Bubba the Lover & Misty the Piggy

My sister-in-law Gabby is a dog lover, who also works as a groomer and is active in volunteer work at animal shelters. It doesn’t surprise me that her close friends are like minds, who also have precious fur babies. Two of them recently lost their companions, and she commissioned me to make two memorial necklaces for them.

Although I have never had a dog, losing my cat a few years ago was one of the most difficult things I had to go through. And as painful as it was, it is the price I’d gladly pay again and again to have that amazing connection only pet owners would understand.

Meet Bubba the Lover

Gabby and her friend Brooke volunteered at an animal shelter in Fresno. One of the volunteers there said they had to see this new dog they got in! His barbaric first owners cut his ears off because they used him for dog fights. He was in a kennel and laying down towards the back, scared and very cautious. Gabby and Brooke were a bit nervous to go inside at first but something told them they should. When they finally got the courage to get closer, he completely melted their hearts. He “viciously attacked” them with hugs and kisses and even brought them a toy. It was love at first sight with Bubba! In fact, they loved him so much they snuck him into their apartment plenty of times for sleepovers. Bubba was a major cuddler! When Brooke graduated, she couldn't leave Bubba behind, so she adopted him and the rest was history. Brooke knew he had some health problems to begin with, but that didn't stop her from giving him a loving home for the rest of his life.
Saying goodbye was tough, but both Brooke and Gabby were happy that Bubba got the love he most definitely deserved. He might not have pointy ears, but he had a humongous heart and even bigger smile that had brought everyone who met him so much love and joy.

Materials: Sterling silver, peridot, Bubba’s remains, resin, green powder pigment

Meet Misty the Piggy

Misty was found on the street by Calista on August 3, 2009, exactly 2 years ago from today. She was wandering around the streets completely malnourished. Misty looked just like her brother's dog, Kona, and she immediately felt a strong connection. When they got home she realized that she now had 2 of the same dog! No one came looking for Misty after that, so Calista took her in as her own. She was very happy to have found such a sweet baby. She gave her a comfortable home with lots of love and nutritional food. She was as happy as she was fierce. Calista said, "I would call her piggy because she would constantly let out these loud snorts for tons of random things and it was the cutest thing ever!" Gotta love a dog with a silly personality!

Materials: Sterling silver, peridot

Both Bubba and Misty had beautiful green eyes and therefore I have chosen to incorporate peridot into the design, to remind Brooke and Calista that even when they have crossed the rainbow bridge, the love they have left behind will forever be sparkling.

For memorial jewelry inquiries, please email me at hello@chloeography.com

Triple Threat Heirloom Birthstones Ring

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a jewelry artist is the opportunity of creating something to celebrate the deep and meaningful relationships my clients have with their loved ones.⁠

This "grandma ring" is custom made for my most supportive and loyal collector, Jane, to depict just how much joy her three grandchildren have given her. ⁠

Quartz for Ayden the April baby, garnet for Jordyne the January baby and Citrine for Iyla the November baby.⁠ From now on, every time when she wears this piece, I hope the sparkles remind her of the precious time she has spent with them and all the giggles and laughters they shared.

Jane told me that, and I quote, “The cool thing is that I can pass it on (in the future) to Lynzee (her daughter) and she can wear it as a Mother's ring.” And that warms my heart.

Although I am pretty sure the grandkids are no longer actually babies any more, but to a grandparent's loving and smiling eyes, they will always be loved like they are.⁠ Hence, the triple threat of happiness overload! Cheers!

Interested in a custom heirloom piece? Feel free to message me. 💌

Triskelion Symbol and Extract of Tao Te Ching

There is no more of an honor than being told that somebody would like to wear my creation every single day for the rest of his life, especially when that somebody himself is truly one hell of an artist. It is my pleasure to share with you what the legendary Sam Koji Hale had me make! In fact, let me just share the concept behind this piece in his own words.

“I can’t be happier with the ring Chloe made for me! She was very receptive to working my two concepts into the ring design - use of the Irish treskelion symbol (it’s three spiral arms connecting in the center) and concepts from the Tao Te Ching. I really wanted the ring to represent the longevity of love and the changing nature of romance. The treskelion comes from designs I saw in Irish burial tombs, which I took to symbolize life, death and rebirth - CHANGE! And the Tao Te Ching is all about growth through harmony and change with the universe. It represents an openness to growth and ability to adjust to the unexpected that comes along the path of life. Chloe was great in helping me pick some wonderful lines from the ancient Chinese texts for the inscription inside the ring. Now I wear a great wedding/anniversary band that speaks to the continual evolution that a couple goes through from their twenties through later years of their relationship - from the intense fire of young love to the constancy and warmth of matured love. It’s a wonderful gift and reminder wearing this ring!”

