Custom designs for jewelry

Name: Bench Vizion Jewelry Designs

About the company: For the past 25 years, the owners of Bench Vizion has been custom designing and hand carving jewelry for residents of Chattanooga and Hixson. In that time the business has built a wide customer base and does work ranging from repairs and custom designs, to recently include buying gold and silver jewelry and bouillon.

Economic Impact: In June 2007, the owners decided to blend technology with creativity by investing in Gemvision 3-D Matrix. Owner David Morgan said they spent $60,000 on equipment and by using this technology coupled with a milling machine they were able to recover five and a half hours a day in labor associated with designing custom jewelry. A future bride recently came in with an engagement ring and wanted a custom wedding band made to match. Because of the new technology, Mr. Morgan was able to design just what the customer wanted, he said.

The investment also has allowed them to diversify their business at a time when jewelry sales across the country slowed. "Being in the jewelry business is hard, and being able to do custom work has helped us out tremendously," Mr. Morgan said. The store also recently began buying gold and silver from customers, which has added yet another dimension to their business.

New business: As a result of the success associated with the Hixson store, Mr. Morgan was able to open a second business in Dalton, Ga. The owners opened Cash for Gold in Dalton in June. Customers there have an opportunity to cash in their unwanted gold and silver for what Mr. Morgan says are very competitive prices.