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 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

From the Scripps sanctuary

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

Glass block art at Claremont McKenna

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

Take a seat

A Robert Rauschenberg at the Huntington

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

Beach textures abound in Corona Del Mar

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

Spirit reset trip complete.

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.

Carnelian in the sunlight

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!

Risa with her Wave Theory Ring

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.

The Latest: Custom Work and Using Your Family Gold

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?

One link at a time…

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 for a client, to be cast in recycled 14k gold

First it’s sculpted in wax

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.

BTS: Shooting The Spring/Summer 2025 Lookbook Campaign

Shooting the spring/summer lookbook campaign this season with photographer Matt Nager was nothing short of an adventure. It also held a lot of deeply personal meaning and gratification for me, as our shoot location was a very special place that I’ve wanted to photograph at for the last couple years (shout out to Jacqueline and Micah for turning me onto it). 7 of us made the trek to a tiny campus outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico to photograph at the Dwan Light Sanctuary - a meditation center and spiritual sanctuary (perhaps even a vortex?) commissioned by arts patron Virginia Dwan, and built by iconic solar artist Charles Ross. The sanctuary consists of a circular white room, along with two walls and a ceiling made of Ross’ life-size rainbow prisms. Charles Ross was one of the first people to successfully construct prisms at that scale, which cast brilliant rainbows across the room as the sunlight moves across the sky. I highly recommend a visit.

Rainbows hold a lot of special meaning to me - growing up as a kid in Boulder, my new agey father had prisms in our windows, and the memories of the rainbows that were cast across our maroon 80s carpet while Fleetwood Mac played on the turntable are something I hold dear. I read once that rainbows are “portals to another dimension,” and I couldn’t agree more. There’s just something so magical about the fact that simple sunlight can be revealed to contain every color of the spectrum within it. Perhaps there’s something analogous there to our own human existence. Regardless, rainbows are simply just a joy and a delight to behold.

Beyond nostalgia and mysticism, rainbows also hold a more current significance for me, as a mid-life queer woman and jewelry designer. As a symbol of the gay community that I am a part of, rainbows have now come to embody multiple meanings for me. Not the least of which being a statement of queer joy and triumph - the concept that ultimately was the guiding light for our spring photoshoot. During these challenging times, photographing two visibly queer, gender nonconforming models - the gorgeous Apple Hultz and Royal Zaiking - in a place filled with prismatic rainbow light, holds special significance and importance. I hope that this photoshoot stands as a manifesto and testament of queer joy as resistance, and is as statement-making as it is simply beautiful to behold. As such, I titled this campaign “We Create Our Own Utopia.”

Now, this adventure was not without its trials and tribulations. We made it through an accidental venue double booking (discovered at the 11th hour!), a model’s impulse to dye zir hair purple that morning on a whim, an E. coli outbreak in the town’s water supply (thus rendering showers risky at best), and even a car breakdown at the end. BUT, we persevered. I’m still putting all the pieces together as to what all that meant on a cosmic level. But regardless, our spring/summer campaign shoot turned out as magically as intended. I hope you enjoy it too.

Special thank yous are due not only to Matt and our models, but to my assistant Madeline Cohen, and our photography assistant for the day, David Goodheim, who were both instrumental. Thank you to Recital boutique (and to homie Hannah Proff!) for graciously lending us their beautiful clothing, which I styled along with pieces from my own closet. Shout out also to Lillian Marsh for consulting on hair and makeup, as well as to Matthew Morris, who helped us successfully maneuver the purple hair scenario.

Scroll down to see more of the behind-the-scenes footage of this magical kaleidoscopic adventure. Prism/Solar Spectrum Artwork by Charless Ross © 2025 Charles Ross/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

BTS at the Spring/Summer 2024 Lookbook Shoot

Shooting outside of Charles Haertling’s 1960s “Boulder Eye Clinic” building with Matt Nager and Erika Rodriguez

Ideating on our SS24 campaign concept left me searching yet again for the perfect 1960s/1970s “bubble structure” for a location. I guess it’s a thing for Talisman. Luckily architect Charles Haertling left us with plenty of options in the Boulder area, and we were fortunate to have some connections (thanks Erica Simon!) to his iconic “Boulder Eye Clinic” building on Broadway. What I especially love about this building is the way its sculptural curves mimic the sculptural nature of Talisman’s jewelry. They seemed to be in conversation throughout our shoot, though this wasn’t the only storyline we had going…

Working with my trusty photographer Matt Nager, and our model Erika Rodriguez from Wilhelmina, we reimagined the office building as a crash landed space ship of sorts, with Erika graciously playing the part of our extraterrestrial being… decked out in lots of gold, of course. The result was, dare I say, otherworldly (ha).

