Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Sur Goldsmiths?Big Sur Goldsmiths is a family fine jewelry studio with a three generation goldsmithing legacy rooted in Big Sur, California. Founded by master goldsmith Karl Lee on Partington Ridge in 1964, the studio is today run by his son Ali Lee and partner Carrie Armstrong.
What makes Big Sur Goldsmiths jewelry unique?Every piece is hand-forged, never cast. We alloy our own recycled high karat gold in-house and set only ethically sourced gemstones. Each piece is entirely one of a kind — no two are ever the same.
What metals and materials do you use?We work primarily in 22 karat and 18 karat gold (High karat gold), platinum, and silver. All metal is recycled and alloyed in our own studio. Gemstones include turquoise, sapphire, tourmaline, garnet, ruby, diamond, opal, and more - all ethically sourced, many from a collection built over half a century.
What is hand-forged jewelry?Hand-forging is an ancient metalsmithing technique where metal is shaped entirely by hand using hammers and tools — never poured into a mold or cast. It produces stronger, more characterful pieces with subtle variation that makes each one truly unique.
Where are you located?Our roots are in Big Sur, California, where Karl Lee established his studio on Partington Ridge in 1964 (and where Ali was born and raised). The studio continues today in the Pacific Northwest, carrying the same devotion to craft and the same Big Sur ethos.
Do you make bespoke or custom pieces?Yes. We work closely with collectors to create entirely personal commissions — whether you have a specific stone, an idea, or simply a feeling you want to capture. Contact us to begin a conversation. We do always stay true to our design aesthetics.
Who are Ali Lee and Carrie Armstrong?Ali Lee is the son of Karl Lee, born on Partington Ridge in 1981 and raised surrounded by the tools and rhythms of the goldsmith's bench. Carrie Armstrong is a goldsmith and artist who trained under Karl Lee before inheriting the studio alongside Ali in 2013. Together they continue the Big Sur Goldsmiths legacy.
What is the Karl Lee gem collection?Karl and Ali have spent decades sourcing exceptional gemstones from around the world — many from mines that are now closed or depleted. This irreplaceable collection of old stock stones, including legendary Number 8 mine turquoise, forms the foundation of some of our most extraordinary pieces.
What is the significance of the three generation legacy?Karl Lee's father was also a jeweler — something Karl never knew during his lifetime. When a sister made contact with the family after Karl's passing, she brought with her a jeweler's handbook that had belonged to their late father. The craft had been in the blood across three generations, passed down not through teaching, but through something far older.