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Michael Cox Jewelry Story
Even as a child, Michael Cox was interested in creative design, often doodling for hours creating stylized drawings. Michael began creating custom designed
jewelry in 1998. He first began with wire wrapped pendants, soon cutting his own custom shaped stones. His pendants always drew attention because of their
unique shapes and designs.
To add to his pendant line, Michael began experimenting with beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings. He created single and multi-strand necklaces and
used pearls, semi-precious beads and gemstones in his designs. During the initial phase of his business, Michael sold his creations at arts and crafts shows
and in a mall kiosk.
In 2004, Michael began making the Lariat, a unique necklace using silk cord and crystal beads. Because of the design, the Lariat requires no fasteners,
simply looping over itself to create a lovely drop design. Initially consigning his necklaces in local Tampa Bay Boutiques, Michael worked at perfecting the
design and creating more variations using Swarovski crystals and pearls.
In the spring of 2005, Michael expanded into the Sarasota market, selling his 30-necklace displays to a shop on St. Armand’s Circle. The demand for the
Lariat became so great, he had to hire artisans, whom he trained, to begin producing the product in larger quantities. Today, Michael employs six artisans
who hand-make the Lariat.
In August 2005, Michael’s wife, Diane, who is a registered nurse in the Air Force, was given orders to report for duty in Landstuhl, Germany for three
years. In order to support her military service, Michael brought his mother, Dianne, into the business to handle operations in the United States while he is
in Germany. Their partnership has been successful since it utilizes Michael’s creative talents and Dianne’s business acumen.
In the summer of 2006, Michael introduced a collection of Adjustable Drop products, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. These products utilize the
Swarovski crystals and pearls, along with seed beads, to create an elegant necklace which can be worn with a drop in front or back. He is also working on
designing one-of-a-kind and limited production pieces, as well as other new items for the gift market.
Additional Personal info:
- Born February 1, 1971 in Birmingham, Alabama
- Grew up in Los Angeles, CA; Bismarck, ND, and Poplar Bluff, MO
- Air Force veteran.
- Has two brothers, 1 older, 1 younger.
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