BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
If you’re ever found yourself walking the cozy, tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North, chances are you’ve seen the Element 79 boutique. Owner and jewelry designer, Carol Ferguson created a beautiful space six years ago to showcase a wide variety of magnificent jewelry. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, looking for something designed and crafted locally, or on the hunt for a vintage find, Element 79 has you covered. We were lucky to sit with Carol to discuss her evolution as a jewelry designer and shop owner.
Let’s start at the beginning. Can you tell us about your two decades long background as a bench jeweler and custom jewelry designer?
I’ve always had a passion for creating and working with my hands. As a young person, I explored various artistic mediums, though practical circumstances led me to pursue a business degree instead. Raised by a single mother, the arts weren’t part of the career path envisioned for me. After raising my children for 17 years, I reconnected with my creative side, studying under a master goldsmith to learn the fundamentals of gold-smithing. Mostly self-taught from that point on, I spent 25 years as a custom bench jeweler before opening my store in Cherry Creek.
My vision was to bring something unique to Denver – a space for hand-crafted designer jewelry that resonates personally with people, unlike mass-produced pieces – jewelry that’s distinct, fine and meaningful enough to hold emotional significance, often marking life’s important moments.
What inspires your designs?
My aesthetic is clean, simple, and bold, with an edge. Every piece needs to be both wearable and comfortable. Honestly, I’d love to spend more time creating, and it’s a goal my team shares. They work hard to support the store so I can focus on design, but running a full-service jewelry showroom comes with countless details—repairs, custom work, bridal consultations, and more. I don’t get to sit at the bench as much as I’d like, but I’m hoping to change that balance. I also love connecting with our customers, so it’s always a balancing act!
Can you offer a glimpse into your process and describe your studio?
It really depends …if I am making a custom piece and am working with the customer’s ideas, then design comes first. The design process can be time consuming. It’s important to understand what the expectation is so your customers’ needs are met. If I am making work for my collection, I sometimes plan the piece and sometimes just play and see what develops. My studio is in the process of being organized. I moved close to the store in March and am still arranging things. It’s a big event to move a workshop; I think most people would be surprised by how messy jewelry making is!
Your pieces are elegant and range from traditional to modern. Do you anticipate your designs evolving and how so? What would you say is your signature piece?
I love making oxidized silver and gold pieces because they are so perfect for everyday and are hip and causal. Colorado loves the mixed metal pieces…with diamonds of course! Lately I have been making solid 18k yellow gold pieces…classic timeless pieces that will be worn for a lifetime. From my Bombus line, my signature piece is the large hammered Bombus cuff with diamonds. From my Fusion collection, it is my split ring. This is a great ring to add your own stones to!
What do you consider to be a must-have for anyone looking to update their collection?
Yellow gold is definitely having a very long moment. If you have all platinum and/or white metal jewelry, mix in some gold pieces and some blackened silver and gold pieces for an update. You could also add a color piece. You will be surprised at how much a little color will delight you and set your look apart. Nothing ages a look like a jewelry collection frozen in time! Keep evolving your collection. You deserve it!
When you’re not designing jewelry, how do you spend your time?
I love working with my hands. I will either be gardening, wallpapering a room, or reading.
Aside from your Cherry Creek boutique, where can we find your creations?
We have a fantastic website. My Bombus line is available at the Broadmoor Jewelry Company in Colorado Springs. I also create custom pieces for customers of E79.
What is currently spinning on your record player?
Taylor Swift of course. The Eras tour isn’t over!
What can we expect from you in the future?
We plan to keep expanding our bridal jewelry selections. Lab grown diamonds are blowing up what’s possible for engagement rings and wedding bands. We are also creating a direct-to-consumer catalog for our Bombus line. Bees represent the divine feminine and so many people resonate with that. As always, we will continue to bring the most unique collections of designer-based fine jewelry to Denver. We represent 60+ designers in addition to my work. So stop in often and see what’s new and say hi!
Visit Element 79 in person at 2703 E. Third Ave, or online at element79jewelry.com