Carrie J. Armstrong
Goldsmith. Artist. Mother.
Ali Lee & Beatriz Lee
Makers. Students.
Balancing Tradition & the Contemporary
A friend in Japan shared two ideas we carry with us:
Denshou (伝承)
Tradition passed down unchanged through generations.
Dentou (伝統)— what becomes.
Tradition that evolves, with each new disciple adding their touch.
Our work holds both.
Handmade, as it has always been.
Each piece—singular.
Crafted in gold and stone
to be worn, lived in, and passed on.
—Carrie & Ali
The Art of the Handmade
Big Sur Goldsmiths carries a family tradition of one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Founded in the 1960s by Karl Lee, our work honors his timeless designs—
continued today through pieces inspired by the landscapes of Big Sur.
Each piece is hand-forged, never cast,
from recycled gold we alloy in-house,
set with ethically sourced stones.
Made to be worn. Made to endure.
A legacy shaped by hand.
Recycled Gold
*
Ethical Stones
Karl Lee Big Sur
Big Sur Goldsmiths
Big Sur, 1964.
Karl Lee began a tradition of handmade jewelry—
silver and 22-karat gold, refined for daily wear.
Inspired by nature. Grounded in craft.
Today, as Big Sur Goldsmiths,
Ali Lee and Carrie Armstrong continue the work—
hand-forged, one of a kind, made to endure.
A legacy, evolving — Read More
Generations of artistry.
Handcrafted in our family studio.
Each piece is timeless, enduring, alive.
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