I’m inspired by nature and its signals of growth, rebirth and change. The Japanese refer to the observation and appreciation for the cycle of life as wabi sabi. It’s a simple aesthetic that appreciates the beauty in imperfection and the elimination of the non-essential. This is a guiding principle of my work.
As a jeweler, incorporating found objects and vintage parts into my work is a natural part of my construction process. I repurpose vintage chains, buttons, mother of pearl belt buckles and other recycled materials in addition to agates, jaspers, and ethically sourced stones. With the exception of the thin snake chain, the sterling silver is 100% recycled content. All pearls and some stones are recycled from vintage jewelry. I also use some unique repurposed materials, things that are less common and not as easily recognized as being either recycled or reused, including copper fire brick, fordite, and recycled bowling balls.
Although I enjoy working with repurposed objects, my love of stones is very strong. I use agates and jaspers that are found in gravel pits, along lakeshores and riverbeds. The new stones I do purchase are from small, family owed mines. When these areas are no longer being worked, the entire disturbance is recovered, reclaimed, and seeded or planted. I also do a lot of my own stone cutting from rock found in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.
I believe it’s possible to have a beautifully designed piece of jewelry made with interesting materials whose cultivation does not fund corrupt organizations or promote unfair labor practices. I educate myself about the materials I work with to understand where they come from and whose lives they may impact. I’m always exploring more conscious and sustainable options for my jewelry materials.
Career history / Company history:
jeweler, designer 1991 - present
gallery director, del Mano Gallery Los Angeles 1995 - present
Style, Naturally Book Launch in NY - Summer is wearing two of my recycled silver rings!
Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty
I'm excited to announce the launch of this stunning new book by Summer Rayne Oakes. The focus is on environmentally-conscious fashion and beauty and it also helps us understand the connection between our fashion choices and the effects those choices have on the world around us.
I'm honored to be one of the featured eco-jewelers in this… Continue
Beautifully desined!! lovely to see you and your collection here!! Your dedication and stimulus energy inspired my inner sole!!! It's really amzed me when I hear about the type of enterprenuer you are...convinced that my background and skills coincide well with your ideas...to achieve jointly by sharing of our common vision and interest...v can be good mentors to each other to create a niche in this small world of wonders....... I look forward to hear from you...
Please do let us know if by any chance you are visiting or planning to visit India . We would be happy to offer you some beautiful natural semi precious stones to lighten up ur collection to new heights. i have more than 15 years of experience in sourcing and procurement and work directly with carvers, creators mine owners etc. We will plan a trip where you can visit and meet with people directly to source.
Kind Regards,
Vipin Bhanot
Buying Solutions Inc.
+91 9850407676
Hi Kirsten,
I love your design philosophy. I've taken a look at your photos - really like your work. The fossil rings are amazing. I'd like to give you a mention on my blog. Any chance I could use an image of your work?
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hellohi
Beautifully desined!! lovely to see you and your collection here!! Your dedication and stimulus energy inspired my inner sole!!! It's really amzed me when I hear about the type of enterprenuer you are...convinced that my background and skills coincide well with your ideas...to achieve jointly by sharing of our common vision and interest...v can be good mentors to each other to create a niche in this small world of wonders....... I look forward to hear from you...
Please do let us know if by any chance you are visiting or planning to visit India . We would be happy to offer you some beautiful natural semi precious stones to lighten up ur collection to new heights. i have more than 15 years of experience in sourcing and procurement and work directly with carvers, creators mine owners etc. We will plan a trip where you can visit and meet with people directly to source.
Kind Regards,
Vipin Bhanot
Buying Solutions Inc.
+91 9850407676
Lovely Jewelry. Do you have a website?
I love your design philosophy. I've taken a look at your photos - really like your work. The fossil rings are amazing. I'd like to give you a mention on my blog. Any chance I could use an image of your work?