BELHAVEN — A Bath native, Bridget Jefferson, known as Bridget J, showcases her jewelry in Market 32, a Belhaven specialty shop, comprised of items from local artists and growers.

Jefferson said she first got into making jewelry about 10 years ago while working a full-time profession.

“I love to dress,” Jefferson said. “If you love to dress, you love to accessorize with jewelry.”

Jefferson took soldering classes in jewelry and a couple classes at Beaufort County Community College years back, she said. One was in wire wrapping and one in beading. She has used the gained knowledge to create personalized pieces of jewelry, including rings, necklaces and bracelets. She solders her jewelry and works with torches, dremel tools and different types of rouges to polish the jewelry at her home studio.

“I do a lot of wire-wrapped rings,” Jefferson said. “I can wrap with aluminum or sterling silver and I love to make swirls and flowers. I can also use metal stamping on a piece to personalize the jewelry. It’s really a long process when you’re cutting by hand. It’s a lot different than using a machine. The jewelry is hand made and they are not all identical.”

The fact that Jefferson has the opportunity to display her jewelry in Market 32 means a lot to her, she said. She now is able to market her jewelry in her own section of the storefront. It also helps, she said, to be a native of the area. Jefferson knows a lot of people in the area from growing up in Beaufort County as well as working in local banks. Her weekends, however are centered around family and her work.

“I spend a lot of time on the weekends working with my jewelry,” Jefferson said. “Something about working with my hands is relaxing and rewarding.”

Jefferson said hunting trips with her husband and two sons inspire some of the jewelry she makes. She likes wildlife such as ducks, turkeys and deer and enjoys making country-themed jewelry and nautical-themed jewelry, which signifies lifestyles in the area. This tactic is helpful in marketing her jewelry to not only women, but men as well.

It isn’t always easy determining everyone’s taste, Jefferson said. She creates pieces and displays them in the store, allowing her to see what sells and what doesn’t. Jefferson hopes to have her own website in the future so she can receive orders for jewelry and expand her market.

Market 32 is located at 292 East Main St. in downtown Belhaven.