Holiday Greetings

Greetings from Brunswick, Maine! As we enter into the holiday season, we always like to take the opportunity to connect with you all. So many noteworthy events happen over the course of a year, and taking the time to slow down and reflect on those always feels like a meaningful way to close out the year.

As artists and creators, we are perpetually looking to our surroundings for inspiration.

Sometimes, the inspiration is subtle – the particular way a rope falls into a knot around a boat mooring, the delicate markings on a granite stone pillar, the gentle curve of a tulip petal. Other times, the inspiration is so conspicuous that the whole world can’t help but fall under its enchantment. This year, we were treated to such an event in our own backyard. Maine was fortunate to fall in the line of totality during the 2024 solar eclipse, an occurrence that peaked energy and excitement levels statewide.

Celestial ombre Montana sapphire pendant inspired by the total eclipse April 2024

Handmade knot links inspired by all things nautical.

Being closely tied geographically to this experience was not just entertaining; having something this magnificent happen here felt somewhat magical. There was a beauty to it that felt almost surreal, and a wonder about the whole thing that we carried long after the event. In the course of a couple of hours, we were humbly reminded that the universe we live in is vast, wondrous, and – despite all we know – still full of magnificent mystery.

In this spirit, we were inspired to create the Sapphire Celestial Pendant. Hand forged gold circles embrace ombre blue Montana sapphires and natural diamonds. This piece is a one-of-a-kind offering, but part of a Celestial Collection drawing inspiration from the beauty and lure of the solar system. Our hope for you this coming year is that you’re able to take time and space to tune in to the wonderment that exists in the natural world. The beauty around us is truly always unfolding.

Cribstone Bridge Collection

Crafted from replicated “bars” made in oxidized gold and silver, our Cribstone Collection includes intricate line details reminiscent of the splitting lines on the original granite ties. Connecting us to our proud Maine history, the gemstones set in our collection are Maine tourmaline and antique diamonds which were mined and cut during the 1920s when the bridge was created.

About the Cribstone Bridge

The “Cribstone Bridge” was built in 1927 as the sole connection from Bailey Island to the mainland of Harpswell, via Orr’s Island. The bridge is said to be the only known bridge of its kind, with a unique design by Maine's state bridge engineer, Llewellyn N. Edwards. Highly attuned to the natural environment, Edwards understood he would need to use architecture and materials able to withstand the force of the tide and also the corrosive nature of salt water. Using heavy stone ties from local granite quarries, the bridge was designed without timber, mortar, or adhesives by stacking the stone in a “crib” framework. This distinct crisscross design allowed the ebbs and flows of the ocean to continually pass through without compromise to the structure. The bridge was not only socially and economically vital for the residents of Bailey Island, but is a point of pride for the whole state of Maine, listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and included in ASCE's Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Program.

Keith Field Holiday Greeting 2021

As we arrive into the holiday season this year, we feel some sense of grounding. We have all been in the throws of a great period of uncertainty, a feeling that life had been paused in mid-air. With a year under our belts since last holiday season, we hope you are feeling some small sense of peace and exhalation along with us. 

One incredible thing about design is that it is not paused by the chaos of the world, but rather, thrives within it. The last year has allowed us to focus on collections that stem from the celebration of our natural environments as well as the wonders of science - both things that have been brought to the forefronts of all of our lives. 

The Cribstone Collection features granite-like “bars” reminiscent of the famous Cribstone bridge in our community; the Orbital Collection is modern and organic, drawing inspiration from the mid-century period influenced by scientific curiosity. In both collections, we had sustainability on our minds, focusing on using recycled metals, vintage and responsibly sourced diamonds, and local Maine tourmaline. 

We recognize that this has been a difficult time for many affected by supply chain delays, so we feel especially grateful - approaching the holidays in particular - that our business operates within a different model. We value our ability to craft our own pieces in-house; because of this, we have been able to not only keep up with demand for in-stock items, but also build up a robust collection of ready-to-purchase pieces in preparation for our holiday buyers. 

For both those who have remained loyal patrons and those who have newly discovered us, weare deeply appreciative of your support in embracing hand-crafted design that reflects thebeautiful world around us. Being a part of your most celebrated moments is one of our greatesthonors.

Orbital Collection

As jewelry designers, we understand that no great design ever exists in isolation - we are constantly referencing, recalling, and reimagining. Music, architecture, apparel, and artwork act as a response to the world in which they are created, reflecting the political, environmental, and social movements that shape us all. 

Our Orbital Collection highlights the influence mid-century design continues to play in the creation of contemporary jewelry. The pieces in this collection have a signature abstract organic shape, which became a core motif during 1940-1960, a period which became known as the “Atomic Age.” Put into context, it’s rather obvious where the name developed from; the science of atoms was front and center for most Americans, as a response to the development of nuclear weapons and the atomic bomb. 

What it sparked in terms of design was a series of geometric and also free-form curvilinear shapes, some which rather closely reflected the composition of atoms and other scientific components. You likely are familiar with some of these design pieces and their lasting quality; think about the iconic, “Ball Wall Clock” by George Nelson; the famous, Eames Chair; or the dramatic and now ubiquitous, Sputnik Chandelier style. 

