Meet Munya Avigail Upin and Kirsten Ball of Alchemy 9•2•5 in Belmont Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Munya Avigail Upin and Kirsten Ball.

Munya Avigail and Kirsten, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
There was a hearty exchange between teacher and student about where one might show/sell one’s work, and four months later, ALCHEMY 925 opened its doors. It’s amazing what can happen when the stars align and positive, wonderful energy comes together. Kirsten, a rising jeweler, had begun to sell her work at local craft fairs, when she decided to take it to the next level. Her instructor, Munya Avigail Upin, a metalsmith and teacher for over 35 years, joked that they should open a gallery together. Two weeks later, they signed a lease on a storefront and now, they are exhibiting the work of over 50 artists, in their elegant space in Belmont Center, MA, just outside of Boston.

Ethical Metalsmiths
ALCHEMY 9•2•5 and many of its artists are members of Ethical Metalsmiths, whose goal it is to use recycled metal and ethically sourced gemstones.

Wedding Jewelry
ALCHEMY 9•2•5 is Boston’s premiere gallery for contemporary and handcrafted wedding rings and bridal jewelry. Mokume gane, palladium, platinum, gold and titanium are all used by ALCHEMY 9•2•5’s highly skilled designers. Certified diamonds, Moissonite and gemstones are available for selection.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a smooth road. We’re lucky to have brilliant artists who attract an audience of committed supporters of the arts. We adore our customers and are honored to call some our “new friends”.

Political and economic situations can influence the spending public but we’ve been able to hang on for 5 years and are hopeful we’ll have many more.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We’ve grown from a collection of 20 artists to over 50. The quality and diversity of work gets better and better as time goes on. We have a talented group of artists who create wedding rings and bridal jewelry for those customers who want something handmade and unique. We also do a fair amount of custom work and repairs.

ALCHEMY 9•2•5 is proud of its charitable work and constant focus on ethical mining and creative practices. Many of our artists work with ethically sourced materials and belong to a group called “Ethical Metalsmith”.

What sets us apart? We would say the personal attention we give each and every customer.

What were you like growing up?
Munya was interested in dance and music. A little tiny and shy, she focused on her studies and extra-curricular. Growing up in rural Minnesota, she remembers summers that included riding bikes, going to the corner store for popsicles and rolling down steep hills. She describes her childhood as “Leave It To Beaver like”.

Pricing:

• All price points, starting around $60.

Contact Info:

• Address: 48 Leonard Street
• Website: www.alchemy925.com
• Phone: 617-484-9250
• Email: info@alchemy925.com
• Instagram: alchemy_9.2.5
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/alchemy9.2.5/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alchemy-9-2-5-belmont

Image Credit:
WEBB CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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