{ABOUT} the designer

As the designer and owner of laura tanner jewelry, I am thrilled to offer my jewelry to everyone by launching this web site and online boutique. I discovered my love for the craft at thirteen, after taking a course in enameling and metalwork. Soon a girlfriend and I were creating funky enamel earrings that sold in local boutiques in my hometown of Santa Barbara, California. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees in art history, I worked in art museums developing exhibitions and educational programs. Over the years, I continued to make jewelry in my free time just for fun.

Today, more than twenty-five years after my first venture, I have come full circle by founding laura tanner jewelry. The journey began in 1999, when I put my museum career on hold after having twins. Needing a creative outlet (other than finger painting), I found my way back to making jewelry again. I reacquainted myself with the materials and tools, explored new techniques, and designed pieces for myself and others. Before long, the enthusiastic support of my wonderful family and friends encouraged me to transform my hobby into a business, and laura tanner jewelry was born. I hope you enjoy your jewelry as much I love making it for you!

owner & designer

{ABOUT} laura tanner jewelry

Located just outside Chicago, in Evanston, Illinois, laura tanner jewelry is independently owned by jewelry designer Laura Tanner Swinand. I create my handmade jewelry by combining beautiful semi-precious gemstone beads, freshwater pearls, and precious metals sourced from around the world. With meticulous attention to detail and quality, I design both ready-to-wear collections and custom jewelry. I offer earrings, necklaces and bracelets in a range of styles, including simple casual pieces, intricate formal designs, and wedding jewelry.

I find inspiration for my modern, yet classic, aesthetic in many places, including nature's shifting palette, essential forms and intricate textures. I am also influenced by treasures found in museums, including antique jewelry, medieval manuscripts, and contemporary art. In my designs, I seek a balance between contrasting elements (e.g., translucent and opaque, soft and hard, dull and shiny, or delicate and rough). I am drawn to the meditative, tactile, and often unpredictable process of creating jewelry, as well as to the innate natural beauty and subtle imperfections found in the raw materials with which I work.