I like this little story about jewelry designer, Megan Thorton. I too once sewed, though I can't say that I traded my needle and thread in to create my own fine jewelry company and to make some of the great modern jewelry designs that she has going for her:

In 2005 Texas designer Megan Thornton founded the fine jewelry company Megan Thorne. After studying apparel design and working in the fashion industry, Megan left fabric behind to pursue a new medium...metal. Sewing machines and buttons gave way to torches and gemstones, and Megan at last found her passion.
With a hint of grandmother's finery and a glint of modern freshness, Megan Thorne jewelry is at once an everyday essential and an evening out indulgence.

Right now her web site is pretty minimal. You can't buy anything directly from it, but it does promise a list of boutiques some day.