Carolina Pearl
Boutiques & Jewelry · Listed
Carolina Pearl, LLC offers a unique jewelry making experience led by Marilyn, a Certified Pearl Specialist who transitioned from a successful IT career to pursue her passion for crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry. Based in the Triangle area of North Carolina, Carolina Pearl combines expert craftsmanship with personalized instruction.
The business offers a variety of jewelry making classes catering to different skill levels, from beginners to those seeking more advanced techniques. Classes include Beginner Jewelry Making where students learn the fundamentals while creating a pendant necklace, Intermediate Jewelry Making for those ready to tackle more complex designs, specialized Earrings classes including the popular Illusion Earrings technique, and even business-focused sessions like “How to Sell My Jewelry.”
What sets Carolina Pearl apart is the emphasis on individuality and personalization in every class. Unlike typical craft workshops where everyone creates identical pieces, Marilyn ensures each student designs and creates unique jewelry that reflects their personal style and preferences. This philosophy extends to her own handcrafted jewelry line, which features high-quality materials including pearls, Swarovski crystals, and precious metals.
Classes are held at multiple locations including Carolina Pearl’s studio, the Town of Fuquay Arts Center, Town of Cary Arts Center, Fera’wyn’s Chocolate Café in Holly Springs, and the Durham Arts Council. Virtual options are also available for certain topics. All necessary supplies are included in the class fees, and COVID safety protocols are in place for in-person sessions.
With features in magazines, television, online interviews, blogs, and a YouTube channel, Carolina Pearl has established itself as a respected name in handcrafted jewelry education throughout North Carolina.
Meet Marilyn Slinkman
Yes, it is true, I took a chance, a leap of faith perhaps and left a successful career in IT to create a company where I make one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted jewelry. All because of a beginner jewelry class taken many years ago. While working in a high-stress environment for a well-known software company, a jewelry making class was offered. While sitting in a classroom with 40 or 50 other willing learners who were given very little co-design guidance, my idea ignited.
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Everyone’s project was pretty much the same and no real learning or creativity occurred. While the class was average, it renewed a passion for a well-loved hobby from my teen years. And that is when it happened. My spark for making jewelry part-time started as my IT career continued. That was 2002.
From making jewelry on my own, it seemed a natural progression to honing my craft and start teaching jewelry making classes too. By 2014 classes were available all over the Triangle and beyond. Ladies hired me to do private groups, teen classes and more. Varying in skill levels and extent of projects, each student designs and creates their own piece of jewelry – leaving with a unique, lovely and treasured creation. Emphasis on each student’s preferences in design.
Eventually, my part-time ‘hobby’ and teaching of classes evolved into a full-blown passion in 2016 – Carolina Pearl, LLC. That is when I decided to leave corporate America. My classes are taught at my studio in the Raleigh area, as well as the Town of Fuquay Arts Center, Town of Cary Arts Center, Fera’wyn’s Chocolate Café in Holly Springs, Durham Arts Council and other venues throughout NC. Constantly changing and improving designs, each piece is made with pride and the best grade of materials including pearls, Swarovski crystals, stones, beads, gold and silver of the highest quality. Also, in 2019 I became a Certified Pearl Specialist and in 2020 was awarded the ‘Pearls as One’ certification from the Cultured Pearl Association of America.
My work has been featured on TV and in several magazines, online interviews, and blogs. We even have a YouTube Channel: CarolinaPearl, LLC!
Going from the corporate grind to my own company was a risk. One worth taking. The result is a life well-lived, fulfilling, and one that brings me great joy. It is a one-of-a-kind life, hand-crafted by me. Just like every design that I make – full of sparkle and individuality – just like the woman who wears it. That’s the core of my business. Each piece is as beautiful and unique as you are.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Carolina Pearl offer?
- Jewelry making classes for a range of skill levels. Beginner Jewelry Making covers the fundamentals while students create a pendant necklace, Intermediate moves on to more complex designs, and there are specialized Earrings classes including the Illusion Earrings technique. Business- focused sessions such as How to Sell My Jewelry are also offered.
- Who runs Carolina Pearl?
- Marilyn, a Certified Pearl Specialist who left a successful IT career to craft jewelry. Her own handcrafted line uses pearls, Swarovski crystals and precious metals, and she teaches so that each student designs a unique piece rather than copying the same project.
- Where are Carolina Pearl classes held?
- At the studio at 320 Lake Lure Wy, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, and at the Town of Fuquay Arts Center, Town of Cary Arts Center, Fera wyn Chocolate Cafe in Holly Springs and the Durham Arts Council. Virtual options are available for certain topics.
- Are supplies included in the class fee?
- Yes. All necessary supplies are included in the fee, and COVID safety protocols are in place for in-person sessions.
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