Ellen Moran | Tiny Baubles

 

My first memories of jewelry design were the clover blossom necklaces my older sister taught me to make when I was not yet four. With a scientist father and an artist mother, I was always a keen observer of the natural world, and grew up drawing and painting in a very detailed, illustrative style. While in college, preparing for a future career in medical illustration, I took a detour and ended up in dental school. There I melted down the gold teeth I made for my practice mannequin and turned them into jewelry. After 15 years of practicing dentistry, and frustrated by patients not letting me be “too” creative in their mouths, I hung up my drill and started Tiny Baubles: What a princess wears on her day off.

I find my inspiration in treasures from the earth and sea’s unusual gemstones and pearls that are a departure from the basic diamonds, rubies and sapphires that are found in every jewelry store in town. Growing up in the South and a love of flower gardening influence my feminine, delicate styles which often evoke a floral garland. These are everyday pieces that can dress up jeans or even the cutest little black cocktail dress.