About Mark James
Mark James is a self-taught jewelry artist, designer, and lapidary who founded Mark James Designs in 1993. For more than three decades, he has built his work around one 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, Mark creates one-of-a-kind jewelry using turquoise, gemstones, fossils, heirloom materials, and meaningful trophies from his clients’ own hunts. Every piece begins with a conversation. From there, Mark designs around the natural shape and character of the material, allowing each claw, ivory, stone, tooth, or heirloom element to influence the finished design.
Clients work with Mark James Designs from across the country. Consultations are handled personally, trophies are documented upon arrival, and completed work is returned fully insured.
Mark’s style has developed over decades at the bench and is best described as organic architecture—layered forms, texture, movement, negative space, mixed metals, and details that feel intentional without looking manufactured. Rather than forcing a meaningful object into a standard mounting, Mark builds the jewelry around it.
That approach is especially important in his 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. Mark’s job is to preserve that story in a form that can be worn, enjoyed, and eventually passed on.
The same philosophy applies to every commission. Whether the finished piece is understated sterling silver or a substantial custom design in high-karat gold, the goal is never simply to make something expensive. The goal is to create something personal, well-built, and worthy of what it represents.
Mark works directly with his clients from the initial idea through the finished piece. There is no sales department between the customer and the person making the jewelry. 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, Mark still approaches the work the same way he always has: 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.