Don Haywood was born in 1957 and is a native of North Carolina. He has lived in the beautiful High Country of Boone, NC since 1989. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 1980 with a BS in Industrial Arts and Technology and made Boone home along with his wife and daughter. The three of them have been involved in the crafts and jewelry business for many years. They formally owned a craft gallery, The Stonehinge. Don studied a variety of disciplines including jewelry, design, drafting, woodworking, electronics and other handcrafts such as leathers and ceramics.

Even in his early years, Don was always intrigued making things. At age 15 he was exposed to the art of making jewelry by his brother as he worked with him in Pigeon Forge, TN. When deciding what to study in college jewelry was a top priority. The love of natural materials and nature is reflected through the use of many gemstones, fossils and crystals as well as leaf and animal patterns. Combined with sterling silver, gold filled and brass, each piece is a creation of its own, a one-of-a-kind because of the unique properties and patterns of the gemstones. Most of the pieces he produces are done by a fabrication method which combines many shapes and sizes of metal to create the final piece. Other methods used are metal fusion, wire-wrapping and beading techniques. He also incorporates the art of lapidary which is the cutting and polishing of the gemstones.

Don's jewelry is sold at galleries and craft shows all over the US. His pieces carry his signature and date of creation, enhancing their originality. Don works alone and each piece is his own original design. Special commission pieces can be done using your own "special" stone. Please enjoy each piece as you look at it because many gemstones are becoming hard to find or may be no longer available.