About the Artist

Kelly Margaritis is a Southern California native, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Her story...

Though I entertained the idea of jewelry making on many occasions throughout my childhood, it wasn't until many years later that I began the craft. Early on, I channeled my artistic expression through drawing and painting. I worked as an airbrush artist while in college, but set the art aside while focusing on my emerging career as a scientist. After obtaining degrees in mathematics and physics, I moved on to graduate school to pursue my PhD in physics.

About a year in, I found myself in need of a new hobby after a minor injury meant putting rock climbing on hold. I was drawn to jewelry making and I immediately fell in love. My creativity began flowing again after being idle for so long. My rediscovered passion for creating permitted the slow creeping into my awareness of the realization that I was happiest when making things with my hands, and that physics was slipping into the back seat. Two years into my PhD endeavor, in 2013, I made the decision to leave the program to pursue my jewelry.

I am inspired by the aesthetic intricacy and elegance of historical eras, most particularly the Victorian Period. But in general, I adore the romantic memory of trinkets and ideals long past. To incorporate this into my pieces, I use antiqued metals to impart the impression - at least this is how I imagine it - of a treasured piece once shiny and new, but darkened and refined with age. As a nature lover, I also love to incorporate natural motifs in my pieces.

I hope that you enjoy your visit!