Frank made his first piece of jewelry in 1975 during his freshman year at Union Endicott High School in Mr. Salati's studio in art class. The next year he took a jewelry course and fell in love with manipulating metal and carving wax. Frank was even able to set some stones. During the last three years in high school, Frank took many art courses, including drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture and fibers. During those years, Frank spent every free minute in the art room working on jewelry. He tried all sorts of different things, such as soldering copper and brass together, working with pewter, carving wax and setting stones. Mr. Salati even cast the pieces he made in silver. Frank decided during this time that this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
Frank got hired at Rinker's Jewelers at the old Mid-Town Mall in October, 1981. He spent 12 years at Rinker’s Jewelers, 10 as the head jeweler.
In 1988, Frank bought equipment and set it up in his home. He had a small business there and was able to be more creative. He continued working at Rinker’s until 1992, when he went out on his own and did work for several jewelers in town and several out of town. During that time, one of Frank's accounts was VanCott Jewelers. They asked him if he wanted to come into their new store and be a subcontractor for them. Frank spent the next 16 years with them at the Town Square Mall. It was a great place to work. Frank made some of the most beautiful pieces in our area while being a subcontractor for them.
Frank's creative side still wasn't being satisfied, so it was time to move on. Frank opened Frank Longo Originals on October 9, 2008 and he has had a blast since then. From the day he opened, his creativity has been unleased, his style has been honed and become totally unique. Today, without a doubt, some of the finest, highest quality, most beautifully designed pieces are being created by Frank at Frank Longo Originals.
Two years ago, Frank was joined by his son, Vito, as an apprentice jeweler, learning the trade from the ground up. Frank considers that one of his life's greatest blessings.
