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Field Trip: LA Summer 2025

Now that I’ve been doing this for a minute or two (or 10 years), I’ve learned that twice a year, it’s absolutely necessary for my body, mind and soul to truly unplug for a week. To replenish, to inspire, to reset. That seems to be the recipe for keeping me and my overworking tendencies from achieving full burnout mode. Because as much as I truly love what I do, and find absolute joy in creating, jewelry work is also quite hard on the body, and producing art on demand can be quite… well, demanding. So, enter this recent trip to LA - a place I used to live, and where I still have enough dear friends around to make visits quite sweet. It’s an easy place for me to journey to for those reasons, but this particular trip was a really special one. One reason being that for the first time in 20 years since graduating, I visited my old college campus(es) at Claremont, and even met with my senior thesis advisor. It felt like I really revisited, reclaimed, and reintegrated some younger parts of myself. Heady, I know. Plus, throw in a visit to the clothing brand (Trovata) where my career in fashion really began, and it was just nostalgia central. I was also glad to get in some treks to the beach in Orange County, time at my friends’ new gallery in Silver Lake (check out Tetrapod if you’re in the area), and a trip to the Huntington Library and Gardens, along with quality time with old friends. It really was a golden egg of a trip. Come follow along my journey in photos…

Driving around Silver Lake in Symantha’s convertible might just be the most iconic LA thing ever

echo park lake — Echo Park Lake and "Nuestra Reina de Los Angeles.” I offered her some prayers, and I think she may have heard me.

Visiting old haunts, including my college campus(es)… I went to Scripps College before transferring across the street to Claremont McKenna College, and then attending Claremont Graduate’s Drucker School for my MBA. This was a total blast from the past.

My first dorm room, freshman year at Scripps.

Murals by Mexican artist Alfredo Ramos Martinez on the Scripps campus

A new addition to the Claremont McKenna College campus… quite surreal!

James Turrell’s “Dividing the Light” installation at Pomona College (another school on the larger Claremont campus)

A beautiful panorama of the Huntington Library and Gardens

Henry Moore reclining figure at the Huntington

Agnes Pelton at the Huntington. One of my favorites.

No CA trip is complete without getting some requisite vitamin sea

Visiting the offices and flagship store of Trovata in Newport Beach… my first job in fashion while I was still in school at Claremont. Shout out to Tamara for letting me drag her out of our way to see it ;)

Fellow jeweler Anne Gangel and her dog Beauty in Newport Beach

Lil spiral buddy in the tidepool

For Your Ears: The Summer in Jazz

Any other jazz hounds in the house? Lately I’ve been finding that there’s few things more pleasant to listen to while I’m working in the studio than jazz - mostly of the 1970s variety, coming out of places like Japan and France, but also some modern interpretations in the ambient electronica realm. I put together a little playlist of some favorites that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I do.

BTS Making The Fall/Winter 2025 Collection

A (still very raw, unfinished) hand-carved, sculptural wooden bracelet by Cornelia Max, with the wax model of an interlocking ring that will be cast in solid 14k gold. This is part of a special collaboration project by myself and Cornelia, titled Tete-a-Tete.

While I’m deep in the studio working on completing the fall/winter 2025 collection, I thought I’d give you all a little sneak peek into what I’ve been doing. This season is challenging me to go beyond my usual MO, to work with natural materials I’ve never used before… yet still bring them into the fold with Talisman’s signature sculptural, wabi-sabi style. These projects included bead work with semi-precious stones, soldering around wood (eek, wish me luck!), and working more with reclaimed natural diamonds and snake chain. I also had the fortune of getting to collaborate with a dear friend of mine, Cornelia Max Peterson. She’s a sculptor who works in wood, among other talents like floral design and pearl work. You may also recognize her name from the iconic (now shuttered) Denver shop Sacred Thistle, which was her former business. I feel incredibly fortunate to not only call Cornelia a friend, but also to collaborate with her on a very special sculptural bracelet, which will incorporate both her wood work as well as my gold work. I like to think of this piece as our two designs being in conversation with one another. Hence the name we’ve given it: Tete-a-Tete. Each bracelet will be one-of-a-kind, and made to order, for those asking.

