James P. Cooperider, Goldsmith-Jeweler - Biography
James P. Cooperider was born in 1964 in Ohio, one of 12 children to a traditional farming family. He is married, and the father of 2 fine boys. He comes to metalwork naturally. His grandfather was a blacksmith, and James first began learning how to work with metal at his own father's side while tending to the farm. He took to welding at a young age, and after finishing high school, he completed welding courses to hone and shape his natural skills.
He moved to Florida in the 1980's, and made the transition to the Goldsmithing trade at the insistance of those who recognized his talents with metal. He worked at various shops in Florida where he continued learning the multi-faceted aspects of his profession. He was already being noted in the trade as a creative and talented goldsmith, capable of everything from basic repairs to jewelry design and complex fabrication. In 1992, he and his wife decided to return to Ohio to be near his family and his roots.
In Ohio, James worked under a Master Goldsmith for 7 more years before making the decision to start Cooperider Custom Designs. He is known in the area as a master craftsman, and still does contract work for others. His custom pieces can also be found in jewelry stores in Ohio. His talents include repairs - both basic and highly complex, wax carving, hand fabrication in gold and platinum, and jewelry design. He cares passionately about quality, and puts that as the first priority in his work.
To own a piece of jewelry made by James Cooperider is to own a timeless statement of beauty, art, and craftsmanship; something that you will always cherish.
