Jess Banish

Jess’s journey as a goldsmith began with a single college jewelry-making course, where she quickly discovered her passion for working with metal. She pursued this love for craftsmanship at Grand Valley State University, earning a BFA in Illustration and Metalsmithing.

Her career took shape through an apprenticeship with a family-owned jeweler in Savannah, GA, where she refined her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the precision and artistry of fine jewelry. Over the years, she has become highly skilled in all aspects of jewelry repair, from intricate restoration work to structural reinforcement, always treating each piece with the utmost care and attention to detail.

In 2020, Jess returned to Southwest Michigan, bringing her broad expertise to Impress Jewelry Creations. While she is proficient in all areas of jewelry repair, her true passion lies in stone setting, where her steady hand and keen eye for detail ensure each gemstone is secured with both beauty and longevity in mind. Grateful for the skilled goldsmiths who mentored her along the way, she takes pride in carrying on the tradition of fine craftsmanship. Today, she feels fortunate to create and restore meaningful jewelry for her community while supporting her family and doing what she loves every day.