Artist Statement

I form sterling silver and gemstones into one-of-a-kind treasures.

Hi! My name is Taryn and I am the creator behind Greeneyedtaj Jewelry, a line of sterling silver jewelry fabricated by hand using traditional silversmithing techniques.

Despite a childhood full of drawing, writing poetry, and collecting shells and stones, I initially took a different path in life. I got degrees in science and engineering and then embarked on a challenging and successful career in research and analysis. But when my family moved to Georgia, I put that career on hold to focus on my children and, serendipitously, to pursue my passion instead. Learning to metalsmith after years of collecting stones and dreaming designs was like parting the clouds and feeling the sun on my face.

Each piece starts as silver sheet and wire. I design, saw, file, sand, solder, set stones, and finish my pieces by hand. I personally curate my collection of stones that are rare or of an uncommon presentation. This includes both precious and semi-precious stones as well as a wide variety of turquoise from the US and around the world. Quality is extremely important to me and I continually seek out lapidary artists who artfully handcraft each stone in order to be showcased. 

I am attracted to bold shapes, precision, and the details that make a piece a treasure. Occasionally, I take one of my original sketches and hand-pierce it in silver to add a unique feature. Over time my work has evolved from a demonstration of what I can do to my own personal style, full of angles, balance, and flow. My design aesthetic is clean and uncluttered, with a pinch of modern and a dash of deco. Pretty but not delicate, my creations are meant to be worn, enjoyed, and passed on to loved ones for years to come.