What beautiful thoughts on love and growth indeed. So beautiful that I felt like I might as be shooting a romance film when I was making this ring! From listening to their love story to digging into the carefully selected, relatable extract of Tao Te Ching, to figuring out the aesthetics and technical approach to the piece, I was showered by the loving energy all around me and I cannot be more satisfied with the outcome.

I believe that any lasting love story evolves with changes, and that shouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Changes are inevitable and necessary. Embracing change is somewhat like understanding and appreciating what fire can do for us. Passion has a mesmerizing quality when it’s roaring to a point that it’s almost dangerous and destructive. But unless we want to also die from that gorgeous and out of control flame, we need to be willing to look again. Then and only then, we will be able to experience the gentle, warm, and nurturing side of it.

The translation of what we picked from Tao Te Ching is something like this…

“大方無隅 , 大象無形 , 夫唯道，善貸且成
The law of nature is extraordinary, shapeless and formless. In order to become one with it, we must utilize all power, and you are on the way to THE WAY.”

It taught us how to morph with changes and use it to our advantage in life! If this isn’t motto-worthy, I don’t know what it.

Once again it is an absolute honor to be asked to create this piece and I hope that it leaves you a little bite of delicious food for thought.
For custom inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out!

We’re all just walking each other home

I am not a religious person.

Although I did go to a Christian elementary school and sing hymns in morning assembles and before lunch, I never felt connected to the belief. Then somehow, as a teenager I very briefly identified myself as a Christian after attending a summer camp, where I was moved to the core by a priest’s personal story. I went to church after that, but within a month or two I was tired of the people. I found them hypocritical. Boys went there to meet girls, girls went there to gossip. None of them were there to understand and strengthen their faith, but they all acted like they were better than you. So I left and that was that. Perhaps because of my adolescent experience, I used to stereotype religious people. I thought they were either boring, pretentious, self-righteous, judgmental… or all of the above. Terrible assumption, I know. But probably because I was younger and dumber and was definitely the one who was boring, pretentious, self-righteous, judgmental… and possibly more.
Some years later, by chance, I worked at a cemetery for two years and almost all of my coworkers were Catholics. They have, by being themselves, changed my narrow view on religious people. They were nothing like how I remembered them to be. Instead, they were friendly, openminded, accepting, caring and really not boring at all. I am not trying to compare Christians to Catholics, I am merely trying to say that how religious a person appears to be, has nothing to do with how decent he or she actually is.

At some point I started reading about Buddhism, and I don’t agree with everything that’s in there either, especially not the pessimistic aspects of it. Yet, I found it closer to how I see the world. So I take what I need, treating it much more like a philosophy that I can relate to than actual rules to follow.
But I am not a scholar or a preacher. I am not here to copy and paste someone else’s research or to talk about which religion is real and which isn’t. I am here to share my views on how we connect to others in this life, on this Earth, at this very confused moment.

Also by chance, one of my extended family members, who is also my collector is religious. She commissioned me to make a sterling silver band ring for her. She didn’t give me any theme or restriction. It’s an artist’s dream project. It’s a make-whatever-you-please job. But I didn’t want to just make whatever I want (for it might end up being some clown that only amuses me). I wanted to create a piece that sparks joy for the both of us. I am stubborn like that, hey, mind you, I didn’t quit my steady 9-5 to do something that I don’t care for. So I asked her a bunch of questions. On top of the general aesthetics-related ones, I asked her personal ones. Real personal ones, like what was she healing from? Who’s her hero? What inspired her…etc. And from the conversation I learnt that her faith was her light and connection with different people was mine. Then I remembered at the beginning of this whole COVID disaster she and I had a brief conversation about how we were coping. I told her that it was quite saddening how I spent so long gathering all this courage to do my thing only to have all my plans trashed. She said, “We make plans and God laughs.” For some reason that really left a mark. Believe in God or not, isn’t that true? So much for planning and so much for our vision. They all boil down to how we manage our expectations. It’s a matter of our attitude. Therefore, to that statement, I ping-ponged back “Laugh with Him.”

We don’t have to share the same faith with another human being to understand how they feel. All it takes is a little bit of observation and a little bit of compassion. We are all so different in so many superficial ways, yet we’re all so similar on a fundamental level. Like the famous spiritual guru Baba Ram Dass said, “We’re all just walking each other home.”

