CUSTOM CRAFTSMANSHIP: “I love the fact that I have the opportunity to express my creativity and be able to provide something special for my clients. Helping someone discover the perfect engagement ring, wedding band, anniversary band, or heirloom redesign is a privilege. Jewelry is deeply personal, and it is wonderful to be part of these stories.” Jewelry designer and goldsmith Robin Koeppel-Hepburn, owner of Orion Jewelry Studio in Pennington, is shown wearing jewelry of her own design.

By Jean Stratton

“The glow of gold.” It is timeless, always in fashion, always in demand, says Robin Koeppel-Hepburn.

She should know! Jewelry designer and goldsmith, she is owner of Orion Jewelry Studio, and is about to celebrate her 40th anniversary in business.

A remarkable achievement at any time, it is even more impressive in a day when online shopping for many items, including jewelry, is tempting customers away from traditional bricks and mortar businesses.

A visit to Orion, however, reinforces the wisdom of visiting an actual establishment. The charming studio offers a welcoming display of imaginative, innovative, and beautiful jewelry in an environment which immediately engages customers, and invites them to take time to enjoy the appealing atmosphere.

Jinx’s Greeting

Part of that atmosphere includes Jinx. It is a time-honored custom for many clients who stop in, to meet the little Italian greyhound/fox terrier mix, who happily greets all visitors.

Koeppel-Hepburn’s studio is both her showcase and her work place. A large back room contains her workshop, where she creates her own one-of-a-kind pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. It is also the location for the repair services she offers.

Koeppel-Hepburn has always been involved in art and design. Born and reared in Pennington, she was fascinated with jewelry from an early age.

“I always liked jewelry,” she recalls. “As a young girl I used to go to garage sales, find something and bring it home. Then I examined it, and sometimes, I’d take it apart and put it back together!”

After attending the Maine College of Art, where she majored in jewelry design, she worked in a jewelry store in Philadelphia to get a sense of the jewelry business.

“Also,” as she explains, “to continue my education, I took classes in Boston, in Arizona, and other locations to learn new techniques. I also took classes at the Gemology Institute of America, and earned certification as a goldsmith. In addition, I have focused on continuing education in my field around the country.”

Design Work

She is currently affiliated with the following organizations: AGTA (American Gem Trade Association), GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Alumni, JA (Jewelers of America) Member, North American Silversmithing Association Member, and SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths).

Her career took a new turn when she moved to St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she opened her own jewelry store, and began her design work.

“My ideas come from nature,” she observes. “It must be fresh. I have a vision, and the piece can also be inspired by the shape of the stone. My first design was a gold cuff/leaf bracelet, which I wear every day. I designed it when my son was 6 months old, and it is really a part of me.”

After 10 years, Koeppel-Hepburn returned to Pennington, and opened Orion Jewelry Studio, which is currently located in the Shoppes at Pennington, Building B, 21 Route 31 North.

“I started small,” she points out, “and this is not a standard jewelry shop. More than 95 percent of the inventory is my own work, my own designs.

“My workshop is on site, and my work is primarily custom design for clients. Creating a piece can take anywhere from eight weeks to six months. It can take longer if someone wants a specific stone, and depending on how long it takes to obtain it.

“I also do redesign work. People can bring in heirloom pieces that they would like to have reconfigured into a more modern piece, but still retains the family continuity. It can be everything — rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings. This is a way to transform a family treasure into a fresh contemporary piece.”

Special Meaning

It is even possible to convert an antique item, such as a brooch, into contemporary formats, such as necklaces or bracelets, even a ring, giving a new look to an older piece. Koeppel-Hepburn is able to create a variety of new possibilities.

“I enjoy the custom redesign because it is a way to let the client incorporate a sentimental aspect, something that has special meaning, into a new piece, and something that can be passed on to a new generation. The continuity is important.”

When she begins the design process, Koeppel-Hepburn asks for the client’s ideas, takes notes, and makes a sketch. “I start with the client’s concept, and then bring their dream to reality. This is my great pleasure.”

She says that her clients like all styles of jewelry, from delicate designs to bold and dramatic statement pieces. It is very individual, and she points out that many people today want a piece of jewelry that they are comfortable wearing all the time, not just for a special event or gala.

“When designing the piece, I take into consideration the personal history and lifestyle of the person. Are they formal, informal? What is their life like?”

She includes precious and semi-precious stones into her designs, and notes that they are all popular.

Diamonds are still No. 1, however, she reports. They sparkle like no other, and whether for an engagement ring, wedding or anniversary band, or the myriad other ways they enhance a piece of jewelry, they are an enduring favorite.

