DJ V here. I made you a playlist. You may be thinking, ‘Oh how sweet, must be some holiday classics.’ No, no it is not. Not this year at least. It is, however, a total vibe, much of which is best suited for the dance floor. I figured we all needed something to get us through these colder-than-cold months ahead, and what better way to move through than to moooove. R&B, electronic, hip hop, and a few more ambient, bewitching tracks thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!
Blog
The Last-Minute Gift Guide 2024
This holiday season is officially a week shorter than the last… which may explain why we all seem to be buzzing around like bees that lost their hive, desperately trying to gather our sh*t. Or maybe that’s just me… No matter, Talisman has you covered with some no-fail, in-stock gifts that are timeless, heirloom and handmade - all crowd-pleasers that are sure to be a hit. Do note that while the deadline has already passed for made-to-order purchases to be received in time for Xmas, there are plenty of ready-to-ship goodies that await, which I’m highlighting here. Read on for my cheeky little gift guide of favorites that are certain to win friends and lovers…
Classic cuties love timeless, everyday staples like (clockwise from top left) the Freyja Necklace, Orbit Bracelet, Linear Y Necklace and the Petite Plane Earrings
Artsy fartsy creative folks are bound to love unique, artful pieces like the Spiral Stud, Wave Theory Ring, Held Necklace, and Sirius C Ring
Minimalist mavens prefer the bold, clean lines of styles like the Rollo Band, Flow Chain, Infinite Ring Stack, and the Sanguine Drop Earrings
Maximalist masterminds like big, bold, layerable jewels that they can pile on… Think pieces like the Shroom Necklace, Linear Threader, the weighty Conjunct Cigar Band and XL Infinite Hoops with Diamonds
Spirit junkie types love meaningful, energetically-charged talismans like the Protective Eye Y Necklace, Ouroboros Ring, Michael Amulet Necklace, and Peace Stud
Good Company Austin Holiday Trunk Show
I’m reuniting with my friends at Good Company shop in Austin, Texas for a special holiday trunk show! Join me IRL and shop the FW24 collection, with a selection of ready-to-take-home gifts and newly-released creations.
Even better, we’ve paired up with Bre Stings piercing for an in-house piercing party too! This is gonna be a fun one, don’t miss out.
Friday, Dec 13th + Saturday, Dec 14th
Holiday Market with Recital Boutique
Join Talisman along with a beautiful assortment of designers for a holiday market at Recital boutique in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver. Some of my favorite artisans will be there - Oxbow, Animal Handmade, Goodluck Handmade, Recollect Records and more.
Saturday, Dec 7th
3 - 8pm
Sacred Thistle Trunk Show
My dear friends Cornelia and Sydney, who own what is hands-down one of the most beautiful stores out there - Sacred Thistle - are having one of their last in-store events before closing their doors. Please join me, along with designers Ariana Boussard-Reifel and Paulina Warren, for a very special jewelry trunk show on Saturday, November 16th and Sunday November 17th.
I must add that I’m particularly excited for this one, as Ariana and I used to work together back in my Goldyn boutique days, so this should be a fun reunion as well. Most importantly though, let’s help send Sacred Thistle off with love and support! Hope to see you there <3
Saturday November 16th 11-6
Sunday November 17th 11 - 5
@ Sacred Thistle - 1110 Acoma St., Denver
Drinks by Madre Mezcal + Dram
Fall Trunk Show with Eleanor Boutique
Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and our friends at Eleanor boutique in Louisville, CO for a fall trunk show, where we will be launching the new FW24 collection IRL! Come shop with designer Vanessa Barcus all day on Thursday, October 24th. The full collection will remain in-sore for the weekend that follows.
Thursday, October 24
10am - 6pm
For Your Ears: Fall 2024 Playlist, aka Music for Mermaids
What would a mermaid listen to these days? Well, allow this mermaid to provide your imagination with some possibilities…
For your ears only, I rounded up a little playlist of the songs I’ve been jamming to in my mermaid cave - aka the studio - as I designed the fall/winter 2024 collection. In true spooky season spirit, it’s full of a lot of darkwave synth pop, ambient electronic, angsty riot grrrl vibes, and even some moody blues thrown in for good measure. I suppose you could say this mermaid is a bit on the dark side. Enjoy!
