Originally printed in Cascade Horseman November 2005 & Cascade Cattleman December 2005

Evans Silver  "Creating a Legacy in Silver"

Written by Jamie Thomas

Evans Silver is a collaboration of interest and talented craftsmanship. Jim Evans and Carrie Evans, a father - daughter team, have recently begun to market their family made silver and western designs. Although their inspirations are different, their goal is the same; to create high quality, unique silver designs for their customers.

Working in their home shops, they have already started to establish a name for themselves in the Rogue Valley where Carrie lives, just by wearing what they have designed. They practice unique art in handcrafting every piece they produce, so their customers can be assured of the best craftsmanship possible.

Jim has been interested in creating silver jewelry of his own since living on a Navaho Indian reservation in the southwest United Stated in 1992. There he was exposed to the creativity of the Native American style jewelry, which inspired him to create his own style. Jim's occupation has taken him around much of the western United States, working as a heavy equipment mechanic, a field in which he has established a well respected reputation.

After Jim retired in 2002, he pursued his interest in silver more intensely. With Carrie's passion, and the pairs knowledge and ability, the duo was able to begin creating great jewelry pieces. Following college, Carrie traveled showing cattle for different ranches. She now works and lives on the Rogue River Ranch in southern Oregon where after seven years, she is the show cattle herdsman. Carrie is also the mother of two children Owen twelve, and Ian Eight.

Carrie is an artist, beside building jewelry she enjoys pencil drawing and painting.  Truly she has found her passion in designing and creating silver jewelry. Creating a successful business with Evans Silver, Carrie says, "I don't know if I could think of a better job. I am able to be there for my children and satisfy my artistic drive, while still enjoying my life. Getting to melt metal and create;  what could be better".

While visiting with Jim and Carrie at Carrie's workshop, I was able to watch them in action together. While Jim was cutting and polishing raw emerald and turquoise, Carrie was busy laying out a new pendant design. Speaking between themselves, they jokingly evaluated each others work, while discussing the future of this venture. Carrie hopes to create more of a legacy for their family, having become an only child after losing her two older brothers. Working on silver together is irreplaceable time for both of them.

From pendants to Conchos Carrie and Jim try to expand their product line with each new design. It was amazing to watch the bezels to hold the stones are created by hand and then carefully soldered on the piece to ensure the safety of the stones used. Stone choices range from a variety of faceted gem stones to spinney oyster, jade, coral, and turquoise.

Presently, Carrie and Jim are able to get pieces to their customers with a three week lead time. They hope business will be profitable enough to hire an employee or two to help. For now every piece is hand created by Carrie. However, quantity is not the goal quality is. Jim and Carrie assure their customer that all pieces they create are backed with a craftsmanship warranty.

Clientele can choose from already created layouts, or you can work with Carrie to design your own creation. You can not only choose your layout, but your stones and metal as well. Evans Silver can make your piece truly individualized. Custom design silver is Carrie's specialty.

"Feel free to call and chat. If we have something for you great, If not, lets build it".