Mama, You Are a Pretty Big Deal

Many close friends of mine have expressed over the years how jealous they are that I have such a cool mom. And I am not afraid of bragging about how true that is. Growing up she has always been fun to be around. She’s goofy, funny and crafty. She encouraged me to learn a lot of different things yet never forced me to stick with anything that I did not like. She’d respect my privacy and knock before she entered my room even when I was just the little didn’t-know-shit me. She’s always had a great sense of style, and strolling along boutiques and thrift stores in the busy streets of Hong Kong trying on cool outfits was one of the best adolescent memories of mine.
As an adult, we seem to sync to a whole other level. When we didn’t live with each other, we would randomly be cooking the same dish on the same night that neither of us was talking about beforehand. When we hang out, we either finish each other’s sentences or simultaneously say the same words at the same time, more often than we care to admit.

She isn’t big on celebrating holidays and following tradition. I am 100% sure that’s the reason why I always shop for friends on random days instead of remembering all of their birthdays particularly because I am my mother’s daughter.

But exactly because of that, I do sometimes feel like I may not be expressing my love and appreciation to her nearly enough. So let me take this strange pandemic Mother’s Day as an excuse, and make a little special something to remind her that she is, in fact, a pretty BIG deal in my life.

The beautiful carved face moonstone feels very much like her spirit: positive, peaceful and calm. It is bedazzled by a deep blue lapis lazuli and a rainbow opal. Hidden message stamped on the inside of a ring is my recent favorite thing. It’s like a personal wearable love letter with style!

Whether you believe in celebrating your loved ones on the traditional holidays or on your own chosen days, I hope that you cherish each and every time you get to do so. Make memories. Collect smiley faces.
Happy Mother’s Day to all one of a kind mama bears!

Bow & Arrow for Alex the Best Stay-Home Papa

In honor of the Father’s Day celebration, which is often just a little outshone by the Mother’s Day extravaganza, I would like to do a shout out to a stay-at-home father, Alex, and share my creation with you all.

Alex works at home, and he takes care of his daughter, Ellie’s everyday needs while his wife Robin also works hard to provide. At times, Robin does feel a bit disconnected with her adorable toddler girl. Noticing that, Alex thought it would be a great idea to have a custom matching jewelry piece made for the both of them, to remind her that she is in fact close to Ellie, and will always be.

What an incredibly sweet thought! I could not be happier to be part of this. After exchanging a bunch of emails, I learned more about the couple’s dynamic, hobbies, and aesthetic. Alex had specific things that he was looking for, yet was also very open to my style and suggestions on little details. And the final sketch came out looking like this.

I decided that instead of making the two pieces identical, they would actually be interactive! Robin’s piece would be the bow, and the arrow is for little Ellie (when she reaches the fine jewelry wearing age).

According to Alex, Robin and he are big video game and comic book nerds. I took different elements from all of Alex’s reference photos and designed the ideal fantasy weapon for them. After etching the bow drawing onto a piece of sterling silver, it was hand-pierced out and sweat soldered onto a piece of brass, then pierced again, creating a substantial weight and a pop of gold color accent. After that, a hardened round wire was soldered on as the bow string.

Since Robin and Ellie are both Sagittarius and they all enjoy astrology as a family, I chose blue topaz for the bling! To bring out the bright blue, I used a violet patina, which also gave it a fantasy weapon feel.

As for Ellie’s arrow, no etching was involved but just as much attention was spent—- The silver part of the arrow tip was beveled down on the edge first before it was connected onto the brass base. Little decorative dots were added with precise hammer blows. The tiny feather part was carefully cut into and engraved lines were added, then a very thin gauge wire was wrapped right next to it and soldered on at the end. I wanted to give the feathery look without making it too pointy so that it would be safe for Ellie to wear and to play with.

Like a toggle clasp, the bow and the arrow cling together and become one piece, but on their own, they stand beautifully as well. I particularly enjoy the symbolic play behind this. As a daughter myself, who fortunately has a wonderful relationship with my mom, I enjoy every moment I get to spend with her. We are codependent in the best ways, but at the same time, I believe that a mother and a daughter should also shine as bright individually. Although I have never met Alex or Robin in person, I believe that they would agree with me on that.

May all of the wonderful papas and mamas (ya why don’t we have a Parent’s Day already?) have fun celebrating parenthood today. Hats off to every single one of you!! We the spoiled brats love you all!!!