BTS at the Fall 2024 Lookbook Shoot
Photographer Matt Nager with model Rachel Xie wearing the new Soleil Earrings. Jesse Kamm shirt and Baserange undies from Recital boutique.
Given that “Jewelry for Mermaids” was the theme of the fall 2024 collection, I of course found myself in search of the perfect mermaid for this season’s campaign photoshoot. Models Rachel Xie from Wolves Management and Vanessa Luka played the part - even if there were no crashing waves or tide pools in sight. She’s a modern mermaid, after all - washed ashore, very far from home. So far, in fact, that she found herself all the way in a photo studio in Denver, Colorado (shout out to Studio Office in LoHi for lending us their amazing space!). Photographer Matt Nager, my longtime friend, captured our moody, architectural shots, which you can now see the final results of here. Below is a fun little peek at some behind-the-scenes moments from that day.
Rachel, in the new Duality Necklace, wears a Rachel Comey mesh top and Sandy Liang skirt from Recital
Major thanks are in order not only to Matt and Rachel, but also to makeup artist Lillian Marsh, my styling assistant Katie Miner, Studio Office, and to Recital boutique for lending the wardrobe for the shoot. Be sure to check them out next time you’re in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver.
Lily Marsh works on Rachel’s hear. Rachel wears the new Piscean Dream Necklace, Yin Yang Necklace, and shirt by Jesse Kamm from Recital.
Rachel in the Vortex Necklace and Ariel’s Comb Necklace, also wearing a top by Sandy Liang and pants by Jesse Kamm from Recital.
Stylist Katie Miner and MUA Lily Marsh make adjustments on-set. Rachel wears the Vortex Necklace, Soft Body Venus Necklace, and the Duality Necklace, along with red velvet undies by Baserange from Recital.
Rachel in the Zoe’s Heart Necklace and Soleil Earrings. Rachel Comey top and Sandy Liang skirt from Recital.
Rachel strikes a pose in the Duality Necklace and look from Recital
Rachel wears the Piscean Dream Necklace, Yin Yang Necklace, and a look from Recital boutique
Aspen Art Week Trunk Show
Join me for a summer trunk show along with my dear friend Laura Moretz - the incredibly talented painter, astrologer and tarot reader - for a very special pop-up during Aspen Art Week.
1-5pm, Wed, July 31st + Thurs, Aug 1st
@ Upstairs Aspen - 525 E. Cooper Ave in downtown Aspen
Sneak Peek at Talisman Fine Jewelry Fall 2024
All life at Talisman begins as wax… or most at least.
July is the time of year when, just as everyone escapes town on their summer vacation, I dive back into the studio to begin work on the prototypes for fall. Many of my creations, if not most, begin their life as wax. I adore the process of carving and sculpting wax, so this is always a happy endeavor - if busy - for me. Check out what I’ve been working on below - it’s a sneak peek of what’s to come in solid 14k gold.
A golden comb fit for a mermaid
This season I found myself revisiting my trip to the South of France… this time, however, it was my own reimagined version of what once was. A more feminine-leaning tale of mermaids and sirens, of water and abundant fish and the spiraling crests of waves. Sapphic, voluptuous, and fertile. These themes come through in abstract ways in my work, of course, which allows every observer the chance to spin their own tale too.
Three guesses for what this will become…
A siren’s hook or a jewelry clasp?
The Embrace Earring
Spiraling out
Field Trip: NYC
NYC in the summertime has its own whole soul to it… it’s a sweaty, grimy, rawness that’s not for the fair weather traveler. Only die hards remain when the temps get up past 90. One could argue it’s New York in its most authentic state: 2am halal on the street corner, buzzing traffic and the drips of air conditioner condensation falling on your head; fellow revelers everywhere, wearing wild ensembles that no one bats an eye at. A few weeks ago, I had the joy of experiencing this version of NYC, and I’m sharing tiny glimpses of my trip below. It was a work-and-pleasure combo, and as always, creative inspiration in spades. Enjoy!
40th birthday dinner for my oldest and dearest friend Lauren <3
Makeup free city style is a must in the heat… and a one-and-done necklace look with the Anchored Chain.
