“Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.” -- Leonardo da Vinci

For nearly 30 years, the sea has inspired jewelry designer Chris Bales.  Hailing from New Jersey, Chris spent her childhood “down the shore” on Long Beach Island where summers in the 60s and 70s were uncomplicated and far more carefree than nowadays.  There’s a familiar feel on LBI – perhaps a kinship felt among those of us living on a barrier island.

Chris endeavored into the world of jewelry design during visits to Mexico where she, like many, sought out exquisite sterling jewelry.  Finding inspiration from it and the verdant surrounds, eventually Chris pursued the idea of making her own jewelry.  This decision brought more time spent in Mexico spent working with and learning from many local jewelry artisans.  Ultimately her artistic pursuits – on a small scale at first – were realized with a collection bearing her name and signature touch.

Chris Bales has an artist’s eye…

Chris’ eye and affinity for working with gemstones sets her work apart from others.  Having a keen eye for stones -- envisioning one with another and creating unexpected combinations -- is a hallmark for her bracelets and necklaces.  Beyond statement pieces, Chris’ works capture the essence of the beach…a seahorse, a mermaid…perhaps a collection of stones shimmering like the ocean blue.  I feel like every piece whispers a story between artist and wearer.

So it’s no surprise (to me) that for a dozen or so years Chris Bales’ “treasures” have been showcased here at Beach Treasures in Duck.  In so many ways, it was kismet. Her creations were a perfect fit when I was expanding the shop and building the collections we showcase today. So a word to the wise: each handcrafted piece of Chris Bales jewelry is one of a kind…forever changing…just like the tide. 

The piece you are seeking may have just washed ashore…

Beach Treasures in Duck, located exclusively on the Town of Duck’s Boardwalk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is proud to showcase Chris Bales as part of our extensive collection of designer jewelry. Thank you for visiting our site and reading our BLOG, “The Treasure Trove.”