Special shout outs are due to my friend Katie Miner, who helped me with styling day-of, as well as to Max clothing stores, Recital boutique, Common Threads Boulder, and COS for wardrobe.

Fun BTS fact: there was an active chiropractor’s office behind this mirrored window. Luckily they didn’t protest us shooting outside. Thanks guys!

Peep some behind-the-scenes footage of this super fun shoot, and then check out our final product here, along with all the newly released SS24 designs!

The jewels

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide 2023

We see you, procrastinators, and we are here for you. While the deadline to receive any made-to-order items in time for Xmas has passed, there’s still a slew of goodies on the website that are in-stock and ready-to-ship. Here’s a roundup of some of my personal favs, which are guaranteed to please even the pickiest of folk.

The Conjunct Ring

The Conjunct Ring was a new addition this season, and I love its ergonomic, fluid asymmetry. It’s wonderful alone, but also works well in a stack, which makes it an easy gift for those who like to add to their collection of stacked bands.

The Skinny Flow Chain

Hands-down, a shimmering gold herringbone chain looks elegant draped over a bare collarbone. While I love the full-size and mid-size versions too, the Skinny Flow Chain is a perfect everyday piece that adds a lovely amount of shine to your look without being over the top, even at the gym. Also perfect layered with multiple necklaces, making it a no-brainer gift.

The Aphrodite Hugs

These are, in all honesty, my everyday earrings. The Aphrodite Hugs are comfortable enough to leave in for weeks on end, but statement-making enough to make me feel dressed up in just a t-shirt and jeans. I just love them, and I think your recipient will too.

The Petite Linear Stud

You literally cannot go wrong with bar studs. Everyone needs a pair - they’re easy, great for multiple piercings, and convey a certain sense of geometric, minimalist elegance. The Petite Linear Stud is my latest version for FW23, in a slightly more micro size than its full-size Linear Stud sibling. An excellent choice for anyone on a budget who still prefers to gift heirloom-quality pieces.

The Orbit Bracelet

The Orbit Bracelet is another newbie for FW23, and has already been wildly popular. The interlocking hook clasp means it stays securely on the wrist, and I find that many like to leave it on, and/or stack it with their existing arm candy. It’s truly the perfect everyday bracelet.

Infinite Hoops

A budget-friendly no-brainer, the Infinite Hoops are a fool-proof gift option in heirloom-quality 14k gold. Wearers can leave these puppies in for months and never take them out. Pro tip for those with multiple piercings: stack with the mid-size and huggie versions ascending up the earlobe for an ultra 90s punk look.

The Held Necklace

Last but definitely not least, I decided to make one of my personal favorites - the Held Necklace - for last-minute holiday gifting. Juuuuust in case the one you love has been really deserving this year. This piece is all about being reminded that the universe is always holding us, through all the trials and tribulations. What better year to have a reminder of that, no?

Field Trip: LA

The centerpiece of “Queen Califia’s Magical Circle” by artist Niki de Saint Phalle - Queen Califia herself atop her griffin.

This October I had the opportunity to spend some time in Los Angeles - a town that was at one time my home, many moons ago. The trip was equal parts vacation, inspiration, and work. Joined by a couple of my besties who live in the area, I made the most of my 9 days there with a busy schedule of art, beach, nature hikes, architecture, music and more.

Among many things, I had the chance to view the opening of my friend Tomashi Jackson’s art show “Minute by Minute” at Night Gallery, which incorporated hand-embroidered and tatted textiles made by my own grandmother, Carrie Barcus, which I had gifted to the artist. Truly a special moment to see these complex, multi-layered (quite literally and figuratively), collaged works in person - they are POWERFUL! I could feel my grandmother’s utter awe and delight raining down on that gallery as well. You can read more about Tomashi’s show in this wonderful LA Times interview.

