Moose Spotlight: Handmade Sustainable Jewelry

"Be original & create your own unique style."

- Skip Benefiet

 

 

MEET THE ARTIST

 

 

@malachitesilverco on Instagram

 

 

This is Skip Benefiet, the jewelry artist behind the brand Malachite Silver Co. Based in Livingston, Montana, Skip has been creating jewelry for 1 and a half years now. 

 

 

THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY

 

 

What got Skip started into creating jewelry was kind of unexpected. At first, she said it was due to boredom during the peak of the pandemic. However, it quickly turned into so much more for her. Sarah said, "I’m inspired to create sustainable, ethically sourced jewelry at a reasonable price so it’s easily accessible for all."

 

A passion that also benefits customers who want to own one-of-a-kind pieces, and the support with small businesses. 

 

When Skip was just starting out, it wasn't an easy ride! With these though, she was able to learn to be kind to herself, accept the errors she encounters along the way, and to continue learning and growing. 

 

That's the beauty of this craft, it allows makers to hone their skills and produce unique pieces, and it also helps creators in discovering new things about themselves. 

 

 

Curious if Skip loves working with malachite stones because of her brand name, we asked if there was a story behind it. Turns out, the brand name Malachite Silver Co. is inspired by her dog, Malachite. Malachite has passed recently, "he was my best pal for ten years and I wanted to dedicate it to him. He’d always been there by my side when in the studio and life in general." Her brand logo is actually a cartoon illustration of Malachite the dog!

 

 

 

Let's take a look at some of Skip's beautiful creations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handmade Jewelry and Turquoise Bolo by Jewelry Artist Skip Benefiet of @malachitesilverco on Instagram

 

 

 

ARTIST'S DESIGN STYLE

 

When starting out, AHA moments are almost always guaranteed to happen. For Skip, she experienced this when she was creating one of her signature designs, titled, “Going to the Sun” She added that it was definitely a turning point.

 

 

 

Going to the Sun Turquoise Ring by @malachitesilverco

 

 

 

Here are a few more stunning pieces by Skip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turquoise Jewelry by Skip Benefiet of @malachitesilverco on Instagram

 

 

 

THE DESIGN PROCESS

 

 

"I like to first gather all my stones I want to work with and play around with placement and ideas." Skip also shared that most of her ideas come to her at the strangest of times. Who can relate? :)

 

 

As Skip is relatively new to creating jewelry, she said that she is still trying to figure out what her design style is.

 

For us, we think not only her creations are beautiful, but her emphasis on supporting small businesses and sustainability are also the reasons why we love her creations!

 

 

 

JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES

 

What's one design tip you one to share with your fellow artists? 

 

"Be original & create your own unique style."

 

 

Any words of encouragement or tips to those who are starting out in the world of jewelry-making?

 

"Never give up and never hesitate to ask questions, this community is so amazing and helpful."

 

Lastly, Skip's message to the universe:

 

 

 

 

Follow Skip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malachitesilverco/

Check out her website: https://www.malachitesilverco.com/