March Maker Spotlight
Crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that carry stories, heritage, and integrity.
You know that moment of magic serendipity… when you are looking at a cab, and suddenly your creativity lights up, and the vision hits you: “I know exactly what that wants to be!”
Can we all agree that’s an instant of pure magic for any artist?
This month, I am so excited to introduce you to a group of makers who embody that spark. From the structured, architectural lines of South African-inspired silver to the meticulous heritage of Japanese glass art, these makers remind us why handmade jewelry holds so much more soul than anything mass-produced.
Let’s meet them!
MIKO Japanese Beads
Rooted in the Missoula Valley of Western Montana and honoring her family heritage, Tomiko Torres offers a refreshing take on framing natural stones by bridging the gap between traditional lapidary and intricate Japanese glass beadweaving.
She is a proactive rockstar in our community and a true advocate of ethical sourcing. Her pieces, full of color and rare delicate textures, honor the hands behind the stones she features. Her work demonstrates how intention and integrity make jewelry carry a different energy entirely.
Carrie Haase Jewelry
With a profound awe for nature’s mysterious geometries, Carrie Haase makes unique stones her North Star. She builds her work entirely around the gem’s specific needs, often creating settings that are "more uncommon than your typical setting."
This stone-first mentality ensures that every piece of sterling silver jewelry she produces is a true reflection of the material's unique personality. Her work is intentional and, in her own words, compulsive in the pursuit of innovation and craftsmanship. Her design philosophy of listening to the stone is a trait that defines the very best handmade jewelry.
Allers Atelier
Anneke Allers brings a unique perspective to the bench, influenced by her background in architecture and her South African heritage. She defines jewelry as a form of adornment that can transform our presence, making beauty feel both tangible and intangible.
Anneke creates pieces that are architectural and bold, yet maintain a surprising elegance. Her sculpted silver settings are designed to draw out the natural details of stones like turquoise and abalone. By experimenting with textures and sculptural shapes, she creates timeless heirlooms that carry the wearer’s story forward.
Visit allersatelier.com to explore her unique vision. Right now, Anneke is in the process of moving back to South Africa, but don't panic! New production and custom orders will resume soon from her home country, so make sure to follow her at @allersatelier to stay tuned for her big comeback!
Decomp
Decomp is a brand that feels like a walk through a quiet, enchanted forest. As a self-taught artist mastering everything from illustration to woodwork, the maker behind Decomp brings a rich, textured depth to their jewelry making.
By incorporating earthy colors and organic textures, they inspire others to perceive nature with awe and fascination. It is a soulful contribution to the world of handmade silver jewelry, with an incredible variety of one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a full spectrum of styles and emotions—from dramatic romance to intriguing wildness.
Keeping the Creative Fire Burning
Seeing how these four makers use our cabochons is the greatest reward I could ask for.
Whether it's the architectural precision of Anneke or the earthy textures of Decomp, it’s clear that our community is a place where nature's raw beauty finds its highest expression.
Everyone starts with a stone, but the paths you take from there are what make this community so vibrant. Let’s keep supporting one another, celebrating the handmade, and honoring the craft that brings us all together.
Feeling inspired to start your next piece?
> Check out our newest arrivals and let's get creative together.
