Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham's career as a jeweler began when she made a simple line drawing of a bracelet for her sister as a Christmas present. Knowing nothing about how to make it herself, she took the design to a local jeweler and asked him if he could create it. He was so impressed with her potential that he not only agreed to have it made but offered to give her lessons, too. By the time that fateful Christmas arrived, the sister found a very special bracelet under the tree and Sarah, although she didn't quite know it then, had found her life's work.

After some basic instruction with the local jeweler, Sarah sought an apprenticeship with Ronald Hentges, a German-trained master jeweler in Carmel, California, who could teach her Old World craftsmanship. Hentges told her to come back in a year. If she was still serious about learning then, he said, she could have the position. Sarah used that time to resume her other passion, travel, with her husband Michael. With several trips in those months added to her previous travels, Sarah found that she had visited fine jewelers in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and India. It taught her a lot about style and technique.

Returning to Hentges as a highly motivated student, Sarah received a very thorough traditional jewelry-making education that tolerated no shortcuts. Only after two years of apprenticeship did she begin to experiment with her own designs and seriously consider a career as a designer.

But first came several years as a bench jeweler for three of the finest jewelry makers in Portland, Oregon, a city she moved to in 1997. Her intention was to use the experience gained in those positions as a jumping off point for her own company and she learned far more than she originally expected. Her time in retail gave her insights into that side of the business -- what customers want, what retailers need and, most importantly, what sells. It gave her valuable practical experience that augmented the BA degree in international business that she received from the University of San Diego.

Today, she uses all those aspects -- the Old World jewelry-making education, insights gained from her travels, and her experience and education in the business aspects of jewelry -- to create strikingly beautiful jewelry for her own company, Sarah Graham Metalsmithing. She uses combinations of stunningly contrasting materials such as 18k yellow and white gold, blackened steel, black, cognac and white diamonds, diamond beads, and Tahitian pearls to make pieces that appeal to collectors with a discerning eye and casual buyers alike.

Those who appreciate truly unique contemporary designs made to the highest Old World standards find what they desire in the work of Sarah Graham, a true master of her craft.

Kim Basinger wears Sarah Graham jewelry featured at Spirits In Stone to the premiere of her new hit movie Cellular! The international contemporary jewelry artisan, Sarah Graham, discovered by savvy celebrities such as Kim Basinger when they're looking for that truly unique jewelry item.

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