ABOUT THE CREATOR

It’s common for children to spend their summer hours knee deep in crisp rivers letting their rod and reels fly in hopes of catching the big one. It is perhaps less common, for one of those children to adapt and develop that keen interest into becoming one of the most inspiring fine jewelers of his generation. 

Timothy Stammen often ventured down to the biting waters of his local rivers in the quiets of Maine, reel in hand and eyes wide for a prize. Unlike the other children, long before breakfast he had already spent hours peering through a magnifying glass, perfecting carefully crafted flies, deliciously poised to snatch ‘the big one’. With an engineer’s precision he studied the delicate structure of the flies; head, wing, joints and hackle. Weighted perfectly for brilliant flight to the deeper waters, vibrant colors dancing in dappled sunlight, teasing the trout to take a closer look. ‘The big one’ never had a chance.

As a fascinated young student, Timothy spent much of his time investigating the diverse and accomplished artistic community of his quaint coastal town. A unique assembling of water color painters, ceramic sculptors and most particularly alluring, an array of fine jewelers. These talented makers crafted in a way that balanced Timothy’s appreciation for precision and artistry, and just like his fishing flies, their jewelry caught a curious eye.

Folks wondered if Timothy would aim to quench his appetite for arts or athletics in college and Stammen defiantly responded, “who says you can’t have both?”. He sought out the opportunity to play college basketball as well as pursue his now racing passion for jewelry design at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. Here, his world exploded into creative possibility as he was surrounded by the unique voices of artists working passionately in all types of creative mediums.

Whisked away after college by jewelry royalty, Stammen officially began his career at Tiffany’s, delivering their famous engagement ring line. He was honored to be trusted with such a famous brand, but he quickly noticed something was missing. Under a large corporate banner he found a lack of connection with the people he was creating for. A deficit of originality and innovation. Couldn’t fine jewelry be both timeless in technique and connect with contemporary styles? Why settle for any old fish in the sea when you could go after The Big One?

Eager for challenge, Stammen moved to Austin, TX to work with award winning jeweler and goldsmith Zolton David. It was here that something special started to occur. Early before work, creativity aglow, Stammen surrounded himself with pen and drafting paper as ideas leaped through his fired imagination, splashing out onto the page in brilliant new forms. He could barely keep up with his own imagination, he was creating something exciting. Something original. And it was time to let them fly.

In 2015, Stammen launched Bezalel, a one of a kind line of high jewelry boasting fresh, artist inspired craftsmanship dripping with elegance. Named after a revered ancient artisan, Stammen’s vision for the Bezalel line was to respect timeless techniques whilst captivating with contemporary innovations. The stunning ideas took shape in the form of a 5.5 carat diamond marquis engagement ring glowing under a halo of pink cabochon sapphires. A one of a kind stately hand carved cameo men’s signet ring. Pieces that would make statements on any hand, exclusively inspired to shine personably for each client.

In 2019 Stammen opened his own private workspace situated in the trendy upscale area of Germantown, a community of creative professionals at the top of their game. Here Stammen himself connects with every individual looking to create their unique piece.

The ideas ever flowing, in the summer of 2020 Stammen will release a brand new line of customizable engagement rings under his second label, House of Awr. Though there is no direct translation from the Hebrew, for Stammen, Awr suggests something that ‘contains light from above’. A spark from the heights of creativity. The dazzling range is Stammen’s way of making fine jewelry approachable, and a way of keeping a promise to himself to never again produce dull corporate work. Rather, the range boasts designs rich in modern precision, with personable features that speak timelessly and uniquely to each hand they grace. Where traditional elegance and contemporary chic marry harmoniously. 

Because it’s not worth it, if you can’t have both.

A NOTE FROM TIMOTHY

I have the great privilege to witness something new and special as it comes to life through high jewelry. I delight in the details of a design as it comes to fruition in my fingertips. I am humbled when a piece materializes with certainty and clarity: it was made for one person only, the one for which it was intended. Only in its wearing can I be surprised by completion and perfection. I believe this integrity of relationship unlocks a beauty beyond the typical. When an original idea is realized in my studio and polished by the love, joy, and romance surrounding its wearer, it has the power to inspire even more of every good emotion in their life.