I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia before making my way to Savannah, Georgia for college. Growing up, I always loved tinkering, crafting, and creating with anything I could get my hands on. I never imagined that one day this pastime would become my career. I attended Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I originally intended to study architecture and Interior Design. I soon realized, however, that my true passion lay in jewelry design: architecture in miniature. I was honored to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award in Jewelry Design upon graduation. In 2015, I decided to start my own business, Kristen Baird® Jewelry. At first, I was the sole employee. I ran every aspect of the venture, from marketing to finance to crafting every piece from beginning to end. It was both exhausting and exhilarating. It was during this era that I created my first ripple ring. The gently flowing, water-like band soon became my signature look, and everything I’ve done artistically since is built on that foundation. Eventually, all that hard work paid off. In 2018, I was awarded the Halstead Bead Grant as well as the SCAD Alumni Atelier Award, allowing me to take a transformative summer residency in Lacoste, France. Later, I was absolutely floored to see the one-and-only Oprah wearing one of my Splash Cuff bracelets on national television! Most recently, I received the Red Backpack Grant from Sara Blakely of Spanx. Every piece of Kristen Baird® Jewelry is inspired by nature and handcrafted with love, right here in my Savannah studio. I utilize traditional jewelry-making techniques to craft heirloom-quality pieces that are as unique and vibrant as the person who wears them. Each piece tells a story that can be passed down through generations, like a southern fairytale or your grandmother’s favorite bedtime story. Drawing inspiration from my southern upbringing (think summer days spent frolicking in the fields, working in the gardens with my Nanny, laughing until our sides hurt as we ran and played in the sunset), I inject my work with colors and textures, juxtaposing forms both geometric and fluid, as though they sprung organically from the serene coastline of Georgia or the glorious hills of Tennessee. Everything I create celebrates natural beauty. It also celebrates you! As the founder of Kristen Baird®, I’m committed to an ethic of sustainability and service. I combine ethically-sourced diamonds and gemstones with metals of the highest quality as I utilize traditional metalsmithing skills to bring my handcrafted designs to life. Kristen Baird® is a family-owned local business with a national reach. Everything I create reflects a part of myself and my values. I’m proud to say that every piece that leaves my studio is… “Inspired by nature. Crafted by hand. Cherished forever.”