Keith Field Holiday Greeting 2021

As we arrive into the holiday season this year, we feel some sense of grounding. We have all been in the throws of a great period of uncertainty, a feeling that life had been paused in mid-air. With a year under our belts since last holiday season, we hope you are feeling some small sense of peace and exhalation along with us. 

One incredible thing about design is that it is not paused by the chaos of the world, but rather, thrives within it. The last year has allowed us to focus on collections that stem from the celebration of our natural environments as well as the wonders of science - both things that have been brought to the forefronts of all of our lives. 

The Cribstone Collection features granite-like “bars” reminiscent of the famous Cribstone bridge in our community; the Orbital Collection is modern and organic, drawing inspiration from the mid-century period influenced by scientific curiosity. In both collections, we had sustainability on our minds, focusing on using recycled metals, vintage and responsibly sourced diamonds, and local Maine tourmaline. 

We recognize that this has been a difficult time for many affected by supply chain delays, so we feel especially grateful - approaching the holidays in particular - that our business operates within a different model. We value our ability to craft our own pieces in-house; because of this, we have been able to not only keep up with demand for in-stock items, but also build up a robust collection of ready-to-purchase pieces in preparation for our holiday buyers. 

For both those who have remained loyal patrons and those who have newly discovered us, weare deeply appreciative of your support in embracing hand-crafted design that reflects thebeautiful world around us. Being a part of your most celebrated moments is one of our greatesthonors.

Orbital Collection

As jewelry designers, we understand that no great design ever exists in isolation - we are constantly referencing, recalling, and reimagining. Music, architecture, apparel, and artwork act as a response to the world in which they are created, reflecting the political, environmental, and social movements that shape us all. 

Our Orbital Collection highlights the influence mid-century design continues to play in the creation of contemporary jewelry. The pieces in this collection have a signature abstract organic shape, which became a core motif during 1940-1960, a period which became known as the “Atomic Age.” Put into context, it’s rather obvious where the name developed from; the science of atoms was front and center for most Americans, as a response to the development of nuclear weapons and the atomic bomb. 

What it sparked in terms of design was a series of geometric and also free-form curvilinear shapes, some which rather closely reflected the composition of atoms and other scientific components. You likely are familiar with some of these design pieces and their lasting quality; think about the iconic, “Ball Wall Clock” by George Nelson; the famous, Eames Chair; or the dramatic and now ubiquitous, Sputnik Chandelier style. 

The curvy, whimsical lines of the Orbital Collection derive not only from the scientific context of the Atomic Age, but also evoke a spirit of modernity. As opposed to the sharper lines and ornate styles of previous decades, mid-century design welcomed in organic forms with their playful, humanizing feel. 

Though one may assume that pieces inspired by a particular time period may lack design longevity, the opposite is in fact true. Great design that draws on inspiration from nature, cultural significance, and the world at large proves to have a timeless quality, regardless of the period it takes inspiration from. While the decades pass and the world changes, the emotions and experiences behind the design connect us as humans from one generation to the next. The Orbital Collection ties us to both our past and our future, celebrating scientific curiosity and a playful, modern spirit.

A Holiday Message

It feels comforting to celebrate the joy of the season with you all this year. 

Over these past difficult months, we've all felt a shift. We've shifted our focus towards the people we value most in our lives, and finding new and creative ways to foster those relationships. We've shifted towards finding joy in life's most simple pleasures; towards the small but tangible treasures that we can see and hold and cherish. 

Some of those small treasures we’ve been most looking forward to sharing with you are the pieces in our Atomic Collection, specifically the ones which feature our own Maine tourmaline stones. These pieces are especially important to us now, as they pay tribute to the beautiful, resilient place we call home. 

The brilliant green-blue of the tourmaline stone is set within a rose gold or yellow gold bezel, and suspended within a frame of hand-forged white or yellow gold. We crafted the Atomic collection with fluid lines to create an earthy and organic feel - we think it’s an ideal match for a stone with its own natural beauty. 

It has always been one of our core beliefs that beautiful objects, crafted by both artists and by nature, have the unique ability to open us up to joy and wonder. Being a small part of that celebration continues to be an honor, and we thank you for the opportunity to share what we love with you. 

During this holiday season in particular, we hold tight to those simple opportunities for finding joy. We hope our jewelry can serve as a reminder that the world is full of surprises, beauty, and enchantment. If ever there were a time to focus on what's beautiful in the world, it is now.

Gingko Leaves - A Story of Hope

Ginkgo leaves are not only beautiful in their form and structure, but are celebrated symbols of hope, strength, and resilience. The tree on which the leaf grows - the ginkgo tree - is native to Southeast Asia, and now flourishes in parts of the United States as well. The lifespan of the ginkgo can be well over a thousand years, and its existence has been traced back to before the Mesozoic Era. Since other organisms existing at this time are now extinct, the ginkgo tree is considered a true “living fossil.”

New 2020 Ginkgo Leaf earrings by Keith Field.

Its historic existence and longevity is only one part of this remarkable tree, which has become known as an expert in survival. During the atomic explosion on Hiroshima, which devastated plant, animal, and human lives, ginkgo trees remained alive - and even generated new growth within days of the bombing. The distinct and elegant leaves of the gingko have come to represent peace amidst destruction; stability during upheaval; hope in the face of despair.

Significant Tourmaline pendant set in handmade ginkgo leaves in Art Nouveau Style.