Takeaways from artist Jenny Holzer at the Whitney Biennial, courtesy of my friend Bonnie Gregory
Stunning metalwork on a doorway
I highly recommend an evening at Company XIV in Bushwick
A scene from Company XIV’s burlesque show “Queen of Hearts”
More stunning burlesque at Company XIV… take note of the mermaid theme…
Dressed up for a night out. Wearing the Soft Body Venus Necklace, and Helix Hoops
Visiting chain vendors… stay tuned for what I found for fall ;)
Pride month in NYC… turns out this heart was designed by none other than Denver’s own Koko Bayer
If you can’t tell by the looks on our faces, we were pretty delighted to discover that Judd Apatow was the surprise headliner at the Comedy Cellar the evening we went
Daily goods, from front going clockwise: The Protective Eye Y Necklace, Anchored Chain, Portal Ring, Helix Hoops, Rollo Band, Linear Stud, Diamond Mini Orb Stud, and Conjunct Cigar Band.
Redfin's Guide to RiNo Denver
A painted alleyway in RiNo courtesy of RedFin
The writers over at real estate giant RedFin’s blog recently approached me about my favorite spots in the Denver neighborhood now known as RiNo (aka parts of historic Five Points, Globeville and Elyria-Swansea). Their piece is all about things to do in Denver, and while there are many fun restaurants and bars (ok, maybe too many bars) in the area, I had to give a shout out to my homies at Recital boutique. And NOT just because they carry my line. It’s a hip shop with many under-the-radar designer labels that you otherwise might not discover outside of NYC or LA. Have a gander here.
Talisman in the Wild: Summer 2024 Edition
Rule Gallery co-owner Valerie Santerli in the Growth Necklace on a silk cord, during our pop-up event at the gallery March 9th
It brings me so much joy to see my clients out in the wild, wearing their Talisman Fine Jewelry heirloom pieces. Not to mention the fun of seeing how everyone styles their jewelry differently - some with creative takes on pairing or placement that I never would have thought of! Hence the inspiration to start a new series on this here blog, which I will call Talisman in the Wild.
Today’s roundup for Talisman in the Wild includes friends and clients from recent spring trunk shows and events around town. I may have even thrown in a couple on-the-fly shots of me as I was out and about ;)
Anthony Duran in Talisman Fine Jewelry’s handmade Anchored Chain and the Delphi Ear Cuff at Rule Gallery
Fort Collins’ Tula Boutique staff models the Linear Threader earring at our March trunk show
Ashe Bowen rocking the Metanoia Chain and the Yin Yang Necklace at an event at Lowrider shop in Longmont, CO.
Me, en route to an Austin trunk show, wearing the Helix Hoops, Anchored Handmade Chain, and the Held Necklace.
MAX clothing stores’ own Annie Gutsch in her Skinny Flow Chain, which layers perfectly with her existing stack.
Caught a glimpse of master hairstylist Matthew Morris’ one-of-a-kind wedding band, which I custom made in varying versions for both he and his fiance. These hands were soon after busy working, chopping my hair into a new blunt cut!
Spotted at Fine Art Fruit in Portland, Oregon: Taeko Designs’ Corey in her Talisman Fine Jewelry Ouroboros thumb ring.
Also spotted at Fine Art Fruit in Portland: Saint Clair’s Scissors designer Emily Sinclair wearing her new Protective Eye Y Necklace! Such a powerful stack of necklaces.
Gussied up for a trunk show, wearing the Freyja Necklace and the Metanoia Chain, along with Helix Hoops, Delphi Ear Cuff, Infinite Huggie Hoops and Diamond Mini Orb Stud.
