The master jeweller and metalsmith based in Massachusetts in the USA shares why responsible sourcing, personal style, and material mastery should define the future of luxury.
YLA: Your work is celebrated for its precision, originality, and respect for materials. What shaped your philosophy around sustainable craftsmanship?
Chris: Thank you for noticing! For me, this has always been an easy path. It comes from how I grew up — always outside, paying attention to the land and the seasons. That shaped my belief in using materials responsibly and understanding stewardship.
I’ve always felt the Earth is a shared place, and its resources are finite. As we see materials dwindle and the climate shift around us, that becomes impossible to ignore. Even the smallest choices in my tiny corner of the world have a global impact.
YLA: How do you define luxury today?
Chris: I see luxury as anything that rises above everyday life — a special meal, a beautiful garment, a piece of jewellery. It’s the experience of something extraordinary. But when you choose that experience or make that purchase, it’s worth asking, “Does this company align with my values?” For me, that alignment is part of luxury.
I also avoid fads and trends; if everyone has something, I usually want it less. Luxury should feel personal, meaningful, and rooted in principles rather than popularity.
YLA: You are known for transforming extraordinary materials – from meteorite to Damascus steel – into wearable art. What draws you to them?
Chris: The challenge. If it’s not difficult, it’s not worth doing. Working with meteorite, Damascus steel, or materials we make ourselves pushes my skills and keeps me inspired. These metals aren’t commonplace, and creating jewellery from metal we’ve made from scratch is certainly not typical. The story they carry is the easy part: these materials already have lore. My job is to shape them, hold them up to the light, and let people see their inherent magic.
YLA: From sourcing to studio practice, how do you ensure your jewellery leaves a lighter footprint while maintaining craftsmanship and quality?
Chris: Sustainable practice comes down to a simple mantra: refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle — except for tools, because good tools are impossible to refuse! That mindset made many decisions easy, like powering our studio with solar.
The jewellery industry hasn’t historically been clean, so there’s plenty to improve. Whether it’s choosing better chemicals, repairing rather than replacing, or working with suppliers who share our values, it all matters. You can’t partner with a polluting company and claim to be a steward of the environment.
YLA: As a designer known for innovation and integrity, what message do you hope to pass on to aspiring jewellers today?
Chris: Innovate — work in your own style, or with antique tools, or ancient materials. And share your story. I didn’t always think mine mattered, but if people connect with it, that’s a sign you’re on the right path. Above all, focus on quality. Always do your best work, and always aim to be better — as a maker and as a caretaker of the world around you.
