New jewelry store offering handmade fine & costume pieces opens in Forsyth. Take a look inside

Miki Leigh Caldwell, a hairstylist of 28 years, will turn 50 this year and what better way to celebrate the milestone than with another milestone: opening her own jewelry store on Forsyth’s historic Courthouse Square.

She first discovered her love for jewelry when she was doing an updo for a bridal party and a bracelet caught her eye.

“One of the bridesmaids had on a bracelet that I fell in love with. I asked where she got it and she said it was a matching handmade gift from the bride that all of her bridesmaids were given,” Caldwell said. “The bracelet and the love behind its creation inspired me at that moment.”

Caldwell said she left work that evening and went to the nearest craft store where she bought everything she needed to make a bracelet like the one she’d seen earlier that day.

“It was instant love for me,” she said.

Earlier this year, Caldwell retired as a hairstylist and decided to start a new career; thus, Miki Leigh Jewelry was born.

The jewelry store is located at 2 North Jackson Street in the historic square of Forsyth, right beside Burty’s Boutique.

Inside her store is a plethora of one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, from fun necklaces to chic earrings, rings and more.

Caldwell wants Miki Leigh Jewelry to be known for carrying something for everyone’s taste and budget.

“I make it a point to create something for every income bracket, age, and personality, from classy chic to bohemian,” Caldwell said.

She expressed finding her inspiration in nature, from all kinds of colors, textures and scenes. In fact, a brown thrasher feather inspired one of her latest choker necklaces. From bright colored beads to more neutral pieces, Caldwell said she enjoys making jewelry for her “inner wild child” as well as more elegant pieces.

So, if you’re looking for a date night piece, a gift for a special someone or jewelry for your kids, stop in to Miki Leigh Jewelry.

“Because it’s the finishing touch, the cherry on top,” Caldwell said.

Miki Leigh Jewelry is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Have you been to Miki Leigh’s yet? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

This story was originally published August 6, 2024 at 10:19 AM.

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.