The Old Way

CRAFTSMANSHIP ABOVE ALL ELSE

Ancient Echoes

What does it meant to be handmade in our current era of technology and production lines? For Loren, it means to work slowly, without the use of electricity, without the aids of modern technology, using her hands to shape the metal.

Each piece begins as pure 24k yellow gold. Adding fine silver and copper, she marry's gold into her iconic 22k gold alloy.

“ I see myself as a custodian for ancient jewelry making techniques. While innovation is important, it is equally important to preserve the knowledge we already have so it will not be lost to time.”

- Loren N. Teetelli

Loren takes pride in the millennia steeped history of jewelry making at the core of her creations. It allows her to offer an experience of truly handmade, of legacy, in a time when this method for jewelry making and knowledge is disappearing.

Our Process

Granulation

A look inside our process. Granulation is an ancient art form originating more than 5000 years ago. Loren modernizes granulation, treating the microspheres of gold as texture, to create silk surfaces on clean modern forms.

Ethics

Fairmined

Loren Nicole is a certified Fairmined gold jewelry collection.

Fairmined supports artisanal miners around the world. This organization enforces strict standards for mining practices, focused on ethical and sustainable methods for both the health of them miners and the environment.

Most designs are available in Fairmined gold, please inquire.

 

Our Gems

Loren often knows where her gemstones are sourced, frequently sourcing from artisanal and small scale mining operations. This means the environmental impact of mining is significantly reduced, since most gems are mined by hand.

Loren’s standards for quality and ethics, led her to work with several gem dealers all based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a town prized for their lapidary skills. Loren is able to work closely with these master artisans to bring her designs to life.

 

California Green Business

Loren Nicole is a certified California Green Business. We are doing our part to utilize sustainable practices in our workshop and making responsible choices for our community and local environment.

Handmade Chain 

Link By Link

CHAIN

Handmade chain is a passion for Loren. Our chains are the same that have been made for over 4000 years and are represented in the galleries of world renowned museums. It is a labor intensive process to individually make and weave thousands of links, but nothing compares to a handwoven chain once you have felt the weight and experienced the structure soften with wear.

Shown  Cable Mini Link Chain

Art of Granulation

Silken Textures

Granulation 

We are honored to carry on this technique that is believed to have originated in Sumer 5000 years ago. It is a delicate dance of finding the perfect temperature + just the right amount of time = a bond. The difficulty of mastering this technique has caused it to become scarcely practiced today. When mastered, it becomes a beautiful element to subtly decorate the surface. Our challenge is to reimagine this ancient technique, to make its application relevant in today’s aesthetic.

Shown Golden Button

Signet Rings

BOLD DESIGNS

Hollow Forms

Our roman signet rings are a hollow form raised from a flat sheet of 22k yellow gold, fitted to perfectly house a one-of-a-kind gemstone. Once the general shape is roughed out, Loren uses her antique Roman hammer (pictured) to apply a rough natural finish, reminiscent of the patina of time. Though the same steps are followed, each ring is a unique project, all with their own challenges.

If you would like to order a custom signet ring please email concierge@loren-nicole.com

Shown Green Tourmaline Roman Signet

Art of Chasing + Repousse

REVEALED FROM THE METAL

Chasing and Repousse

Chasing and repousse is the most expressive and the newest technique we have been incorporating into our designs. It is a form of metalworking that has a long history throughout ancient times, but truly found a home in the Florentine region of Italy, where it is practiced by master artisans today. It involves working a sheet of metal from both sides, using a hammer and handmade tools to push forward or raise the design from behind and then shape and refine the details on the front or exterior surface.

Shown Horus Will Be King

Kumihimo

Braided ropes

Kumihimo

An ancient Japanese art form of braided silk cords. We add handmade gold beads and gems to create gorgeous cords. These pieces have beautiful movement and drape like fabric.

Shown Bead Rope Bracelet

The Studio

Open by Appointment

Made by one person, with hand crafted tools, the jewels of Loren Nicole can be seen by private appointment at her Southern California studio.

LEARN MORE