Stuart Nye Hand Wrought Jewelry shop is the famous American artisan jewelry brand, which was founded by Stuart NYE in 1933. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Stuart NYE arrived in Asheville in the 1920s as a patient at the Veterans Hospital in Oteen in east Asheville where he participated in craft therapy, working with his hands. In the depths of the Great Depression, he bought second-hand tools and a small bit of silver. Inspired by blooms outside his window, he made his first sterling silver dogwood pin in 1933, completely by hand. Later he fashioned silver into the leaves and flowers that grow in the southern Appalachians. Although the original work was accomplished in sterling, copper was added during the metal shortages of World War II. Both metals have remained popular and NYE’s original designs have become nationally known and loved. Today, the Stuart Nye Hand Wrought Jewelry shop continues to produce some of NYE’s original designs, while adding new ones. They have a variety of floral motifs include Calla Lily, Pansy, Trillium, Galax, and Thistle. Leaf forms include Maple, Oak, and Willow. The original Dogwood design can be purchased as earrings, necklace, pendant, or pin.