Designer-goldsmith Paula Dawkins opened Jewels That Dance 35 years ago in downtown Asheville.  About thirteen years ago Pete Suder, a masterful jeweler and goldsmith, joined ranks with Paula. Together they can flawlessly execute any jewelry design. Pete began his jewelry career in Philadelphia, on jewelers’ row, and moved to Asheville after owning his own store in Florida.   Paula, a North Carolina native, has made her living as a jeweler since graduating from college.  Mostly self taught, Paula has , over the years, earned many accolades for her jewelry designs and her expertise as a goldsmith

Enjoy reading a little more about this talented team with the Q &A below:

What are your hidden talents?

Pete:  I play guitar

Paula:  I can twirl a baton

Describe a dream trip.

Pete:  A family vacation to Disney

Paula:  Traveling to a destination where English is not spoken, waking up slowly, walking for miles then  having great food

What makes you and Pete/Paula tick as a team?

Pete:  Similar experience at the bench and the common goal to create the finest jewelry possible

Paula:  Neither of us are afraid to strength our boundaries and design/build something we’ve never made before

Why did you become a goldsmith?

Pete:  It is my artistic outlet with almost instant gratification

Paula: I was trying to avoid getting a job

Who is your favorite musician?

Pete:  Ozzy

Paula:  A toss- up between Ella Fitzgerald and Willie Nelson

What is the favorite piece of jewelry you have ever made?

Pete:  A yellow and white gold pave’ diamond engagement ring

Paula:  The next piece I make

Name two things (non-jewelry) on your workbench?

Pete:  A photo of my son, Alex and my coffee cup

Paula:  A spike from the trolley line that was on Haywood Street

What do few people know about you?

Pete:  I like to study particle physics

Paula:  I wanted to be Annie Oakley when I grew up