Mocha the Big Cat with Many Skills

To non animal lovers, a cat is a cat, it’s really just another cat. But to pet owners (the responsible ones, not those who treat them like a toy), that “another cat” is their best friend, their therapist, their light, their family member and much more, and they are absolutely special in their very own ways.
My friend Vivian lost her special one Mocha, and let me tell you a little bit about her.
Mocha was adopted in December 2005 when she was 3 years old. She was a Siamese with piercing blue eyes. She was a very vocal kitty and she could do tricks many thought only a dog could- she understood how to “sit” and how to “down”, she would roll over and even do high five, that was, of course, with a little yummy bribe. She was a mellow girl, very sweet and cuddly. But she also knew what she liked and did not like, because she was always able to find the tiny pieces of crushed calcium pill from her bowl, and delivered it to Vivian’s bedroom. “Here mom, you take your calcium crap.” How hilarious was that? Mocha was a chubby 18 lbs hugger, and her favorite snack was cricket.

To honor Mocha, the big cat with so much character, I’ve created a memorial bracelet made out of sterling silver, blue topaz, and a dash of Mocha’s ash.

Etching Mocha onto the metal piece was a challenge because she was dark in color on her face. The lack of contrast made it quite difficult to make her feature visible. A good amount of time was spent to fine tune the photo before I was confident that it would work. I was delighted to see the outcome after I worked on the patina finish after the piece was formed.

As requested, I have included Mocha’s name onto the back of the piece, and a dangling piece of blue topaz to remind Vivian of Mocha’s beautiful blue eyes. The most precious element, however, was undoubtedly incorporating Mocha’s ash into the piece. The blue gem looking piece on Mocha’s collar was made out of resin and her ash.

I have work with resin on metal quite a bit but since it was the first time I work with ash, I decided to still make a tester to make sure that it would cure as normal, and it did! It did not show very well in the picture but in person, Mocha’s white ash actually appeared to be sparkly! Combining that with a touch of light blue dry pastel into the resin, Mocha is now immortalized and transformed into a piece of heirloom jewelry.

This one of a kind bracelet will not replace Mocha’s voice, her many cool tricks or her warm hug, but I sincerely hope that it will at the very least bring Vivian some comfort, and remind her of the 13 years of joyful moments they have shared together. She will be missed.

Jeff the Skater Dad with Spiky Hair

Sometimes I consider myself a metalsmithing journalist, and a very blessed one.

Through mostly word of mouth over the years, I have been asked by different people to make memorial jewelry to honor their loved ones. I've come across a lot of stories, and created what I hope to be meaningful heirlooms that fulfill more than just aesthetic contentment. Each of the stories broke my heart a little, but then also regenerated it because through loss, we can look at what is left behind as our gains. 

A new friend of mine, Deaven, unfortunately lost her beloved dad, Jeff, about two and a half years ago. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Jeff, but here is how she remembers him,

"As a youngin my dad always supported me in anything I had my heart set on. I loved watching him skate around on his skateboard and show me all the different decks he had since he was a kid! He gave me my passion for riding and taught me everything I know. He allowed me to have the mindset of doing what I love no matter how tough it is to achieve, how frightening the fall might be, but just to keep pushing and never give up. Till this day anytime I grab my board to go out for a cruise I make sure to take one lap around the block on his beloved Pool Boy (skateboard) in his memory."

Although things got hostile as she grew older, as her parents were going through their divorce, her dad's influence on her values stayed closely with her. 

As Deaven requested, I made two minimalistic style rings with her dad's signature smiley face etched on them. One for her, and the other for her little sister. The small strokes on top of the eyes were apparently Jeff's spiky hair. How cute is that?

After forming the rings to the right size, I applied an even coat of black paint on the surface and carefully scraped off the spiky smileys. They were then immersed into the etching bath for an hour and a half. Cleaned and then darkened with patina, these happy faces are completed.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

–Helen Keller

Grieving to me is the most abstract and personal thing. It hits us in different forms, at different times, with absolutely no warning. One second we cry ourselves a river because we miss our loved one unbearably, then we want to smash every possession in the house, and then we smile because we thought of something fun we've experienced together. However Deaven and her sister are going to experience theirs, I hope these little smiley faces on their fingers will give them strength, courage, and unlimited good vibes. Just like what Jeff would say, "Keep pushing and never give up!" 

In Loving Memory of Bun Bun the Black Cat with a Chipped Ear

Meet Bun Bun

the mysterious black cat with a sweet and loving soul.

She came to my friend Petrina's life about 5 years ago. For all you animal-loving friends out there, it's not hard to understand how much fuller your life gets with the four-legged buddies rubbing their fluffy heads against yours. Unfortunately, also because of that, it is incredibly difficult when they leave you for good. However, pet owners wouldn't have it any other way, because it is worth it.

So she might have left the world physically, but spiritually Bun Bun sure is still tagging along. I am honored to have the opportunity to create two pieces for Petrina, reminding her that as brief as it was, Bun Bun had a great time leaving little paw prints all around her house, and ultimately, in her heart.

