Alexia Gallery Owner Dies of Breast Cancer Complications

Corinne Herbst, owner of the Alexia Gallery, has passed away, according to a post by her son, Jared, on the store's Facebook page.

Jared wrote:

"It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Corinne's passing on January 16th due to complications from breast cancer. I have tried to reach most of her friends and family before posting this, but I know I missed some. Corinne was a beloved gemologist and jewelry designer in the industry for more than 25 years. She opened her own store, Alexia Gallery, 7 years ago with her husband."

Corinne Herbst had more than 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry. The store she and her husband opened highlights unique work by local and international artists and craftspeople. It also creates custom jewelry pieces, and it is a popular destination during Decatur's evening art walk events.

A greeting on the store's answering machine said the gallery is closed until 11 a.m. Friday. The message asked that people not leave voice messages. As reported by the Decatur Metro blog, a sign posted on the front door invites people to use the "Contact Us" page on the Alexia Gallery website to leave messages before then.

A celebration of life will be held at the store from 3-8 p.m. Saturday for "those who have worked with her in any capacity: former employers, employees, co-workers, suppliers, designers, artists and friends," according to the Facebook post.

Editor's note: Corrine Herbst helped me design my wedding ring in 2008. She was thoughtful and generous as she helped me take an idea from a torn out page of a catalog - a photo of a beautiful ring I couldn't afford - and figure out a way to create a version of it. I am sad to learn that she has passed on.

Do you have any memories of Corrine? Please share them in the comments area below.