“I do a lot of engagement rings, wedding and anniversary bands,” she says, “and of course, diamonds are always important for these.”

Diamond Selector

Regarding diamonds, she has recently added a new opportunity for clients trying to decide on their special choice. The Diamond Selector, an interactive display, allows people to compare shapes, sizes, and settings side by side.

“This is a great advantage and help for people trying to select the shape they like best,” she points out. “Diamonds can feel abstract when you’re only looking online or through a glass case. The Diamond Selector lets people handle the options — round, emerald cut, radiant, pear — and decide what truly feels right. It turns what could be an intimidating process into something approachable and even fun.”

Koeppel-Hepburn is known for her love of simple, elegant design, and few pieces capture that better than her classic diamond solitaire necklaces. These understated designs are modern heirlooms — timeless and made to suit each person’s style.

“I love creating classic diamond solitaire necklaces,” she says. “Whether in white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, these pieces are as versatile as they are beautiful. Bring in your diamond or diamonds, and we’ll design a necklace you’ll want to wear every day — something meaningful and uniquely yours.”

In addition to natural diamonds, Orion offers laboratory-created diamonds. “These look like natural diamonds, and are very durable,” notes Koeppel-Hepburn.

They are very popular, she adds, and easier on the budget than the real thing.

“Glow of Gold”

Then, of course, there is the aforementioned “glow of gold.” It is timeless and holds a special place in the jewelry spectrum. As she points out, “Over the centuries, people have always been attracted to gold. There is nothing like it, and I work in all carats of gold.”

In addition to her custom work for specific clients, many of Koeppel-Hepburn’s pieces are on display in the studio. Among these are some her latest creations, known as Topographical Explorations.

“They are a variety of pieces that are abstract explorations with nature-inspired characters,” she explains. “Often necklaces, they can be all different sizes and styles.

“Recently, a client of 30 years for whom I had previously made an engagement ring and necklaces, who now lives in Chicago, saw Topographical Explorations online. She called, and asked me to have a stone redesigned into a Topographical Explorations style.”

In addition to Koeppel-Hepburn’s designs, Orion has a section of estate and vintage jewelry, all in perfect condition.

Koeppel-Hepburn has many loyal clients who have enthusiastically worn her jewelry over the years. A number, like her client in Chicago, even if they have relocated, still look to Orion as their favorite jewelry resource for one-of-a-kind custom designs.

Second Generation

“Many clients are still in touch after they have moved from the area. I have clients in Michigan, California, Virginia, and Florida, as well as in the area, including Princeton, Pennington, Yardley in Bucks County, and more.

“Over the years, many clients have become friends, and now I have second generations coming in. This is special.”

Leslie Lee, a longtime Pennington client, points out Koeppel-Hepburn’s expertise. “I have bought jewelry from Orion Jewelry Studio for decades, and am always thrilled with my choices. Every piece is unique and a work of art. In addition, the customer service is wonderful! Robin recently helped me to pick out earrings for my granddaughter. I wish I could convey in words her excitement when she opened her gift!”

With the holidays just around the corner, a special piece of jewelry will be a memorable gift. As Koeppel-Hepburn points out, “Holiday giving should be joyful. Whether it’s a sparkling surprise under the tree, a token of love, or a piece that celebrates a milestone, we help clients find something that truly fits the person they are buying for.”

As she approaches Orion’s 40th anniversary, she is happy to continue to be in her hometown. Being part of the community is important to her.

“I love this community,” she says, “and I love working with the people here. Our manager Moira Sanford has been with me 14 years! I also donate to local charities, organizations, and fundraisers. I want to give back to the community.”

Favorite Piece

Having designed so many unique pieces over the years, Koeppel-Hepburn has had her favorites, and she continues to wear the gold cuff/leaf bracelet. Regarding the others, she says, “When I have a favorite piece, I am so happy when it can find a good home with someone who will enjoy wearing it.”

As she looks ahead, she is enthusiastic about Orion’s future. “Forty years is a long time,” she says. “But what is remarkable is how personal it still feels. Every project brings a new story, a new challenge, a new connection. That’s what keeps me inspired. And I look forward to continuing to create new designs. My art and craftsmanship are always evolving.”

She is proud of what she has achieved, that she started the business on her own, and that she has been in charge of it herself these many years. She is grateful for the creative world that has surrounded her.

“Jewelry carries emotion,” she observes. “It connects people to memories, to family, to moments in time. That’s why I love what I do. It’s not just about the materials — it’s about the meaning beyond them.”

Orion Jewelry Studio is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and by appointment. Hours will be extended during the holidays.

For further information, call (609) 737-7235. Visit the website at orion-jewelry-studio-llc.com.