The curvy, whimsical lines of the Orbital Collection derive not only from the scientific context of the Atomic Age, but also evoke a spirit of modernity. As opposed to the sharper lines and ornate styles of previous decades, mid-century design welcomed in organic forms with their playful, humanizing feel. 

Though one may assume that pieces inspired by a particular time period may lack design longevity, the opposite is in fact true. Great design that draws on inspiration from nature, cultural significance, and the world at large proves to have a timeless quality, regardless of the period it takes inspiration from. While the decades pass and the world changes, the emotions and experiences behind the design connect us as humans from one generation to the next. The Orbital Collection ties us to both our past and our future, celebrating scientific curiosity and a playful, modern spirit.

Adding Maine Tourmaline to Your Jewelry Collection

Tourmaline can be found in many places worldwide, but Maine is touted as one of the highest quality producers, with gems that are exceptional in color and grade. Maine tourmaline is known for its pastel colors, whether that’s bluish green, pink, or a combination of both, as in the watermelon tourmaline. 

Maine tourmaline featured in our handmade paperclip chain.

Significant Maine tourmaline pendant.

If you live in Maine, or have a connection to Maine, your jewelry collection should include at least one piece featuring this beautiful gem. To address any hesitance on how to incorporate it, we’ve got some pointers on where to start and also some important considerations when selecting pieces. 

You may be someone who likes jewelry that doesn't require thought or special accommodations. If you like to go from a boat ride to a shower to bed without changing out or taking off your jewelry pieces, one thing to consider about tourmaline is that it’s relatively soft. Ranking around 7/7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, tourmaline can certainly be worn for everyday activities, but it’s especially important to be selective about the setting it is in. Make sure to choose pieces that offer protection for the gem when picking out earrings or pendants. A quality jeweler will be able to guide you to the right settings. 

Rings featuring tourmaline can be an excellent way to showcase their beauty. Because they are so unique, and also carry the significance of Maine history, they make an ideal heirloom to be passed through generations. Tourmalines are a beautiful pairing with diamonds, and sit beautifully against either silver or gold. For a less traditional engagement ring, a Maine tourmaline from a Maine goldsmith can be an ideal choice. It not only carries all the brilliance and beauty of a diamond, but also has significance for a couple who has ties to Maine. 

Like all colored stones, tourmaline does require some care to maintain its appearance, but don’t let that be a deterrent to wearing it regularly. Tourmaline actually generates a slight electric charge, causing dust to become attracted to it. Over time, as the dust accumulates on the back of the stone, it may appear duller and less brilliant. Luckily, it is quite easy to restore its brightness by using a soft toothbrush and water to lightly wash behind the stone. 

Simple Maine Tourmaline accent in our Center of Effort pendant: Cribstone Bridge Collection.

As Maine jewelers, we are proud to claim tourmaline as a native stone. With the right knowledge and application, it can become a staple in your own jewelry collection and a beautiful way to symbolize your personal connection to Maine.

New Horizons Engagement Ring Design

We are proud to feature a variety of designs in our engagement ring collection, and this season, we are expanding that offering. The New Horizons design complements our existing styles seamlessly, adding another option for discerning buyers embarking on an engagement. 

Designed to feature either a diamond or another precious stone, the New Horizons setting is structured and elegant. Its unique detailing highlights the specific shape of the chosen gem and provides it with stability and durability for an active lifestyle. 

Clean, polished, and angular, the New Horizons band can suit both a traditional and modern aesthetic. It’s name, New Horizons, is meant to encapsulate the freshness of the broadness of the future ahead for you and the one you love. 

Like all our engagement pieces, the New Horizon design can be crafted in either white or yellowgold, which is sustainable, renewed and refined. It is the perfect new addition to our family ofengagement rings, which now provides an even broader offering to meet every designsensibility.

Capped Acorn Collection

With oak trees abundant in Maine, we have all come to know acorns as a natural ground cover underfoot on our walks in the woods. The common little nut may be compact, but it is quite complex; acorns can take two years to reach full maturity and are packed with essential nutrients that regenerate our forests and sustain much of Maine’s wildlife. 

Our new collection celebrates the humble yet essential acorn, with all its form and design intricacies. The caps, crafted out of recycled gold and silver, feature delicate lines and ridges reflecting the unique patterning. The bodies of the acorns are made from lustrous pearls, shaped with smooth, organic lines that perfectly complement the texture of their tops. 

Featured on paper clip chains, the offerings in our acorn collection range from everyday fashion pieces to special occasion pieces. Expansion of the traditional collection includes acorn bodies crafted from all natural Botswana brown agate and clear quartz, capped with recycled silver tops. For a summery variation, the collection features acorn bodies formed from all natural blue, purple, and even clear lace agate, topped with shell caps. 

Whether worn as a long pendant or nestled high on the neckline, the acorn collection is bothplayful and sophisticated, a celebration of the outside world and of the extraordinary designscreated in nature.