Meet The Designer:
Leading the team at Foxfire
Jewelers is Michael Babinski, Jewelry Designer and Master Goldsmith.
Working with jewelry since 1976, Babinski has a philosophy that
hinges on a vision of what jewelry should be. "People are
becoming more aware of jewelry as an art rather than just something
to wear as a fashion statement or a status item. People want jewelry
to be more creative, more individualistic. "
When Babinski first started working with jewelry, he began by
working with antique beads and ethnic work and fabricating sterling
silver jewelry. He explored many different styles of jewelry making,
learning a variety of techniques and honing his skills and experience.
In 1978 he opened his first store, Foxfire Jewlery, in Kirkland's
Old Hospital Complex, and produced and sold jewelry incorporating
old ethnic pieces in necklaces and earings.
Closing the store in 1981, he completed his education, and continued
refining his jewelry skills.
Michael and his wife Mary Babinski opened Foxfire Jewelers in
Woodinville in May 1985. Since then Babinski's designs have been
featured in galleries and exhibitions around the U.S., and National
Jeweler magazine lauds the designer as "An American Original."
He is a Certified Diamontologist of the Diamond
Council of America, and holds several Certificates from the prestigeous
Gemological Institute of America, including Diamonds and Diamond
Grading, Colored Stones, and Pave Setting.