Detail of the wax ring that will be cast in 14k recycled gold for the Tete-a-Tete Bracelet

The theme that came through as I was inspired to create these pieces was that of a return to nature as a place of healing. Our natural state is to be in equilibrium… in flow with the All-That-Is. When life feels chaotic, it can be easy to lose sight of this. So these are, quite literally, pieces to help you ground, and bring you back into that natural state of healing. We need it more than ever right now, don’t we?

A stunning pear cut natural diamond will be set in this fluid form (now in wax, soon to be cast in gold), which will be set within a 14k gold snake chain

A peek at the raw casting of the gold piece, to be cleaned up and then set with inlaid pear diamond, for the Where the Light Comes Through Necklace

For the first two Prayer Necklaces I’m making for the collection, I chose carnelian and lapis lazuli… two of the most powerful healing stones I know of. Carnelian is a force of creativity, helping us connect with our self-expression, joy, abundance, positivity, courage, and inner radiance. Meanwhile, lapis lazuli works with both our third eye and throat chakras to promote clarity, communication of truth and pure self-expression, connection with divine guidance and intuition, inner peace, as well as stress and anxiety reduction. While I’m always open to working with stones of your choosing in the future, for the permanent collection these two just called to me first. Bonus that they’re also just gorgeous, stunning stones, all healing powers aside. I spent months searching for the most beautiful stones I could find, and I don’t think these disappoint.

A necklace toggle clasp: loop and bar, both hand-sculpted in wax before being cast in 14k recycled gold

Said toggle clasp, now as raw castings (to be cleaned up) in 14k recycled gold

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details, and for the release of this very special collection!

Talisman in the Wild: Summer 2025

Courtney in her statement wedding ring stack, including the Portal Ring, Petite Helix Band, and Petite Rollo Band

There’s nothing better than seeing Talisman out in the wild, worn day-to-day by clients. I make this collection with the intention that these pieces become beloved parts of your everyday, and so seeing that come to fruition is SO deeply satisfying. Here are some recent pics that were sent to me from some lovely friends and clients (and one of me on the go too). Thanks to everyone for sharing their pics!

Erin vacationing in Puerto Vallerta in her Circle Studs

Izzy with her custom silver Metanoia Chain

Izzy again, on the beach with her matching silver Metanoia Bracelet and gold Wave Theory Ring

Mary receiving her surprise 40th birthday gift! A Ra Signet Ring.

Me in the studio, wearing the Soft Body Venus Necklace and the Galaxy Chain

Magical Jewelry: Creating Custom Talismans

Every once in a while, I find that it’s necessary to reiterate that my jewelry collection is called “Talisman Fine Jewelry” not just because it’s a cute name. In fact, the moniker is quite literal. While some folks may not be into the ‘woo-woo’ side of what I do, and that’s a-ok with me, others appreciate learning that every piece I make by hand is in fact charged with specific energy and intention for the wearer… whether that be to invoke a specific goddess, archangel, or simply bring in unconditional love energy. Some pieces have hidden sigils, some even were sculpted with ash, but all are held, prayed upon as they are made, and blessed on an altar before they make their way to you. They are, in fact, “talismans” in the truest sense of the word.

With that in mind. I also want to throw my hat into the proverbial ring for custom talisman jobs… If you find that you’re seeking to call in a certain energy in your life, want to honor a stage in your life’s journey, or simply want protection or a good luck charm, please reach out and let’s start a conversation about what I can create for you. Jewelry, and in particular a piece created with the magical resonance of solid gold (which also happens to be a highly conductive metal), is such a powerful, personal type of talisman to wear on the body. It’s my honor to make this kind of magical jewelry for you. Let’s talk.

Bringing All of Myself to the Table: A DJ Set

Illustration of me DJing courtesy of Brian Pescador

As a creative person, I find that having a variety of outlets to experiment with, explore, and channel creative flow through only just contributes to making me a more fully-actualized, well-rounded human. (To a point, of course, when one then has taken on too much and becomes depleted.) While jewelry and fashion are by far my primary passions, music also calls. And in fact, those things need not be siloed: most days I am appreciating music and creating setlists while I do bench work. In fact, that’s pretty much my fav combo… the two inspire each other.

