Have you ever felt the transformative power of adornment? When you put on your favorite ring or necklace, you instantly feel more empowered, more embodied, and more like yourself? That feeling that what you wear can influence how you feel and how you move throughout the day.

Have you also lived life a little differently, and chosen to stray off the beaten path, even when it doesn’t always make sense to others? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

I’m Julie, the maker and designer behind Stray Jewelry. I was incredibly shy and introverted as a kid, and always felt I didn’t see life in quite the same way as everyone around me. As long as I can remember, I’ve found connection and comfort through working with my hands and creating. When I discovered metal smithing, I found not only could I use the creation process as a means of self-expression, but I could then wear my designs as a means of sharing who I was with the world without having to say a word. I’ve also always chosen to live my life a little outside the ‘norm’, but in a way that feels true and genuine to me. I find when I wear jewelry that makes me feel seen and properly expresses who I am, I feel more confident to embrace my inner knowing and live authentically. The right jewelry gives me the strength to be myself. I created Stray Jewelry so I could help others feel confident to step into their power, find their voice and expression, and embrace their unique path.

I fell in love with metal smithing the first day of art school. I was signed up to be a painting major, and after the first day of my metals class, I called my advisor and switched majors. I had found my medium. I work intuitively, combining techniques I learned in school with tricks I picked up working as a production assistant to jewelry designers in Portland, to create designs that feel simultaneously like ancient relics and futuristic talismans. I create texture and depth in my pieces using layers of wire, metal orbs, and high quality gemstones. Inspired by themes of magic, mystery, space and multi-dimensions, each piece is designed and crafted with empowerment in mind.