About the Founder, Chaya

I am originally from New Hampshire and took my first metalsmithing class in high school.  I decided to pursue a degree in Metalsmithing & Jewelry at Maine College of Art, graduating in 1999 with a B.F.A.  Over the next 8 months I spent my free time in the studio creating custom pieces.  Thus, a business was born.

Between 2000 and 2008, I worked under the tutelage of 3 different goldsmiths, spent 2 1/2 years studying business at USM and took many trade workshops.  Gradually, my goldsmithing and business skills improved as well as my personal portfolio.

In 2006, I launched this website.  In 2008, I developed my first line of sterling jewelry and began selling my work at local craft shows. By the end of 2008, the business had grown enough that I was able to focus full-time!

My studio and showroom are currently located in South Portland, Maine and I am grateful to have a team of talented people (and two cats!) that help me with different facets of the business so I can focus more on my craft.

Are you going to be in town?  Please contact me to shcedule a private viewing of my collections, receive a free consultation for custom jewelry and get a tour of the studio where the work is created!

Whether you are local or not, I work very closely with my clients to be sure you receive the best customer service and the best product. Please explore my site to learn more about my custom work and to shop my collections.

You may also contact me personally to answer any questions at info@chayastudio.com or call 207-221-6552.

About Chaya’s Work

Despite the chaotic and busy world around us, I believe there is a constant source of peace and calm within us all.  I enjoy the challenge of creating jewelry that is beautiful, well crafted, and evokes an experience of tranquility for both the wearer and the beholder.

My designs are nature-inspired and comfortable enough for daily wear.  A mindful aesthetic and process is at the heart of my work, guided by eastern principles and a desire to speak to the soul in each of us.

I create my work using a variety of traditional and modern jewelry techniques such as soldering, piercing, forging, casting, cutting, carving and CAD/CAM.  I predominantly work in sheet metal in layers, creating designs that combine intricate details, depth, texture and occasionally some color.

I find a beautiful sense of contentment when I am creating in my studio. I feel so blessed that I have found a way to do it everyday and share my work with others. My mission in life is to make a difference in this world. I intend to contribute in some way, everyday, until my time in this physical body is over. I am in love with art and I hope to spread this joy and love for the arts to people everywhere.

When I create work, I come from a variety of inner places depending on many different factors. However, I am always consistent with my intentions to design and create high quality, distinct work that someone will own with pride.

About Ethically Sourced Materials

In 2009, I started to make my jewelry exclusively with Harmony Metals – 100% recycled precious metals (the exception to this rule are some commercial chains and findings that are not yet available).

How are they recycled? It is similar to recycled paper.  Instead of cutting down trees to make paper, companies are using old paper to make new.  With metal, refineries take in scrap and produce new, clean precious metals.  Thus, I am able to buy my artistic media without contributing to the mining industry.

In addition, it has become easier to trace the sources of my colored stones and diamonds and support gemstone companies that provide good jobs for their workers.

When I made the commitment to being socially and ecologically responsible in my business practices, I did not stop at my jewelry.  All of my packaging and print materials are recycled and/or recyclable media.

I am now able to provide beautiful, distinctive and responsible indulgences with a greater goal – to create sustainable change worldwide.

I hope you enjoy the website and my Jewelry Gallery. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. I would love to hear from you. Always smile and live happily, life is too short for anything else.

Regards,

Chaya Caron

Founder, Chaya Studio