A piece from Tomashi Jackson’s “Minute by Minute,” which incorporated hand embroidery by my grandmother as the foundation for her canvas

Detail of hand tatting done by my grandmother Carrie Barcus, used in Tomashi Jackson’s piece

Another work by Tomashi Jackson in “Minute by Minute” at Night Gallery. This incorporates Carrie’s embroidery, as well as Tomashi’s mother’s photography, and the shapes of redlined districts in LA.

Embroidery detail by my grandmother

Tomashi Jackson’s piece, incorporating photography from her mother, and my grandmother’s embroidery at the bottom edge.

There is a wildly coincidental story from the day when I gifted Tomashi this textile… as we were chatting about my goldsmithing work and Tomashi’s collection of gold chains, we noticed that the edge of this pillowcase read “Cloth of Gold.” Funny how life works! I love that Tomashi then incorporated gold paint into the piece, as well as another piece that utilized Grandma Carrie’s handiwork.

Tomashi in the midst of performance art at Night Gallery

I also made a pilgrimage with my dear friend Tamara, to see my hero Niki de Saint Phalle’s installation “Queen Califia’s Magical Circle” in Escondido - one of the few existing sites of her art in the US. Magical indeed! I cannot even fathom the amount of time it took to cover this entire area in mosaics - much of which was made from semiprecious gemstones! The docent at the site told us that Niki and her team went to the Tucson gem show to buy the stones. I imagine they must have cleared out a lot of dealers’ bins to make this work!

A view of Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Fragmented selfie at Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Detail from Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, with mosaic malachite and what looks to be chrysoprase

There were so many details to discover around every turn at Queen Califia’s Magical Circle. Each one tells a story.

Back in LA proper, I had the chance to visit the Neutra VDL House in Silverlake with my friend Symantha. This onetime home and studio of architect Richard Neutra is a place I’ve long wanted to see in person, as a huge fan of mid-century modernism and Neutra in particular. Neutra shares a particular history with my mother’s lineage, who were Austrian Jews. While it may not seem so unusual today, the fact that the original structure for this building was made in 1932 is pretty mind-blowing.

Living room at the Neutra VDL House in Silverlake

Exterior of the Neutra VDL House

Another interior angle at Neutra VDL

Details at the Neutra VDL House - this color palette echoes my recent FW23 lookbook

Last but not least, the trip was capped off by a trunk show at the beautiful Kinship Station boutique in Topanga. I loved hanging with the shop staff, and getting to know their customers more. They’ve got such a gorgeous curation of decor, clothing and jewelry - definitely worth a visit.

Talisman jewels at Kinship Station in Topanga

Symantha and her mug at Kinship Station - a beautifully curated boutique of decor, clothing, jewelry and more

Shopgirl Nadia dons the Ra Signet at the Kinship Station trunk show

That’s a wrap! Until next time LA <3

For Your Ears: Talisman FW23 Playlist

Coming in hot with a little taste of the latest and greatest in music that I’ve been jamming out to while I work in the studio this season… In the true spirit of fall, this playlist is a little moodier, and a little more introverted - perfect for a cozy night in, or a chilly, bundled-up evening out. As per usual, a mashup of rock, synth pop, shoegaze, and electronic, along with some purely vibey, instrumental tracks thrown in. Enjoy!

BTS at the Talisman FW23 Lookbook Photoshoot: The Evans School

An open, and mostly vacant, stairway at the Evans School building in Denver. Currently home to artists and creatives, for now.

Photographer Matt Nager and model Vanessa Luka getting a close-up ear shot at the Evans School studio of Sam Grabowska and Erin McAllister

Deciding on the location for Talisman’s next lookbook photoshoot is always an exciting creative challenge. Each season the look and feel of the brand is greatly influenced by our campaign concept, composition and color palette, and thus, by extension, where that campaign was shot. For FW23, the idea struck me to ask some artist friends about taking over their studio space at the Evans School in Denver for an afternoon… I had spent some time in this incredibly special, once-abandoned school building, and was immediately struck by the energy of the place. Having only recently been offered to a handful of artists for use as studio rentals, this glorious building - full of tall windows and insanely intricate copper railings - sat empty since the 1970s, quietly falling into decay just across the street from the Denver Art Museum. These days, however, the vibe at the Evans School is something else. Sculptors, painters, photographers and the like are using the classrooms - heck, even the old auditorium - to ideate, create and collaborate with one another. Tiny DIY galleries have popped up to showcase the work of folks making art next door. In my estimation, one of the most beautiful things about this space, aside from the building itself, seems to be the fact that there is a definite ambiance of - dare I use the cliched word - synergy and co-inspiration happening among the artists at work there.

