About Us

Who We Are

Turtle Old Man Jewelry is handcrafted by Jim & Cindy Rice, their son Eric, and their grandson Paxton. We are located near Boone, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We combine Sterling or Fine Silver with more than 140 different Gemstones, Fossils, Meteorites, Crystals, Ancient Stone Artifacts and other unusual materials to create unique Jewelry pieces.

Where We Are

We are located in The Shoppes at Farmer's at 661 West King St. in downtown Boone, NC.

In the warmer months, you will also find us on the road at one of our many annual Arts & Craft Shows, Gem & Mineral Shows, and other Festivals from Southwest Virginia through North Carolina down into Georgia.

Check Out Our Upcoming Shows!

What's In A Name

I have been fascinated by turtles from as early as I can remember. I also love to read Native American literature and Turtle Old Man was a character in many of my favorites - hence the name.

Artist's Statement

The incredible beauty and diversity of natural forms has always pulled at me, and I am especially taken by fossils and meteorites. There is something about their great age and capacity for duration. The implicit yet secret stories they carry draw me to attempt to display them so that others might share their inscrutable and powerful beauty......most of all, hopefully to elicit that delicious sense of wonder they evoke for me.

I strive to showcase these natural creations as the focal point and use my metalwork in a secondary supporting role. This serves to present the piece for the enjoyment of the wearer and also for the observer.

--Jim Rice