Elise Moran

"I find much inspiration in nature's perfect designs and enjoy the challenges of recreating delicate forms into wearable treasures. "

Elise Moran found a passion for making things at an early age. Her lifelong travels have provided ample inspiration. Moran's exposure to diverse landscapes, great art and architecture, and various cultures speaks to her broad interests. With metal, she strives to encapsulate the beauty around us and enjoys creating personal tokens.

Moran enjoys the plasticity of metal. Using traditional metalsmithing techniques to bend, mark, file, solder, and sand, she creates unique models that she then has cast in silver or gold. She finishes most pieces with a satin texture and brings up the fine silver by heating and pickling. The last step is to bring out the luster of the metal with a soft brass brush.

Moran earned a BFA in jewelry and light metals at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1990. She further developed her skills while working for a couple of other jewelry designers after graduating. Over the years, she has also broadened her scope with workshops in precious metal clay, painting with enamels, and flameworking borosilicate glass.