DEBRA

I am a merchant. As a veteran of the industry, I have been immersed in the jewelry business for almost three decades. Experiences in this exotic and romantic field include merchandising and design, manufacture, brand development and field exploration. While fieldwork may seem more of an anthropological endeavor, I assure you that being in faraway places and discovering rare finds and treasures is very much a part of the daily routine of the jewelry entrepreneur.

From the design houses in Italy to the gem cutting factories of Thailand and India, to the silver hammering of Bali and back to the designers’ studios in Manhattan, I have lived and learned the many nuances of jewelry production. Bringing influences from all over the world to the market has been incredibly rewarding. Through this blog, I will introduce you to many of the inspirations that continue to contribute to my editorial and curatorial expertise in the hope that you will join in my passion.

JESSICA

In my work as a cultural anthropologist, I have researched a wide range of topics, from Chicago’s steel industry to indigenous fabrics and fashion from around the globe. In this capacity, I have observed the ways in which material culture is produced, and at the heart of every exploration is a desire to understand the values, traditions and skills that make each society’s objects unique and important.

In the same vein, I have had the good fortune throughout my life to observe firsthand my mother’s passion for all things jewelry, and I have enjoyed an insider’s pass to meet prominent designers, manufacturers, and retailers who comprise the industry. With my mother’s guidance, I have cultivated my own love of jewelry, both as a form of self expression, and as objects of beauty and wearable art. I continue to be fascinated by the process of jewelry making, from the first burst of inspiration through to the finished products, and all of the intricate and necessary steps in between. I hope to explore the anthropological aspect of this process, tracing the traditional skills and new innovations that perpetuate the cycle of jewelry creation and consumption.

Our blog is born of a desire to share our stories, insights, friends, finds and experiences; all to bring you closer to the mysteries of jewelry making and the culture that surrounds it. Our hope is that you will accompany us on our journey and be part of the inner workings of a fascinating story.