Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham believes that when we are exposed to art, we become less satisfied with what everyone else has and more drawn to what is unique. She finds this phenomenon to be true not just of paintings and sculptures but also of home decor and especially jewelry.

“Once you see or wear something truly different, the same old just does not cut it,” Graham says. “A big diamond is beautiful, but when you add a bit of design, contrast, texture and uniqueness, people stop you on the street to comment on your jewelry.”

From a unique creative process that blends old-world techniques with cutting-edge technology to a distinctive, organic aesthetic that has become her signature, Graham creates exciting and elegant jewelry that subtly commands attention while simultaneously displaying a woman’s self-confidence in taste and style.

As if the textural tales of her designs — a result of the inspiration she draws from the natural world — were not enough of an eye-catching element, her jewelry also boasts a matte black finish of oxidized cobalt chrome that is juxtaposed with 18-karat yellow, rose and white gold, set with colored diamonds.

“The very act of choosing and wearing my jewelry shows that you, too, are an artist,” Graham says. “You have an eye for the unique and the confidence to stray from what everyone else is doing. My collectors often say to me, ‘I wish that I was creative like you.’ I point out that they are creative, or they would not be wearing my jewelry.”

The designer and metalsmith adds that jewelry is not about showing off your wealth; it is about showing off your true self.

“My relationship with my collectors is a collaboration of artists who notice, appreciate and spend their money on the beautiful little details in life,” she says.

Changing Directions
Growing up, Graham was immersed in a vibrant world of creativity, as her mother was a highly skilled craft artist. Surrounded by colorful tapestries and exquisite objects, her artistic desires were nurtured from an early age.

“I always collected beads and made simple jewelry as a kid, but never considered it could be a career,” says Graham, who initially pursued a practical path, earning a bachelor’s degree in international business and working in the corporate world for some time.

Upon creating a bracelet as a heartfelt gift for her sister, Graham sought out a skilled jeweler to bring her design to life. This led to a job at a pawnbroker’s shop in Southern California, where she was exposed to jewelry of all different styles as well as the in-house bench jeweler — alongside whom she used one of her days off to work.

Captivated by the harmonious blend of nature and fashion in the jewelry-making process, Graham then made a bold decision to pursue a career in jewelry design.

“I was fascinated simply by the process of making something out of nothing and decided I wanted to be able to do that myself,” she says.

Graham embarked on a transformative journey, spending two years traveling the world and drawing inspiration from the diverse jewelry collections showcased in museums, galleries and stores.

She then diligently honed her skills through a two-year apprenticeship under a master goldsmith, which she says gave her a very strong foundation in all the techniques for jewelry creation. With unwavering determination, she immersed herself in learning every facet of the craft, undeterred by the challenges of earning a living as an artist.

Following a full-time position as a bench jeweler, Graham started her own business in 2000 — and she remains amazed that she “can make something from nothing.”

“As I have aged, my appreciation for all of the sparkle and bling has increased,” the jewelry designer says. “But it started as just a love of creation, and that is still what brings me the most joy. I will add that the materials used to create jewelry bring an extra level of joy. Gold, in particular, is just so lovely, soft, malleable and beautiful that you cannot help but be happy when working with it.”

Melding Techniques
Graham’s jewelry-making process includes just about every technique available, and she often incorporates several techniques on the same item.

“I use Old World processes, like wax carving and hand-fabricating metal, and the latest technology, like CAD and 3D printing, and everything in between,” she says. “For example, I may design a piece in CAD, print the wax, add the texture and detail by hand, then make rubber molds and cast in gold.”

The result is jewelry that is organic and textural, with a muted palate that is subtly feminine yet substantial; unique, yet universal in its appeal.

“My aesthetic has historically been based on inspiration from nature,” Graham says. “For many of my designs, I have cast directly from found items, like decayed wood and jacaranda pods.”

The artist has recently strayed somewhat from the subject and instead found inspiration in architecture and vintage designs.

“But the two consistent design themes that have existed in all of my collections since I started 25 years ago are the application of rich texture and the incorporation of cobalt chrome, which I oxidize to a deep, matte black finish,” she says. “The contrast is what makes my jewelry recognizable. And no one else uses it the way I do.”

Graham’s pieces — which span more than two dozen collections — are currently carried at galleries in more than 20 states across the U.S. In Arizona, they are exclusively available at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree. Among the collections carried is Confluence, which is named for the coming together of friends, ideas and inspiration.

“When my friend and fellow jeweler Tamar Collins needed a jewelry bench built, she asked my husband, a woodworker, to build it for her,” Graham says. “Unbeknownst to me, in return he asked her to design a piece of jewelry for me. When the bench was finished, I was very surprised to be presented with the most gorgeous, handmade 22-karat gold necklace.

“She had made each piece by dripping molten gold into water to achieve a multi-dimensional cup shape — like a moment frozen in time. The design was just too great not to share; so together we worked on the design to come up with our Confluence collection, reproducible in 18-karat gold and cobalt chrome. Each beautiful cup holds a pearl or diamond in the most precious way, and always reminds me of how lucky I am to have such talented and generous friends.”

Grace Renee Gallery also stocks Graham’s Chroma collection, which boasts brilliant diamonds in simple gold bezels surrounded by a cobalt chrome skirt.

“It has a very classic feel while still being very unique,” the designer says.

Designing Happiness
This month, Grace Renee Gallery will host a special event during which guests will be guided on a journey through the timeless elegance and organic wonder of Graham’s jewelry. On March 8 and 9, attendees can meet the acclaimed artist, explore her captivating collections and find the perfect new statement piece.

“I simply want my collectors to feel happy and beautiful,” Graham says. “And if they have an achievement or person or event they are celebrating by purchasing my jewelry, I hope it serves as a lasting reminder of that. I strive to make the process enjoyable. I always say, ‘Jewelry has no purpose other than to make you happy. So if you aren’t having fun, then it isn’t doing its job.’”

Other things that make Graham happy are her hobbies — reading, skiing and traveling — and participating in charitable causes. Each year, she raises funds for Namaste Direct, a nonprofit organization that makes microloans to women entrepreneurs in Central America, by holding an all-day jewelry demonstration and luncheon for supporters.

“If I were to take up another creative hobby that involved making things, it would be ceramics,” Graham adds. “I love clay and pottery! Mine would be very textured and would definitely somehow incorporate a lot of gold!”

Sarah Graham Jewelry
March 8 and 9 // 10 a.m.–5 p.m. // Grace Renee Gallery // Historic Spanish Village // 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree // 480-575-8080 // gracereneegallery.com