About Us

Brightsmith®, a one-woman jewelry studio based in Austin, Texas since 2008, offers handcrafted pieces made from regionally-sourced and eco-friendly reclaimed metals. Our hope is to create simple, stylish pieces for effortless everyday wear. Each item purchased will be made to order just for you, and will arrive nicely gift-boxed and presentation ready.

Questions? We welcome your email.

ABOUT THE ARTIST When I was very young, my grandmother would keep me busy while she sewed by giving me beads and buttons from her old sweaters. She taught me how to string these colorful and fascinating shapes together to create bracelets and other adornments. These were my earliest experiences with jewelry making.

As I grew older, my love of craft took a back seat, though I was lucky to have had the opportunity to study the essentials of gem cutting and faceting from the late Glenn and Martha Vargas at the University of Texas. I hoped to one day develop my craft to include smithing, but it wasn't until a decade later that I first picked up a torch.


After earning a law degree, I began working as a legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Since most of my working hours were spent speaking with clients over the phone, my hands were free most of the day; in order to keep my hands busy and my mind calm while counseling clients in crisis, I began making jewelry at my desk. Crafting became an important antidote to the high stress level of my day job.

Soon, I had so many finished pieces that I didn't know what to do with them all! I began donating jewelry collections for silent auctions raising funds for domestic violence nonprofits, and started selling smaller pieces on Etsy to subsidize more and more elaborate pieces for donation. I also began to invest in basic smithing tools.

In 2015, my little jewelry business became my primary occupation. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a self-sustaining outlet for my creative endeavors, but most of all, I'm honored to have had the opportunity to create so many meaningful pieces for so many people over the years.

I approach my business with the same community-first ethos as I do in my career as an advocate. My metals are sourced from suppliers who use recycled metals, and I've made it a point, when possible, to meet with in person and visit the premises of the vendors with whom I do business to ensure fair labor practices. Since 2008, my jewelry sales have enabled me to raise thousands of dollars in donations for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls.

Thanks for visiting!

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