Our Story

Handcrafted for the soul, one piece at a time.

I believe jewelry should do more than accessorize; it should mean something. That belief is the reason Forte Creations exists, and it's the same belief behind every bead I string.

I'm Reynonda Townsend, the designer, maker, and CEO behind every piece you see here. Since beginning in 2008 and relaunching Forte Creations in 2021, I've handcrafted jewelry using semi-precious gemstones in a style the jewelry world calls Bridge Jewelry: work that bridges the gap between fine jewelry and costume or fashion jewelry. In practice, that means the elegance and intention of fine jewelry, without the fine-jewelry price tag and without ever being mass-produced. Every piece is strung by hand, one bead at a time, so no two are ever exactly alike. Neither are you.

I don't choose stones just because they're beautiful, though they are. I choose them because they mean something. Every gemstone I work with carries a traditional meaning: grounding, courage, calm, new beginnings. I hope that when you put on a Forte Creations piece, it becomes more than jewelry. It becomes a small, physical reminder of who you are, or who you're becoming.

More than jewelry

Forte Creations has always been a creative hub as much as a jewelry brand. Alongside designing gemstone pieces, I host Make It & Take It Parties for birthdays, showers, and girls' nights, take on custom design work, and create handmade knit and crochet accessories, personalized t-shirts, and vinyl-embellished gifts too. If you can imagine it, there's a good chance I can make it.

Beyond the bench

Creativity, for me, has always been tied to empowerment, which is part of why I'm also deeply invested in youth education. Outside of Forte Creations, I build curriculum for after-school programs, facilitate parenting and spiritual growth workshops, and develop resources that help instructors and facilitators do their own meaningful work. Whether it's a gemstone, a guided experience, or a piece of curriculum, the goal is the same: making something that helps someone else feel a little more equipped and a little more whole.

Why it matters to you

Every piece on this site started on my worktable, not a factory floor. When you wear something from Forte Creations, you're wearing a piece that someone thought about, made with intention, and meant specifically for you to find. That's not a tagline; it's the whole reason I do this.

Thank you for being here. I hope you find the piece and the meaning that's yours.

[Shop the Collection →]

~ Reynonda