage-free house was constructed by the Gary Sinise Foundation, a non-profit started by the actor—whose best-known roles include playing wounded Vietnam War vet Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump”—that serves veterans through a variety of outreach programs. Military personnel who were injured in the line of duty can submit an application for consideration for a new home, with the foundation constructing a total of 56 specially adapted homes to date.
In an interview with National Jeweler this week, Hutchinson recalled all the fanfare on the way to the dedication ceremony at her new home, describing it as akin to a parade.
A motorcycle gang escorted her and her 2-year-old pit bull, the deliciously named Porkchop, to the ceremony, slowing down to pass a crowd of elementary school kids cheering and holding up handmade signs to welcome Hutchinson home and thank her for her service.
Looking for a purpose in life, she found herself in an Army recruitment center on her way to work one day.
She started off as a gunner, working her way up the ranks to sergeant first class.
On Valentine’s Day 2006, while Hutchinson was serving in Iraq, her truck was blown up by an IED, or improvised explosive device.
The accident left her left leg badly burned and her right leg was amputated. She also suffered a traumatic brain injury, which caused tremors and impaired her fine motor skills.
As she was recovering, her physical therapist suggested she take up a hobby, like jewelry design, to build up her dexterity.
Hutchinson, whose never wore much jewelry while serving in the military, said she “decided on a whim” to give it a try.
The two careers may seem incongruous, but Hutchinson said a lot of what she learned in the military she has applied to her craft.
She
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
pointed in particular to AARs, or after-action reviews, a method used by the military to evaluate an action after the fact to figure out what went right and wrong, providing insight on how to improve the next time one faces the same situation.
The method comes in handy when Hutchinson is sketching out a new design or heading back to the drawing board when a piece doesn’t turn out quite right.
However, there has been a learning curve to overcome when working with civilians, particularly when it comes to reliability, said Hutchinson.
“It’s the ability to see something through until the very end,” she said, meaning that interactions are more straightforward when dealing with the military. “That’s the difference between military and civilians.”
After moving in last month, Hutchinson is making herself at home in her new studio, designed with the help of fellow jeweler Francesa Watson of The Makery.
Potter USA, a fine jewelry supplies company, donated a hydraulic press while a local safe company installed a 5-foot-tall safe to secure her inventory.
Though she has been kept busy by the recent move, Hutchinson, who the 2016 recipient of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Female Veteran Grant, stays laser-focused on her business and preparing for upcoming wholesale shows.
In 2018, she was featured as one of the three emerging designers at the Centurion show in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Hutchinson said she started out in the industry attending just two wholesale shows a year, but now attends as many as she can after meeting so many new customers.
Her jewelry is sold via her website and also at Lux, Bond & Green.
Hutchinson is looking to open a boutique of her own in downtown San Antonio, possibly by next year, and bring in a marketing firm to help get it off the ground.
She would like to hire two veterans to work in the store, one for manufacturing and the other for bookkeeping, and also find time to teach veteran artisans about her craft.
Looking to pay it forward, Hutchinson donates 10 percent of her sales to veteran organizations.
“There are so many veteran organizations that have helped me come to where I’m at today,” she said. “It’s made such a huge difference for me to have that support, especially when I really, really needed it.”
The next stop for Hutchinson is Kansas, where she will attend classes at the GRS Training Center, including lessons on engraving and stone setting.
For more information about Tara Hutchinson and her jewelry, visit TaraHutchJewelry.com. https://www.tarahutchjewelry.com/
The method comes in handy when Hutchinson is sketching out a new design or heading back to the drawing board when a piece doesn’t turn out quite right.
However, there has been a learning curve to overcome when working with civilians, particularly when it comes to reliability, said Hutchinson.
“It’s the ability to see something through until the very end,” she said, meaning that interactions are more straightforward when dealing with the military. “That’s the difference between military and civilians.”
After moving in last month, Hutchinson is making herself at home in her new studio, designed with the help of fellow jeweler Francesa Watson of The Makery.
Potter USA, a fine jewelry supplies company, donated a hydraulic press while a local safe company installed a 5-foot-tall safe to secure her inventory.
Though she has been kept busy by the recent move, Hutchinson, who the 2016 recipient of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Female Veteran Grant, stays laser-focused on her business and preparing for upcoming wholesale shows.
In 2018, she was featured as one of the three emerging designers at the Centurion show in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Hutchinson said she started out in the industry attending just two wholesale shows a year, but now attends as many as she can after meeting so many new customers.
Her jewelry is sold via her website and also at Lux, Bond & Green.
Hutchinson is looking to open a boutique of her own in downtown San Antonio, possibly by next year, and bring in a marketing firm to help get it off the ground.
She would like to hire two veterans to work in the store, one for manufacturing and the other for bookkeeping, and also find time to teach veteran artisans about her craft.
Looking to pay it forward, Hutchinson donates 10 percent of her sales to veteran organizations.
“There are so many veteran organizations that have helped me come to where I’m at today,” she said. “It’s made such a huge difference for me to have that support, especially when I really, really needed it.”
The next stop for Hutchinson is Kansas, where she will attend classes at the GRS Training Center, including lessons on engraving and stone setting.
For more information about Tara Hutchinson and her jewelry, visit TaraHutchJewelry.com. https://www.tarahutchjewelry.com/
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