Utilizing raw materials from artist Sam Grabowska’s sculpture work as a backdrop for Talisman’s new FW23 designs

None of the residents know how long this gem will last… word has it that the building may be purchased by developers to be remade into a luxury hotel in the near future. And, as sad as that may be (although it has the makings for a beautiful hotel, no doubt), somehow the limited-time aspect of the whole scene - this permeating feeling of uncertainty - lends it a bit of Chelsea Hotel-type magic. Something that is at once almost outside of time and space itself, and yet is entirely ephemeral. To be certain, it is a Time and a Place, in Denver, Colorado, 2023.

Knowing that the opportunity to do something in this magical space might be limited, then, it seemed that the time was right for a photoshoot there. The goal for the shoot, as far as I could see it, was simply to capture some of the magic that is happening behind closed doors at 1115 Acoma Street, and by extension, to delve into the raw materials and processes of some of the artists at play there. A statement, if you will, about how creative imagination can turn raw, even seemingly strange objects into entire worlds of beauty.

Matt Nager shoots a still life scene on Sam Grabowska’s desk. Styling and creative direction by myself, Vanessa Barcus.

Thankfully for Talisman, my dear friend Erin McAllister and her Evans School studio mate, Sam Grabowska, were happy to oblige. So my trusty photog Matt Nager and I were given access to their studio, and all of its gloriously weird objects and supplies. Erin is a fiber and textile artist who also paints on occasion. Her work is as vibrant and colorful and explosive as she is. Sam is a sculptor and multi-media artist whose highly-conceptual work speaks to themes of creating space, in both a literal and psychological sense, as well as themes of safety, trauma healing, and care. Through both artists we found a rich assortment of tactile, textural raw materials to use as a backdrop for Talisman’s latest designs. Another friend, Vanessa Luka, graciously lent her beautiful ears and hands to be photographed in what was otherwise a mostly still-life shoot.

Take a peek behind the scenes here of our day at the Evans School… In the near future, you may just see the scraps and materials we used in our photos come together in one of these two artists’ upcoming work.

Artist Erin McAllister shows us around the studio

XX,

Vanessa

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.

Turning Your Old Gold Into New Treasure

Custom 18k gold ring, handmade using the client’s own melted gold.

When three different clients approach you within a one month span, all asking if you can melt their old family jewelry down to make something new, you know it’s something you need to look into. While melting scrap gold might sound simple enough, in actuality it’s a little more complicated, and not all jewelers will do it. Most gold refiners won’t return you with the exact same gold you gave them - they’re far too busy for such “small” requests. And simply melting down aunt Judy’s ring in the crucible and throwing it into the new casting is both risky and very costly: not only can that metal become brittle and a little unpredictable, but when done this way, the jeweler needs to come up with enough gold to fill the entire “tree” and “sprue” in the casting (the lines through which the molten gold travels to get to your new ring)… aka that requires thousands of dollars more gold than is needed for the individual piece itself. Hence my earlier statement that many jewelers simply won’t do it.

Pre-casting, the ring is first carved in wax. I wanted this weighty cigar band to have a subtle asymmetry to it, playing on offset angles.

By happenstance, though, I discovered that I actually have a special connection to a gold refiner who WILL return your own precious family gold to you, in a chunk of solid, pure 24k. Luck? Coincidence? Maybe a bit of both. But all of this is to say, that after some time and research, I finally got the process down, and have been able to make these customers new gold jewelry that they’ll love and wear everyday, out of their old gold jewelry that, while heirloom, was wasting away in a box. So why not transform your old 10k, 14k and 18k gold pieces that you don’t love, into something that you do? Nothing more alchemical than that, I’d say. To inquire, just shoot me an email at vanessa@talismanfinejewelry.co.

Fresh out of casting, the ring still has bits of “sprues” attached to it that must be ground off, followed by multiple steps of sanding and polishing to get to the final product.

The finished product! Solid 18k refined heirloom gold. It will forever hold the energy of the client’s family heirlooms.

Another pic of the finished product.