Alexis Barbeau Biography
"I love nature's strange yet elegantly organic shapes and am passionate about creating wearable jewels which ignite a spark into the art of nature"
Alexis Barbeau studied metalsmithing at the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. Having elected to take a metal sculpture class because of her fascination with sculpture and three-dimensional forms, one of her final projects was to put a tiny scuba diver and crab fabricated from brass and copper in a bottle and send it out to sea with her contact details. The bottle never came back, but the exercise gave her a way to translate her love of diving and the ocean into fine jewelry.
Today, as a national award-winning jewelry designer and scuba instructor for more than 40 years, Alexis’ joy at diving into the ocean’s magical blue world still inspires her with endless designs created from gracefully textured shapes in uniquely wearable jewels. Her custom work is carved from wax, cast, hand fabricated, and textured in gold and sterling silver. Natural colored stones and diamonds capture a sparkling flash, creating breathtaking designs. Pieces are one of a kind or very limited editions. In 2019 her Tahitian Lagoon Pearl Earrings won two Instore Design Awards, one for Best Design in Pearl Earrings and one for Best Design Earrings.