From Silk to Shimmer: The Story Behind My One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Pendants & Earrings

For more than three decades, wearable art silk fashion accessories have been my passion—luminous, alive with color, fluid and soft to the touch. Back in 2009, when I decided to dip my toe into the wholesale arena, I took a bold creative leap and asked: What if I could translate the beauty of my hand-painted silk into the realm of jewelry? 

In 2009, I found a creative partner who introduced me to a remarkable printing process—the platen press. This rare process allowed high-resolution images of my hand-painted silk to be transferred onto luminous materials like Mother of Pearl, beveled glass crystal, and brushed aluminum—transforming my art-to-wear into an intimate line of jewelry.

While the path didn’t unfold the way I expected or planned, but what came out of it is something I truly cherish—each piece of jewelry is one-of-a-kind, made with care, and carries a small piece of my creative heart.

One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Pendants & Earrings

In 2009, I created a sample set of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using prints from my original hand-painted silk artwork. My hope was to introduce a line of artisan silk-inspired pendants and earrings to coordinate with my silk fashions—something fresh, vibrant, and unlike anything else at the time.

But then the economy turned. Like many small creative ventures during that era, the plans for wholesale expansion into the jewelry category fell flat, as buyers were not in attendance at shows during the economic downturn. My jewelry collection was quietly tucked away, a project paused—but never forgotten.

UniqueJoy Silk Art to Wear Jewelry

From Samples to Small-Batch Treasures

Over time, I revisited the sample pendants. Holding them up to the light, I was struck by how breathtakingly luminous they were—especially those printed on Mother of Pearl. The natural shimmer of the pearl mirrored the way light moves across silk. It was as if the essence of my original paintings was still alive in a new form.

Rather than shelve the idea forever, I decided to let creativity lead again—this time without deadlines or wholesale demands. Using the remaining samples, I began creating one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings, pairing them with vintage chains, interesting findings, and rare materials I’d collected over the years.

What emerged is what I now lovingly refer to as my Jewelry Gift Collection—available in the Gifts section at JoySilk.com.

Pearl Canyon and Swarovsky Pearl Crystal Pendant

What Makes These Pieces So Unique?

Every item in the collection is hand-assembled and made from limited materials, which means no two are ever alike. Here's what makes them so special:

• Silk-Inspired Imagery

  Each pendant or earring features high-resolution prints of my hand-painted silk designs. These aren’t abstract patterns—they’re art, drawn from years of creating on silk and transformed into jewelry, miniature wearable pieces.
  

• Natural Mother of Pearl

  Many pendants are printed directly onto Mother of Pearl, a material loved for its softness, light reflection, and subtle iridescence. The way it mimics the play of light on silk is absolutely magical. The result is jewelry that comes alive in the way it catches the light.
  

• Beveled Glass Pendants

  Some pieces are printed on the reverse side of beveled glass, which creates a glowing, luminous quality as the light refracts through the surface. It gives depth and vibrancy to the colors—almost like the jewelry is lit from within.
  

• Vintage & Repurposed Chains

  I love finding and repurposing vintage necklaces and gold-plated chains still have life in them. Giving these found items, gives them a second chance and allows me to create pairings that are meaningful, feel soulful and look sophisticated, while honoring sustainable design.

Irish Moss Mother of Pearl Pendant

For the Collector, the Giver, and the Curious

These pieces speak to those who love things with a story—gifts that are meaningful, soulful, and truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re shopping for:

• A collector of artisan jewelry

• A unique handmade gift for someone you love

• A wardrobe accent that starts conversations

• Or a small luxury for yourself

Each necklace or pair of earrings carries the soul of my original silk painting and the unmatchable detail of handcrafted design.

Limited Availability & Where to Find Them

Because these pieces are made from my original collection of sample prints, quantities are very limited. I release new one-of-a-kind styles when inspiration strikes and time allows.

You can browse available pieces in the Gifts Collection in my online showroom. I recommend checking back occasionally—or joining my VIP email list to get first access when new items drop.

More Than Jewelry—A Continuation of Joy

This jewelry line is close to my heart—not just because of the designs, but because of what it represents:The idea that beauty doesn’t disappear when plans change. Creative ideas can rest, then return, in new and meaningful ways. That small things—like a pendant worn close to your heart—can carry meaning, intention, and story.

If you wear one of these one of a kind jewelry pendants, I hope you feel not just adorned, but connected—to something rare, real, and radiant.