My Story & Philosophy
I am a self-taught jewelry artist, designer, and lapidary, and I founded Mark James Designs in 1993. For more than three decades, I have built my work around one simple principle: meaningful jewelry should be designed around the person, the story, and the material—not pulled from a catalog and made to fit.
Working primarily in sterling silver and 14k, 18k, and 22k gold, I create one-of-a-kind jewelry using turquoise, gemstones, fossils, heirloom materials, and meaningful trophies from my clients’ own hunts. Every piece begins with a conversation directly with me. From there, I design around the natural shape and character of the material, allowing each claw, ivory, tooth, or heirloom element to influence the finished design.
I work with custom jewelry clients from across the country. Your consultations are handled personally by me, your trophies are safely documented upon arrival, and your completed work is returned fully insured.
My style has developed over decades at the bench and is best described as organic architecture—layered forms, texture, movement, and details that feel intentional without looking manufactured. Rather than forcing a meaningful object into a standard mounting, I build the jewelry around it.
That approach is especially important in my trophy and heirloom work. A bear claw from a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, an elk ivory carried home years ago, or a family piece handed down through generations represents far more than raw material. It carries a memory. My job is to preserve that story in a form that can be worn, enjoyed, and eventually passed on.
When you commission a piece, my goal is never simply to make something expensive. Whether it is understated sterling silver or a substantial custom design in high-karat gold, the goal is to create something personal, well-built, and worthy of what it represents.
You will work directly with me from the initial idea through the finished piece. There is no sales department or middleman between you and the artisan. That personal relationship allows the design to evolve through conversation, sketches, material choices, and decades of hands-on experience at the bench.
Discretion is also an important part of Mark James Designs. Over the years, Mark has created jewelry for clients from many walks of life, including high-profile individuals, but believes a client’s story belongs to the client. Unless permission is given to share a piece or its history, that relationship remains private.
After more than 30 years, I still approach the work the same way I always have: one piece at a time, with respect for the material, respect for the client, and the belief that the best jewelry should mean something long after the day it was made.
Every piece begins with a conversation.
Have a project in mind? Tell me a little about what you’d like to create, and I’ll personally get back to you to discuss the possibilities.