Jewelry designer returns to his roots
David Wysor, whose has national following, grew up in Belmont
LEIGH PRESSLEY
Charlotte Observer, NC
Belmont native and nationally known jewelry designer David Wysor recently moved back to the area to open a shop and studio at Lake Wylie.
After living in Philadelphia for more than two decades, Wysor was lured home by family ties, friendly people and a relaxed lifestyle.
Now local ladies will be among the first to see his new designs that blend gold, sterling silver and semi-precious stones.
“When I visited my family here, I didn’t want to leave,” he says. “I came home for Thanksgiving every year and once or twice in addition to that. One time in particular, I remember thinking, `Turn around, you fool. Why are you doing this? It’s a wonderful place.’ ”
Wysor opened David Wysor Fine Jewelry in August at Lake Wylie Plaza on S.C. 49. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Much like a fashion designer, Wysor produces a collection of jewelry twice a year that includes rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. His work is similar to high-end designers such as John Hardy, David Yurman and Lagos, and sells for $500 to $1,290.
“I sell to the same people that tend to buy Lagos, Yurman and Hardy, but I’m more of a boutique line than a major brand,” he says.
Wysor, 56, graduated from Belmont High School and has fond memories of hanging out downtown as a teenager.
“We would go down to the drugstore for sodas and things, to Catawba Pharmacy for sandwiches and to shop downtown,” he says. “When I moved back, I was surprised, at how it’s a popular place to be again. It’s interesting to hear how other people new to the area appreciate Belmont and its charm.”
Wysor earned a history degree from East Carolina University after graduating from Belmont High. He landed a job with an international company and traveled from Egypt to Singapore, working on construction barges and offshore oil rigs.
But his career took a major turn when he broke his leg and went to New Orleans to recuperate.
“I met a young guy making jewelry and just starting to sell it to the local Saks store,” he says. “I volunteered to help him make it and I discovered that not only did I really like it, but I was very good at it.”
Wysor and his former business partner later sold jewelry to more Saks Fifth Avenue stores, as well as Marshall Fields and Tiffany.
After that business dissolved, Wysor moved to Philadelphia to hone his craft in the city’s small jewelry district.
“I stuck my nose in everyone’s shops to look at the work of other jewelry designers and pick up what I could,” he says. “It’s easy to learn to do it in a rudimentary way, but being good at it takes a lifetime. We’re always learning.”
Today technology has changed how Wysor works. Designs are created on a computer and a machine cuts wax models. Wysor’s molds are made in Philadelphia and his stones are set in New York. Wysor handles the finish work locally.
His best-selling piece is the Signature bracelet, with rigid sterling silver arms that hook into a circular ring lined in gold rope. Other details include silver balls and roping, as well as a small dangling gold and silver charm stamped with the Wysor logo.
“I like to think of my style as classic, but also somewhat informal,” he says. “My work can be worn with a cocktail dress or with jeans and a sweater.”
Although Wysor sells his jewelry through 30 stores across the country, he’s looking forward to firsthand feedback from local customers. He also plans to invite groups into the studio for informal showings.
“I like to spread everything out on top of the counter and let customers come in and try the pieces on.” he says. “Instead of secondhand feedback from store owners, I can watch people try pieces on and see their reaction.”
Wysor’s typical customer is a woman age 35 to 55 who likes to be known for distinctive taste and who is familiar with designer jewelry collections.
With his move to Lake Wylie, Wysor has seen some subtle changes in his work. “I’m much more productive here,” he says. “I’ve designed more pieces in the last six months than I have in any other six-month stretch of my career. Being relaxed helps me focus.”
Wysor’s customers visit his shop from Charlotte, Gastonia and Belmont, where his sister Donna Leatherman and his niece, Lisa Cameron, live with their families. Wysor’s brother and father live at Lake Wylie.
“We’ve had a very nice reception here and we’re looking forward to the Christmas season,” says Wysor. “We’d like to get more involved with the Belmont business community and organize a charity event, a show where part of the proceeds are donated to a local charity. I’m looking forward to being involved here.”
FINE JEWELRY
David Wysor Fine Jewelry is open Tuesday through Saturday at 4110 Charlotte Highway in Lake Wylie Plaza. Details: 903-931-8560.
Leigh
Pressley
