There is a distinct power in women who create with purpose. Exclusive jewelry designer Brenda Smith embodies that spirit in every piece she creates. Each design reflects strength, personal history, individuality and are crafted to mirror not just style, but identity and lived experience.
Brenda’s journey began at a pivotal moment when creativity became both refuge and direction. What started as a personal outlet evolved into a celebrated career, with her work including 2 pieces in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection. In her studio, she works with intention selecting stones for a client's story, shaping metal into forms that feel unexpected. She creates pieces that become part of a woman’s legacy, ART.
One standout piece, the “Southern Charm Earrings,” draws inspiration from Charleston wrought iron and natural Tennessee River pearls, reflecting both craftsmanship and story. For the women who wear her designs, it’s not just about what they put on—it’s about how they show up. And through her Jewelry as Art, Brenda empowers women to show up with confidence, beauty, and purpose.
Your journey into jewelry design is personal—what moment changed everything for you?
I knew I enjoyed working with my hands and creating beautiful forms from metals and gemstones. What began as a hobby grew into something more—before long, all of my friends and family received jewelry gifts from me, so I started selling pieces to support my jewelry‑making habit. The moment I realized I had what it took to pursue jewelry as a profession came after my coursework at Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. Alan Revere assured me that I had potential, and through those classes, I recognized that my design training would successfully translate into jewelry design.
How would you describe the philosophy behind your designs and what makes a piece distinctly “Brenda Smith”?
The philosophy begins with concept—something that was ingrained in me during college as a design major. My pieces aren’t simply pleasing shapes or gemstones surrounded by other gemstones; they are rooted in meaning and inspiration. What makes a piece distinctly “Brenda Smith” is the balance of concept, form, and function. My work is dimensional and often incorporates movement. Each piece is a miniature sculpture, waiting for a home where wearable art is appreciated.
Many of your pieces feel like wearable art—what inspires your creativity when starting a new design?
My inspiration comes from many sources. Sometimes it begins with an experience—like watching fireworks on July 4th. With my head tilted back and eyes skyward, I turned to my husband and said, “I see earrings.” He looked at me and replied, “Really?” That moment became the beginning of my Celebration Collection. The original earrings were created in pearls for bridal wear and designed to capture the burst of fireworks in motion. At other times, inspiration comes from a theme or commission, such as when the National League of American Pen Women asked me to design an award commemorating one of its founders, Vinny Ream, a sculptor from the 1800s. I created a contemporary cameo carved with Vinny’s likeness, inspired by the cameo she wore daily—a gift from a cardinal in Rome. Sometimes the gemstone itself tells the story. One example is my objective art piece Light My Fire, inspired by Oregon sunstone, whose colors graduate from clear to orange, yellow, red, gold, brown, and green. I carved a flame from the stone and set it into a fire pot nestled in petrified wood, underlit with a flickering light.
Sometimes inspiration comes from a challenge—working within parameters set by a patron who wants to symbolize something meaningful to them. In those cases, I’m given guideline, such as designing a pearl necklace that must be exactly eighteen inches long. Those creative constraints often lead to some of my most rewarding work.
Your work has been worn on red carpets and collected by the Smithsonian—how has that recognition shaped your perspective as an artist?
I’m drawn to working with people who appreciate fine jewelry that goes beyond beauty and carries meaning. Creating pieces for clients who value that depth is incredibly rewarding. Their appreciation and validation are affirming, which fuels my passion and keeps me moving forward as an artist.
You specialize in one-of-a-kind and custom pieces—what do you love most about creating these for a client?
An easy question, because purchasing or commissioning jewelry is inherently an emotional experience. People want to celebrate milestones, commemorate meaningful moments, or mark one of the most important days of their lives. Knowing my work becomes part of those deeply personal stories is incredibly humbling. I feel privileged to play a role in those celebrations, whatever form they may take.
For women investing in fine jewelry, what should they look for beyond just beauty?
Essential for women, much like the little black dress—jewelry forms the foundation of a well‑rounded collection. Including pearl earrings and necklace, diamond earrings, gold, and perhaps a simple pendant for everyday wear. Beyond those classics, women who are drawn to one‑of‑a‑kind pieces use jewelry as a form of self‑expression. Not just something beautiful; they’re building a personal legacy creating meaningful objects that can be cherished and handed down to future generations.
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