Piece #1: Sterling Silver Anklet

The first piece I made was a simple sterling silver anklet, outlining her elegant silhouette. Cats steal our hearts effortlessly with that. I've layered the metal on two of her legs and one of her ears, to give a sense of dimension to the piece. Some light forging was also added to create a non-laser-cut look.
Her name was stamped on and a dark patina was applied within the grooves.

Bun Bun is now walking with Petrina wherever she goes.

Piece #2: Sterling Silver & Copper Pendant with Fire Opal

The inspiration of the second piece came from this precious trick Bun Bun did. Apparently this talented little lady used to carry a basketball toy (among others) to Petrina in order to get attention. No, I did not make that up. Just watch the video! 

What a special kitty cat. To honor that, I've set a 10mm fire opal in a copper bezel cup for the basketball. For the unbearably adorable face, I used one of my favorite techniques- photo etching with PnP Blue. (Now obviously there are many variations of etching method, but if you're curious enough, Professor Arh's demonstration will give you a good idea.) Great details were transformed onto the sterling silver piece that I hand-pierced out afterwards.

I've also used a traditional technique called Repoussé to create a gentle suggestion of the facial structure. Then, another detail is also added to make her eyes more alive- I've pierced out her eyes from etch piece #1, (along with a little bit of surrounding areas for extra material I needed to form tiny curved bowls for the eyeballs) and soldered them from the back, onto the pierced etch piece #2. After all, eyes are the window to the soul they say. The extra miles are well deserved.

I couldn't be happier with how these two pieces came out, aesthetically and symbolically. I never had the pleasure of meeting Bun Bun in person, but through this project I really feel like she's become my buddy too. Hey buddy, the special place you have in your mama's heart is forever irreplaceable. I know that much.

If this post makes your heart sing, please feel free to share. And don't hesitate to send me a message if you are interested in immortalizing your beloved furry buddies.

Natalia the Soccer Player Graduating Daughter

Allyson was my coworker

when I used to work in the flower shop at a cemetery. When she found out through the almighty Facebook that I had another (not so secret) identity outside of work, she approached me with a custom request for her daughter Natalia as a graduation gift.

Not knowing exactly what kind of jewelry she wanted me to make, I asked her a bunch of random questions--- What's her daughter's fashion style like? What was she into other than soccer? Was she more of a ring person or a necklace person? Favorite colors... etc. When I could somewhat paint a picture of how Natalia was like, I tailored this piece just for her.

Combining her devotion to the soccer practices, her birthday (what's more memorable than the day of the precious baby's arrival?), and a little dreamcatcher detail as a surprise in the back, this sterling silver soccer ring hit the GOAL- the goal of putting a smile on faces (...which include the faces of the mom, the lucky baby girl, and apparently a few of her close friends). After all, the most important thing was that this loving soccer mom's desire of telling her daughter just how proud she was as her guardian, mentor, BFF and more.
Congratulation on Natalia's graduation! It sure deserved recognizing and celebrating!

Viking Wolf Band Ring with Personal Hidden Message

This Viking Wolf Ring

is created for a returning client, Chia.

Her husband Ian has Norwegian heritage and is a collector of all things Viking. After commissioning a piece of housewarming wall art I made for her home sweet home, she came back and asked if I could make a band ring for him. Rough, rustic, and slightly darkened with patina, the etched sterling silver wolf ring also serves as a messenger. An Algiz symbol of protection, along with a personal message are etched on the inside of the band. I have never met Ian, but I imagine that other than a very unique ring, this could also be a handy stress-relief device at work. Just slide it off for a second, breathe in, breathe out, and smile for having a caring, thoughtful and awesome wife.

A thought of that makes the maker smile too :) GAAAAAAAHHHHHH I looooove my job!!!

Statement Necklace Preserving Wisdom

My dear friend,

who also might as well be my #1 fan Cherry, enjoys the quirkiness of my work and took it to another level.

Knowing that I love working with mixed-media, she had me create the most one-of-a-kind reliquary for her own wisdom teeth, which are freakishly clean by the way. I drew an iconic silhouette of a tooth, freehanded on a piece of copper, did some texturing using the reticulation technic on a piece of fine silver, and just let my imagination flow with the material. This is the beauty of making something for a close friend, there is so much trust between us that the time I would have spent on digging out information in order to do a good job, is spent entirely on developing the piece.

She loves the final piece and wears it all the time. And I had so much fun making it, it was almost a spiritual experience. Cheers for preserving youth and wisdom, and a truly supportive friend!