Work in Progress: The Making of SS25

Sculpting the Growth Spiral Studs

This season’s collection came together in a rather powerful, symbolic way. After feeling stuck, stagnant, and overall a bit depressed by the state of the world this winter, the light came back to me by way of seeing how everyday humans were showing up for each other in crises. In short, I saw that through our interconnection, interdependence, mutual aid, and furthermore through love and joy as forms of resistance, ‘we’ve got us.’ As such, I’ve dubbed SS25 “We Create Our Own Utopia.” It is an homage to these concepts, and even more specifically it is an homage to queer joy as resistance. Because the queer community, amongst others, is no stranger to these realities, having been reliant on interdependence and mutual aid to get through centuries of hate and oppression.

Wax models for the Interconnection Ring

Follow along here as I begin the process of making the collection by first sketching and sculpting the pieces in wax. After that they’re cast in solid 14k recycled gold, and sometimes soldered together, followed by hours of refining - sanding, polishing, buffing - into the final piece.

Interconnection Ring during soldering, mid process, and after final polish.

Also, fun fact: you can watch my manicure progressively disintegrate before your eyes as my hands work to finish the collection piece by piece! Bonus.

The Journey Spiral Hoops, in process from wax to raw castings, and before earwire is soldered on

The Journey Spiral Hoops post-soldering, and after final polish

In any event, the joy of creating this body of work helped lift me up out of a funk and enabled me to see the light once again. I hope it can inspire the same in you too. That is, after all, the point ;)

New Diamond Sirius B and Diamond Sirius C Rings, both with inlaid reclaimed 2mm diamonds. Part of what I love about (ethically-sourced) diamonds is their ability to create prismatic light.

Research. The work of artist Charles Ross and his lifesize rainbow prisms have also been hugely inspirational this season… stay tuned for more on that front.

The Interdependence Ring from raw casting to finish

This conky guy will be a part of the Abundance Bracelet, where a portion of proceeds will go to charity. Keep an eye out to see how this piece develops ;)

Growth Spiral Studs in process. These were initially created by request of a special client, but I loved them so much I had to add them to the collection.

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

Happy New Year and a Tiny Sneak Peek

The sky at Boyce Thompson Arboretum outside of Phoenix, AZ. Taken December 2023. A sign of shapes to come?

Well friends, this new year did not exactly start off with the bang I was expecting. First it was 2 weeks of Covid starting NYE, then it was getting trapped in the mountains for 5 days due to avalanches shutting down all outgoing roads, and then even a day of jury duty on top of it… it seems the universe has been telling (forcing?) me something, and I have no option but to acquiesce. So we’re getting a bit of a late start over here, but - as I am oftentimes wont to say - the journey is not always linear. Which funny enough, was a theme that repeatedly seemed to come up in my new SS24 sketches that I began working on this December. The spiral - a symbol of growth, the journey of life, and also a representation of the sacred geometry that underlies nature - is a favorite of mine, and found its way into my work once again. That, along with themes of death and rebirth, abound. So I’ll give you a little sneak peek of what I’ve been working on, now that I’m finally (hopefully?) back at my bench once again. There will still be some surprises, though, to be sure. Stay tuned as these hand-sculpted wax models turn into solid gold…

The Growth Necklace, in process as a wax carving. Originally inspired by some small shell remnants I found in Florida last year (thanks Jill!).

A wedding band to symbolize the journey and growth of two souls intertwined - unofficially called Danielle’s Band.

Beginnings of the Christ Consciousness Necklace. Who better to represent the concept of rebirth than the man Jesus himself?

Zoe’s Heart Necklace. This one was personal - for my beloved dog Zoe who passed away last August. To be worn as a reminder that those you love will always be in your heart, and to have a little piece of their love with you.

Ouroboros Ring. Need I say more?

Sneak Peek at Fall/Winter 2023

July and August are the months in which I’m busy dreaming up new designs to be unveiled in the fall. What begins as a sketch, and then a wax carving, slowly morphs into solid gold. You’ll have to use your imagination to picture these rough models as the final product in glistening 14k, but I still thought it might be fun to give my clients a little sneak peek into what I’ve been working on. This is by no means a comprehensive group… there are a few more tricks up my sleeve that will be released when they’re ready, for the record.

The Conjunct Cigar Band and Conjunct Ring are designed to pair together, but can just as easily be worn separately. I’m absolutely in love with them… it took a bit of trial and error to get the asymmetry and leaning angles just right.

This season I found myself increasingly called to create more streamlined, simple shapes that felt like the daily essentials that the collection was missing. Really, I was just getting back to the core of what Talisman Fine Jewelry is all about - everyday heirloom jewelry that still feels sacred and sculptural. Ok, maybe with a wilder piece or two mixed in, because I’m still an artist and I have to express myself as such. Scroll on for a taste of what’s to come.

More views of the Conjunct Cigar Band and Conjunct Ring in wax, before casting into solid, recycled 14k gold.

The conjunction of the Conjunct Cigar Band and Conjunct Ring, hehe

A very pudgy Delphi Ear Cuff. I imagined this as something the Oracle of Delphi would wear while she divinates for her patrons.

Soon to be a hoop… a pair for the Helix Ring.

This piece is artful and a little wild, called the Central Sun Ring… it’s a piece that’s been a long time coming, swimming in my head as a possibility for a year or more. She pairs with the Central Sun Earrings.

Almost finished… these are the Orbit Collar and the Orbit Bracelet, getting ready for final polishing. They’re truly everyday, heirloom pieces. Add charms if you desire, or just wear them alone for a minimalist statement in solid 14k gold. The hooks click shut when you put them on - a sound that I find to be very satisfying.