Timeless Treasures

Flour & Ink Audio Story with Karen Cole

4:47

My name is Karen Cole. My business is Karen Cole Timeless Treasures. I started the business in 2023, and Timeless Treasures really represents growth, community, and a place where we can communicate together freely.

What inspired Timeless Treasures was that I’m really allergic to a lot of metals and jewelry. I could never find a jewelry piece or collection that I really liked—nothing that wouldn’t irritate my skin. I have really bad eczema and very sensitive skin, so there was nothing that accommodated my skin issues. Timeless Treasures started as a collection that can be worn every day—waterproof, tarnish‑free, nickel‑free. Creating this community of people who can talk about the same kinds of things has made me really proud.

I graduated from UNC Charlotte as a marketing major in 2023. I was still in school when I started my business. My mom was a jeweler—she’s an immigrant from Chile who came here over 20 years ago. She would tell me stories about being a jeweler and how fun it was. I’ve made jewelry since I was a little girl. I’ve always loved creating things. I was always a DIYer, always doing creative projects.

Right out of college, I decided to start my own business full force. My husband joined me a year later because we could see this growing and becoming a bigger part of our lives.

The piece I wanted to bring into this project is the honeycomb pendant necklace. This piece represents where my husband and I first met—where we began building our journey together. It also symbolizes growth. The idea behind the honeycomb pendant is that each cell reflects the milestones and moments that shaped our business. It was inspired by the unity of a hive, representing teamwork, intention, and building something meaningful side by side.

It also ties in with the Charlotte Hornets and community. It connects us to the city we call home, a place known for its high spirit and strong sense of community.

Our space inside the Market at 7th Street is a little small, but it’s such a cute and cozy environment. When you walk in, you start seeing pieces on the walls, and you immediately see items that speak to you. We have a lot of zodiac signs—one of our best sellers. We have initial necklaces that are great for gifts or for yourself. And we also offer permanent jewelry.

Permanent jewelry is what we started with. It’s jewelry without a clasp. You choose a chain—we have over 60 options—and we put it on for you and weld the metal together so it stays on. It’s great for friends, family, or treating yourself to something you don’t have to take off. It’s about convenience, but also about the moment in time when you get it. People come in for special occasions, or when friends are visiting, or they just walk by and see the bright lights and all the jewelry. People say it feels like stepping into another dimension. We’ve created a full experience that we’re really proud of.