[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 11, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S7744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING FOLIA JEWELRY

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, a piece of jewelry can tell a story, 
trigger a memory, or commemorate a special occasion. The beauty and 
charm captured in a ring or a necklace can precisely convey a meaning 
without words. For birthdays, engagements, celebrations, and sometimes 
``just because,'' a piece of jewelry is a popular and personal gift. 
Today I wish to recognize a jewelry store whose emphasis on detail, 
creativity, and quality sets it apart.
  A downtown staple for nearly two decades, Folia Jewelry in Portland, 
ME, specializes in custom-made pieces of jewelry fashioned from 
precious metals and gemstones. The owner and creative mind behind these 
beautiful pieces of wearable art is Edith Armstrong. Edith studied 
jewelry making and metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design 
and brings more than 25 years of expertise to the custom jewelry 
market. It is her passion and imagination that first brought Folia to 
Portland. Her work is now known throughout the area and even the world 
for its excellence and originality.
  The custom design and quality of Edith and the other designers at 
Folia is exquisite. Folia showcases the talents of several of Maine's 
gifted and experienced artisans. The designers at Folia individually 
sit down with each customer interested in specially crafted pieces to 
discuss, sketch, and render models to exact specifications prior to 
work on the actual piece. This detail-oriented process yields pieces 
which are unique, beautiful, and personal. The philosophy of Folia is 
all in the personalization. If you do not see exactly what you're 
looking for in the many display cases, Edith and her team of artists 
will happily work with you to give form to your vision. Through their 
dedication to their craft and attention to detail, the designers at 
Folia have garnered a reputation as one of the best jewelry stores in 
Maine, and it is easy to see why.
  Along with custom jewelry making, Folia also offers a wide array of 
prefabricated designs for customers to choose from, all made from the 
highest quality stones and metals. These designs are ready-made but 
each has that artistic flare so characteristic of Folia's custom 
creations. The intricacy with which each piece is fashioned is truly 
outstanding. Their expert craftsmen also specialize in restoration and 
repair of older jewelry.
  In a world increasingly concerned with on-demand and instant 
gratification, it is comforting to know that there are delightful shops 
like Folia, run by designers who care more about their final product 
and intimate relationships with customers than the bottom line. I 
proudly offer my congratulations to Folia on their success and wish 
Edith and everyone at Folia all the best in the future.

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