Capone's Fine Jewelry makes a lasting impression

Capone’s Fine Jewelry makes a lasting impression
February 22nd, 2006
Collegiate Times
By Rachel Teitelbaum, Associate Features Editor

At the corner of North Main Street resides Capone’s Fine Jewelry, an elegant two-tiered store that from the outside looks like any shop in downtown Blacksburg. But on the inside, it’s a veritable Willy Wonka factory of jewelry. The beautiful craftsmanship of Faith Capone, storeowner, makes onlookers’ eyes water in jeweled delight as they lay their eyes on her unique and signature handmade fine jewelry.

Walking into the shop, a feeling of serene elegance surrounds shoppers. To the left, a glowing showcase of Citizen watches, and, to the right, a display of other fine jewelry. Classical piano hums in the background. The lighting of the store, thanks to Truman Capone, Faith’s husband and the department head of Virginia Tech’s art and art history program, makes it feel like a grandmother’s arms, warm and welcoming and with the power to make even the dullest eyes twinkle.

Walking up the soft sinking carpeted steps to the second floor, another room full of jewelry comes into sight, but this time it’s all the sole craftsmanship of Capone. Talking to a couple concerned about using their family’s gold wedding bands or purchasing new ones, Capone graciously answers their questions with completely honest remarks. She stands looking at the rings with her jeweler’s magnifying glasses on her head, the kind that magnifies the eyes to a ridiculous and silly looking size. The man, apprehensive about wearing jewelry because he had never done so in the past, expressed feeling of discomfort when wearing the ring. Capone, empathetic to his feelings but providing a brighter spin on the situation, said, “A piece of jewelry reflects your personality.”

The store was first established in 1986, as displayed on its outside sign. Capone graduated from Edinborough University with a background in art and metal-smithing, and originally had intentions of teaching. Capone admitted though, she would come home from a day of teaching and find herself making jewelry at night. When she first started crafting her own jewelry, Capone admits she made mostly necklaces and rings, but didn’t limit the way in which she created them.

“There are so many methods, there are so many different techniques to making things,” she said. Finally succumbing to her trade and doing what she absolutely loves, Capone gave up teaching and worked for a jewelry store in Roanoke for five years while living in Blacksburg. Capone said she mastered the creative side of the industry but needed to be more knowledgeable in the other aspects.

“I was the arty side of the craft. I knew the art, metal-smithing and jewels, but I needed to know the commercial venue and what was practical,” she said.

After commuting to Roanoke for five years, husband Truman Capone told her enough was enough; she needed to open her own store here in Blacksburg.

Her newest collection, “Signature Collectione,” takes her handmade jewelry to an even more distinctive level. The collection is a display of uniquely crafted necklaces with jewels and stones hanging at different levels. She mainly works with gold and platinum, but sells other jewelry made of different materials.

Capone’s popularity has spread over the years and she receives calls and requests frequently from out-of-state customers who either once lived in Blacksburg or found out about her through word of mouth. Her distinctive style has become a major success. She enjoys being her own boss and relishing in the freedom of making whatever she wants. She loves her job and loves the creativity that comes along with it. “I get to be creative with the most fabulous things you can think of,” she said.

Within the next few weeks, Capone will be planning a special for the 20th anniversary of the store. She often has specials around the holidays and graduation and enjoys answering any questions customers might have. She prides herself on the relationships she maintains with her customers, always offering complete honesty and keeping the customer’s best interest in mind. She brings up a point that appeals to any couple.

“A boyfriend can take his girlfriend out to dinner for a certain price, yet he can spend that same amount on a nice piece of jewelry that she will remember forever,” Capone said.

“Distinctive jewelry carries a long-lasting impression on taste and style,” Capone said. “A piece of jewelry can make you feel good.”