Old-Fashioned Jeweler Pays Tribute to Dad While Embracing His Own Style

There are definite perks when you marry someone in the jewelry-making business―not the least of which is getting a hand-crafted, 38-piece wooden bracelet wrapped up with a Christmas bow.

“It’s the bomb,” said Lynn Boyd of husband Ron’s gift created from zebra wood, ivory, opals, turquoise and more. “I wear it around a lot and people just can’t believe it.”

A Poway resident for 23 years, Ron Boyd has been making jewelry since he was 5, apprenticing with his father and self-taught artist, Jack. The style has transformed over the years from rough and crude to crisp and polished, but for Boyd, now in his 50s, some things will never change.

“I’m using the same hammer that I was using when I was 10, and the same anvil …” said Boyd, who fashions everything by hand. “It’s really what I know. There’s always something that’s a little different for each piece.”

After his father died from cancer, Boyd carried on the family business, adding his own Ron Boyd Collection to the Jack Boyd Art Studio and selling his work at various locations throughout the county.

Boyd has developed his own distinct style, though some designs are a throwback to his pop’s most popular pieces―like the Pot of Wishes necklace reminiscent of a 1970’s Teapot version. Both can be found at the Mingei International Museum through April 15―the former in the gift shop and the latter on exhibit.

Boyd’s work will also be on display at Taboo Studio Contemporary Art in the city of San Diego community Mission Hills beginning Nov. 18.