Over the holiday weekend, I had the joy of DJing at a friend’s house show/party (enter my new DJ moniker, Bark Barc, shout out to James Gardner!). My set was a mix of house, synth pop, jungle, African psych, tropicalia, new wave, and other oddities. While most DJs don’t publicly share their set lists, I think you might enjoy listening to these groovy jams while dancing in your kitchen or bopping in your car. So share I will. Enjoy, and happy summer!

<3 - Vanessa

The Latest: Custom Work and Using Your Family Gold

doing custom jewelry work at Talisman — Meeting with clients for a custom project - two very unique commitment rings

While releasing a new collection twice a year is certainly a big part of what I do, many may not realize that a lot of my work at Talisman involves custom projects for clients. It’s really a treat to be able to hand-make meaningful pieces like commitment rings, commemorative pendants, or to work 1:1 to bring a client’s unique vision into reality. Below are a few recent custom projects I’ve been working on. These projects usually start with sculpting the piece in wax, which is shown to the client for approval before it’s cast in solid, recycled gold. Most often I work in recycled 14k gold, though on occasion I am asked to cast in 18k, or in sterling silver. Thanks to the handmade nature of my work, anything is possible!

Speaking of recycled gold, it’s also worth mentioning - I often get asked whether I can incorporate a client’s heirloom jewelry or old gold into new pieces. The short answer is YES - it is entirely possible to melt scrap gold that might be collecting dust at the back of your jewelry box, and to reuse it in a new Talisman piece. Be aware that it does take a bit of extra time, as it’s always safest to have the gold refined first, to eliminate any impurities or aging alloys that may cause brittleness or instability, and then re-alloy back into 14k or 18k grains for casting. Regardless, it can be done, and in fact I do it often! So if you have any family jewels sitting in your safety deposit box that you just know you’re not going to ever wear, why not give it new life by repurposing it into a piece you’ll love and cherish?

talisman fine jewelry denver custom link bracelet — One link at a time…

a custom talisman 18k gold bracelet in the works — These one-of-a-kind links are first sculpted in wax, but will soon become a chunky 18k gold toggle bracelet for a lucky client! Stay tuned for more on this baddie.

As always, thank you to my amazing clients who allow me to do what I love for work! Infinite gratitude for you <3

a custom initial pendant, to be cast in solid gold — A custom initial pendant for a client, to be cast in recycled 14k gold

lost wax casting — First it’s sculpted in wax

castings at talisman fine jewelry — Then cast in solid, recycled gold

Then assembled/soldered, and put through a strenuous hand-finishing process to get to the final piece. I loved these little stud earrings so much that I decided to add them to the regular collection here.

For Your Ears: SS25 Playlist

What have I been jamming to in the studio as I make the SS25 collection? Answer: A mix of some sexy AF R&B, house, disco, hip hop, and world music. Guaranteed to soothe your weary ears and inspire you to get up and move. Enjoy!

Work in Progress: The Making of SS25

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.

interconnection rings first sculpted in wax — 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 in process — 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.

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

journey spiral hoops after soldering and final polish — 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 sirius c rings — 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.

charles ross prism — 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.

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…

talisman jewelry gift guide 2024 classic — **Classic cuties** love timeless, everyday staples like (clockwise from top left) the Freyja Necklace, Orbit Bracelet, Linear Y Necklace and the Petite Plane Earrings

talisman jewelry gift guide 2024 artsy — **Artsy fartsy** creative folks are bound to love unique, artful pieces like the Spiral Stud, Wave Theory Ring, Held Necklace, and Sirius C Ring

talisman jewelry gift guide 2024 minimalist — **Minimalist mavens** prefer the bold, clean lines of styles like the Rollo Band, Flow Chain, Infinite Ring Stack, and the Sanguine Drop Earrings

talisman jewelry gift guide 2024 maximalist — **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

talisman jewelry gift guide 2024 spiritual — **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

@ Good Company on 12th Street

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

@ Recital’s upstairs loft

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

@ Eleanor boutique

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.

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…

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

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.

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 ;)