MAX Summer 24 Lookbook with Talisman Fine Jewelry
Models Karen Vega and Zentyatze Echeverria photographed by Eugenia Tinajero for MAX clothing stores
Recently my friends at MAX clothing stores had the enviable task of photographing their summer 2024 lookbook down in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Max, the man behind the boutique, lives there part time, and has a bevy of models, photographers, and other contacts at his disposal in the area. I was lucky enough that they wanted to include Talisman in this season’s shoot (good timing, since we’re about to drop a major delivery to their Cherry Creek Denver location!), and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Shot at Casa Coa, a private residence by designers Maye Ruiz and Daniel Valero, with photographer Eugenia Tinajero, and models Karen Vega, Zentyatze Echeverria and Isabella Rochin, the elements of this shoot came together to produce a dream in deep jewel tones and rich textures, that speak to the centuries-old history of the city. Pardon me while I daydream about lounging in the heat of a San Miguel summer amidst this stunning locale. Peep below for more sneak peeks from this gorgeous shoot, featuring Talisman’s Sanguine Drop Earrings, Ra Pinky Signet, and Helix Hoops. Special thanks to Mecla Soyer and buyer Julie for bringing the jewels across the border ;)
For Your Ears: Summer 2024 Playlist
Dunno about you, but these warmer temps are calling me to the dance floor (or, at least the dance floor of my studio lol). I came up with a little playlist for you accordingly, filled with summer-y, joyful jams that include African psych, house, synth rock, disco, and more…
While visiting Portland recently, I happened to stumble upon the absolute gem that is Passenger Seat Records. Some groovy beats down a hallway and around the corner from Proud Mary coffee called to me, and I had to follow. Inside was one of the most well-curated record shops I’ve seen to date. The owner was a super friendly lad who had plenty of reccos for me, and I’ve added a few of those tracks here too. Enjoy!
Talisman is Headed to Portland OR
I’m so thrilled to be coming back to visit my former home, and the place where Talisman as we now know it really blossomed: Portland, Oregon. I’ve missed you Portland! I’ll be making two stops on this trip, at two of my absolute favorite PDX retailers:
Thursday, May 9th @ Fine Art Fruit - join me + four other designers (including the owners of this inimitable shop!) for the first installation of “Fruit Snacks,” a pop-up series for independent artisans. Fine Art Fruit is a new shop in the NW area of the city that has, quite literally, the coolest curation of handmade designer wares. Come see for yourself from 2-7pm!
Saturday, May 11th @ Seven Sisters - celebrate Mother’s Day with a selection of highly-giftable 14k jewelry for her (or you!), plus chocolates by Missionary Chocolate PDX. Between the two, we’ve got you covered for your Mother’s Day gifts. I’ll be at Seven Sisters from 12-5pm with all my best Talisman wares, so please stop by!
SS24 Trunk Show with Good Company Austin
Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and my favorite Austin retailer, Good Company, for a trunk show featuring alllll the new SS24 goodness. I’ll be spending a day at each of their two locations, as follows:
Friday, April 26th @ Good Company on 12th St
Saturday April 27th @ Good Company on S. Congress
I love my Texas fam so much, I hope to see you all there!
Recycle Your Old Gold Into Something You Love
A friendly reminder/PSA, since these messages can sometimes get lost in the fray: Talisman will take your old scrap gold - family baubles that don’t fit your taste (or quite literally don’t fit), that necklace your ex gave you, etc etc - and turn it into something you love. Many jewelers can’t offer this because it’s actually not as simple a process as you’d think. Simply melting down antique gold jewelry can lead to brittle and unstable castings. However, I am lucky to have a connection to a very kind refiner who will take our little bits of 10k, 14k and 18k gold and give us the same gold back, refined and ready to reuse. This is important to many of my customers, who wish to retain the energy of the original heirloom piece. I, for one, am a big believer that gold retains the energy of the wearer within it - it is, after all, one of the best conducting elements we know of. So why not recycle that gold that’s sitting in your jewelry box, and turn it into a piece you will wear every day again?
SS24 Trunk Show with Tula Boutique
Fort Collins friends! Did you know that Talisman can now be found at Tula boutique? I’ll be there in the flesh this Thursday, with the full SS24 collection in tow. Please join us - there will be champagne, good vibes, and lots of gold to peruse (obviously).
Thursday, March 21st
12-6pm
@ Tula boutique - 1 Old Town Square, Suite 105, Fort Collins, CO
For Your Ears: Talisman SS24 Playlist
You know I love a good playlist! For those curious about what I’ve been listening to here at the studio as I work on your orders, I’ve conveniently rounded it all up into one handy-dandy bitesize set. Overall it’s a lowkey vibe, made for lounging hard, but don’t be fooled - there are some thumping dance numbers thrown in for good measure too. Think atmospheric electronic, psychedelic jazz (hey, I’m getting old, ok?), a little hip hop, and some of what I consider to be the classics… Yunno, Tom Tom Club, 90s era Air… Speaking of, did you hear that for the first time in almost a decade, the band Air is going on tour?! I, for one, cannot wait. Maybe I’ll catch you there. Until then, I hope you enjoy what I made below <3