The Girl Loves Dog collection was inspired by a rescue dog who became the rescuer—destined to enter my life through unseen forces. It honors what he taught me about self-love, acceptance, and resilience. It celebrates all women—as we face each day with determination and inner courage. These talismans serve as beautiful armor, reminding us of our individual and collective strength while navigating life's complexities. Embodying elegant simplicity, this collection is about heart and soul, with craftsmanship centered on hand casting and finishing—with meticulous expertise—creating timeless beauty destined to become a cherished heirloom.

Every piece carries an insight my loyal, four-legged teacher revealed to me over the 17 years we spent together. Bees symbolize my divine feminine energy and the goddess within. The anchor represents my ability to remain steadfast during life's storms and the courage to begin anew as it's pulled from the seafloor. Flowers, cherubs, and birds celebrate laughter, light, and personal growth. And then there's the Buddha himself—a master of enlightenment that Francis, in his infinite wisdom, embodied and modeled.

I discovered him, tiny, huddled beneath a great big bougainvillea bush. I was walking the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende. Street dogs were everywhere then—you could toss a pebble and hit three—but he was different. He was my soulmate from the first moment, and as I cradled him in my arms, I gazed into the eyes of an ancient buddha, the wisest of souls. It was extraordinary—this small, uncertain creature radiated a depth I had never before encountered in any being.

Through life's most difficult moments—a hard divorce, the challenges of single parenting—his unwavering presence became my guide. Silently, Francis encouraged my strength, conveyed his faith in me, and gently nudged me to rise whenever I stumbled. His love was absolute; he perceived me in ways I couldn't see myself. Francis nourished my spirit and cherished it unconditionally, consistently reminding me of my purpose and my value, urging me forward.

Through the years, also, Francis reconnected me with nature. A blissfully feral '70s childhood in rural Pennsylvania and Cape Cod shaped me—a tomboy at home among trees, streams, barns, and marshes. With Franny by my side years later, I rediscovered this joy during our daily adventures. We explored neighborhoods where people cultivated their suburban havens, and I noticed an emerging phenomenon: "pollinator habitats"—beautifully untamed sanctuaries of wildflowers for bees, replacing manicured lawns. The vital importance of these pollinators captivated me, eventually inspiring my own pollinator garden—a perfect bridge between the freedom of childhood and the person I’ve become.

As you wear your Girl Loves Dog piece, remember that the divine feminine lives within you. It is a force of creation, nurturing, and intuition—a wellspring of wisdom and compassion celebrated across cultures throughout human history. Hold on fiercely and unapologetically to your power—not power over, but power from within: your empowerment.

Kate

From Canvas to Metal

The creative process is a mystery, and I feel it’s worth sharing. My path from an artist who barely owned jewelry to jewelry designer still surprises me. A sassy Canadian friend once quipped that I make "jewelry for people who don't like jewelry"—not entirely wrong, not entirely right, but it made me laugh.

With a BFA from Brown, I painted for decades, filling large canvases with animals—a natural extension of my childhood experiences and overall values. From a kid who collected salamanders, begged for a pony, and knew where every bird nest in every tree was and what shape and color the eggs were within, I became a working artist, then gallery owner (Hyannis Port and San Miguel de Allende.) Until life intervened. A divorce and a lot of self-work pushed me into uncharted creative waters.

Then came an unexpected obsession: vintage brass buttons from the late 1800s to mid-1900s, tiny works of art stamped with animals and nature scenes. In these miniature masterpieces, I saw jewelry waiting to be born. This vision turned into a quest and launched a years-long journey learning jewelry manufacturing from design to production, with plenty of starting over.

Though challenging, every setback proved worthwhile. Working with a stellar team, I've created pieces that reflect my classic yet unfussy aesthetic—simple, strong, and intentional. My greatest joy? Creating beautiful objects that speak to both self-proclaimed "jewelry people" and those who never thought they were—because these pieces are more than accessories. They're talismans infused with meaning, history, and soul—gorgeously crafted with the utmost care and attention, with the intention of speaking to all women.