Durango attracts all walks of life, from Olympic athletes to soulful musicians to business professionals and more. Everyone has a unique sense of style, amplified by their accessories and choice of jewelry. Local silversmith Allysia Brooke Edwards has seen it all. She owns Allysia Brooke Designs and can be found at the farmers market most Saturdays throughout the summer selling gorgeous handcrafted jewelry. Her pieces vary from pendants, rings, earrings, cuffs, bolos, and more.
Jewelry can complete a look, adding a certain sparkle that speaks louder than expected. It’s one of the easiest and most versatile forms of self-expression. Thoughtfully chosen jewelry becomes wearable stories, snippets of life, or treasures for generations to come. Regardless of what comes to ensue, each person’s jewelry is wholly unique and personalized.
Edwards' artistic style is boldly beautiful. Reminiscent of the Southwest, her pieces are sure to catch attention. They are distinctly memorable and recognizable by her use of stark contrasts, stunning stones, mixed metals, and natural elements. These factors further demonstrate Edwards' incredible work ethic and impeccable grit, transforming what was once a hobby into a successful creative career.
A lot of Edwards' work is inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau, blending traditional techniques with contemporary artistry. She said, “I love the sharp, clean lines of Art Deco architecture just as much as the flowing, whimsical curves of Art Nouveau.” She’s also drawn to heavy contrast, noting that most of her work features dark backgrounds that illuminate the rest of the design, such as carefully chosen stones and detailed metal embellishments.
When asked what “timeless” means to her, Edwards said, “Something that never goes out of style. Something you can throw on with anything.” Reflecting upon her own art, she said, “Some of my pieces could be considered timeless, while others are statement pieces.” They are timeless in the sense that some have minimal designs leaning toward an Art Deco look, which works well with most outfits. Her other statement pieces speak loudly with bold elements and eye-catching details. These aspects create a timeless appeal, as they are truly unforgettable. In both cases, the high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in her jewelry make her pieces wonderful additions to any personal collection.
Edwards shared a memorable story about a ring that traveled through many hands. She made this ring for herself originally but later decided to pass it along to a store in San Diego called La Loupe. La Loupe holds a special place in her heart, as it was the first store to support Edwards and her small business. The store owner loved this ring and wore it often—until one day, a gentleman came in looking for a non-traditional engagement ring. He was enamored by the store owner’s ring. He saw it on her finger and knew immediately it was exactly what he'd been searching for. She kindly agreed to sell the ring to the gentleman, and the rest is history. Edwards said, “That story will always stick with me. Moments like that where I get to be a part of someone else's [stories] are very cool!”
Jewelry can tell meaningful stories, especially when it comes from small businesses like Allysia Brooke Designs. Each one-of-a-kind piece is crafted with great pride. Shopping small not only supports the artist and her craft but also strengthens the community by keeping dollars local. Visit Allysia Brooke Designs to explore her handcrafted jewelry and discover the story behind each piece.