As a jewelry designer and lapidary artist, I take the term "handcrafted" to heart. My name is Kahlia, a Washington State native and rock enthusiast. My passion is to turn Pacific Northwest stones into jewelry.
Let me show you how!
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| Black Variolite Basalt from Jefferson County, Washington |
Gems and Rocks of Washington State
Each piece of jewelry is truly made with love. These stones are hand-picked from local beaches and river beds on the Olympic Peninsula. I also collect gems like Carnelian Agate from Lewis County. Some of my personal favorite semi-precious stones include Jasper, Agates and Feldspars. The rock hounding and beach combing aspect of my work is a very important and intentional part of the process. It's not just a hobby, it's a job that happens to be quite fun and exciting!
Most days, I never know what I'll find at the beach. My human instincts kick in, foraging the beach for unexpected treasures. The beach could be covered with sand, or completely covered in rocks! That's part of the fascination for me. The beach is ever changing, with treasures buried right beneath your feet.
I get a lot of questions like "how do you find these on the beach?!" or "what's your secret?". The answer is patience. I tend to dedicate a full day to rock hounding. I let my eyes adjust, slow my mind and just have a good time.
I guess you could say it's a form of meditation for me, so I say it's good for my mental health!
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| Unique Agate with Pyrite flecks from Clallam County, Washington |
Rock Polishing Process
Once I've picked out a rock I want to work with and the weather is nice and warm, it's time to cut the beach rocks.
Lapidary is an interesting process which involves cutting, shaping and polishing stones. These local rocks are then used as cabochons for stone setting! Doing the lapidary work myself, I am able to freely create cabochon shapes and styles I wouldn't normally be able to purchase. This process makes my jewelry designs unique and 100% handmade.
Generally, the process starts with taking the rock home to cut it on my tile saw into chunks that are easier to shape down. Then I take it to the lapidary machine that has 6 different wheels on it from coarse shaping to fine polishing grits.
I shape the stone up to my liking and polish it smooth and shiny, making sure there are no dents or scratches.
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| Colorful Jasper from Jefferson County, Washington |
Jewelry Designing Technique
All jewelry at Woodland Metalsmith is entirely designed and created by me. As a Washington State jewelry designer, the dark and gloomy days are the best time to head inside to get some metal work done.
Once I've completed my lapidary work, I head to the bench to start drawing designs. I already have an idea for the design since I've shaped the stone, so I will take my time adding the little extras to make the design unique.
You're probably wondering what types of metal I work with. I have been working with raw copper and solid brass since 2018, and then I moved to sterling silver. As of 2025, I am now focusing on stone work and using minimal metal, mainly 304 stainless steel for durability.
Types of Stone Jewelry at Woodland Metalsmith
Gemstone pendant necklaces are handmade with 304 stainless steel and hand picked beach stones. The pendants hang from stainless steel chain necklaces or adjustable vegan leather cords. All metal on necklaces is tarnish resistant and durable!
Dangle, post and hoop gemstone earrings are delicately handcrafted with hypoallergenic titanium hooks. These hooks are great for ultra sensitive skin. Find simple earrings or statement earrings, the choice is yours! All earrings come with silicone backers so you don't lose your precious earrings while wearing them.
Handcrafted gemstone rings are made with 304 stainless steel wire, sturdy and comfortable.
Types of Washington Gemstones
Agate Jewelry
Jasper Jewelry
Epidote Jewelry
Diorite and other Feldspar Jewelry
Jewelry for Everyone
Most jewelry is made for both men and women. The designs are intentionally made all-inclusive, with a few feminine and masculine designs available. Natural gemstone jewelry makes great gifts for your mother, daughter, son or husband. If they live in the Pacific Northwest, it will be easy to shop for them.
Unique semi-precious stones. Find Jasper, Agate, Epidote and more.
Woodland Metalsmith ships jewelry exclusively within the US, using eco friendly paper packaging.
Using local stones cuts down on unethical mass mining.
Never plated, no exceptions.
A truly local and handmade small business.
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