Everyday Earrings: The Simple (or maybe not so simple) Stud Earring

My absolute favorite form of jewelry is the stud earring. So straight forward. So simple. Perfect for everyday wear. 

What I am not so fond of is "same old, same old". Which is why I love making asymmetric studs. 

Mix and Match Sterling Silver Studs from the Orbital Collection

Not only do these studs allow for mixing and matching, they also add just a touch of rebellion. Creating a look that is truly unique.

Sterling studs from the Fractured Collection.

 Making that look eco friendly by utilizing scrap materials? Even better!

Eco-friendly studs created with sterling silver scrap. From the Remnant Collection

Sometimes the studs drive the collection as with the Remnant studs above, and sometimes the collection inspires the studs, like with these studs from the Seaside Collection. 

Sterling silver and Aventurine studs from the Seaside Collection.

No matter the influence, these earrings move away from the ordinary and into something a little special. 

Thanks for reading! 

Endless Summer Sale

Summer is winding down and school is back in session. I've had plenty of time at the bench creating new work which makes it the perfect time for a sale!

Promotion not valid on custom orders or past purchases. Discount only available in the Erin Austin Etsy shop.

Go ahead, take one last camping trip, make time to soak up some sun at the beach, and treat yourself to something special from me to you!

Thanks for reading!

Something Nostalgic: The Delicate Nature of Eyelet Lace Updated in Sterling Silver Jewelry

A lot of my work in college dealt with childhood memories and the strange microcosm of the nuclear family. I'm pretty sure everyone in my sculpture class thought I came from the weirdest family ever as I unveiled "The Tickle Bug", "Skin The Bunny", and "You've Got A Tail".

As much as those family sayings, or Roller Racers, The Goonies, Garbage Pail Kids, Rainbow Brite, Popples, Pound Puppies, or Punky Brewster take me back, nothing screams childhood to me like eyelet lace. I'm pretty sure that 90% of my dresses had sleeves that were trimmed with it and somewhere out there is a Cabbage Patch Kid with sleeves to match (thanks mom). 

As I began to focus on metalsmithing I left the more abstract concepts from my childhood behind and focused in on something that was always tangible, the repeating eyelets that provided welcome distraction during adult conversations as I counted the clusters and marveled over the way they lined up, just so, at the seems. 

As I continue to create pieces for the Eyelet Lace Collection I waver between the delicate airy nature of open eyelets like those pictured here and the more sturdy and chunky nature of pieces that are backed with silver sheet. I can't help but wonder if it's the continued struggle of a 7 year old girl in a dress trimmed with eyelet lace that desperately wants to be outside hunting lizards. 

Thanks for reading!