Feature Articles

The Prairie Jewel – a gem in the rough

A jeweler friend once called Don Cronkhite II a “gem in the rough” when Cronkhite was learning how to transform precious metals into wearable works of art. Cronkhite opened the Prairie Jewel at 7113 McLaughlin Road in August 2003. Although Falcon is not as rough as it probably was in its railway era heyday, the Prairie Jewel is certainly a gem amid a booming business community. From freshwater and saltwater pearls to black jade rings to Cronkhite’s handmade custom creations and real goldsmith jewelry, the Prairie Jewel is a true art gallery that shows what one man can master with his hands at the whim of his heart and soul. Cronkhite portrays his love of the trade through uniquely designed rings, bracelets, pins and necklaces.His Colorado signature line of jewelry, also on display and sold at the Prairie Jewel, is a handmade and intricately woven 14-karate-gold snowflake (Cronkhite said there are 60 cuts in each snowflake), well known among the rich and famous. Organizers of the 2000 World Cup skiing championships asked Cronkhite to produce 12 snowflakes as prizes for the female champion skiers. The golden snowflakes were spotted in jewelry stores in Aspen and Vail.Cronkhite’s claim to fame with the snowflake design exists on the plains as well. He won first place with the snowflakes in the overall jewelry design category at the Calhan Fair a few years ago.The Colorado Buffaloes asked Cronkhite to design a silver buffalo when they won the 1989 Orange Bowl. Other famous people sporting one of Cronkhite’s designs include the former Colorado governor, Dick Lamm; members of the Maytag family, the former Colorado Springs mayor, Bob Isaac; Carlo Fossi (ice skating coach); and Jill Trenery (ice skating champion). Cronkhite also created the belt buckles worn by the Pikes Peak Range RidersCronkhite said that today most jewelry is machine made; however, he prefers the old-fashioned way of doing things.Raised on a farm on the Colorado eastern plains, Cronkhite used to hang out with his uncles when they were welding metals. “I was fascinated with it all,” said Cronkhite. After high school, Cronkhite tried a semester of college, but welding called. He traded books for welding tools and took a job at a company that manufactured sugar beet diggers. Flashes from other welders nearly blinded him, forcing to him to leave his job. A year later, Cronkhite went to work welding ornamental iron, and it was there he developed his talent and skill for metal artistry.”Metal is metal,” said Cronkhite, “whether it’s steel, brass, gold or silver.” Precious metals are gold, silver or brass, added Cronkhite. In 1978, he began working with silver, and shortly thereafter earned his personal tagline as a “gem in the rough.”Cronkhite toyed with his new jewelry-making hobby until 1980. His hobby changed to a career when he set up a card table featuring his custom-made designs at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo. All 20 of his jewelry pieces sold that day, and, encouraged and ready, Cronkhite landed a job with a Cheyenne jeweler.In 1986, Cronkhite and his wife, Mollie, and their two eldest children – twin boys – moved back to Colorado Springs. Cronkhite answered an ad for an apprentice jeweler with Creative Gold Jewelers, and Cronkhite said, “It was then I started learning how to make jewelry the right way.” He and his wife bought 40 acres in Peyton, and Cronkhite eventually moved to another Springs store – Southgate Jewelers. Tired of the drive and ready for his own business, the Cronkhites took the entrepreneurial plunge.Cronkhite’s stones come from countries like Brazil and India, and the majority of his pieces are custom made. Cronkhite also offers jewelry repair and restoration of antique and other jewelry.In their spare time, the Cronkhites and their five children, ranging in ages 26 to 6, enjoy all kinds of unique outdoor activities. Hunting artifacts – rocks and arrowheads – is a favorite pastime. The Cronkhites have collected over 1,000 arrowheads, and, of course, he makes his own arrowheads using deer antlers, just like the Indians. Using his own handmade spears, the Cronkhites also enjoy the distinctive sport of prehistoric spear throwing.Stop by the Prairie Jewel in Falcon for some friendly conversation with Don and Mollie and a peek at the beautiful jewelry created by the “gem in the rough.”Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

StratusIQ Fiber Internet Falcon Advertisement

About the author

The New Falcon Herald

Current Weather

Weather Cams by StratusIQ

Search Advertisers