• Our Story: A Journey with Electroformed Jewelry

    Hello everyone,

    I'm Alita, a retired biochemist, and a passionate electroformed jewelry artist living in sunny Central Florida. My craft is a unique blend of art, science, and, most importantly, the profound beauty of nature. I take immense pride in creating wearable pieces of art that are as intricate and diverse as the natural world that inspires them.

    At the heart of my work is electroforming, a process that has completely captivated me. If you're unfamiliar with the term, it might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's an ingenious technique that allows me to capture the stunning complexity of nature in my jewelry designs.

    The process is both simple and complex. It starts with an object from nature — a sand dollar, a seashell, or even a delicate bird feather. Each of these objects carries within it the mark of its journey, a unique story etched into its form. To these, I apply a special paint that's electrically conductive, effectively transforming these natural materials into potential copper sculptures.

    The next step is what truly sets my heart racing — submerging these prepared pieces into a bath of copper sulfate. The magic then unfolds as electricity courses through the bath, initiating the process of copper deposition. Over time, a thin layer of copper forms on the objects, preserving their intricate details and imbuing them with a new, metallic life.

    My favorite material to work with is the humble sand dollar. Though it may seem a common find on our Floridian beaches, the sand dollar is a testament to the extraordinary complexity and beauty of nature. Each one is distinct, carrying an individual pattern and texture that tells a story of survival and transformation. Electroforming these sand dollars is like creating a tangible memory of these stories, a piece of the ocean you can wear.

    Creating each piece is a labor of love and patience; from the meticulous painting process to the hours of waiting as the copper forms, each step requires a keen eye and steady hand. But the end result, a piece of jewelry that's as unique as the person who wears it, makes every moment worth it.

    As I continue on this journey, I remain committed to exploring and pushing the boundaries of my craft. I am continually inspired by the ever-changing world around me, and I strive to reflect this dynamism and diversity in my work. It is my hope that through my jewelry, others might feel a closer connection to the natural world and share in the joy I experience in creating each piece.

    One of the contributors to the development of my craft is the fact that I’ve lived my adult life disabled by Lyme disease. Even though I may not be well most days, I do have days that are good, and I spend them creating my electroform jewelry.

    I also donate 5% of sales to the Lyme Disease Association. If you’d like to contribute to this worthy cause, here’s the link: https://www.lymedisease.org

    Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you're a fellow jewelry lover or just curious about the process, I'm thrilled to share this passion with you. In every sand dollar, in every piece of electroformed jewelry, is a story waiting to be shared.

    With love and gratitude,
    Alita