Despina Buoncristiani

Despina Buoncristiani Handcrafted One-of-a-Kind and Limited Edition Jewelry made in the U.S.A. Even back then, I loved unique jewelry...one-of-a-kind jewelry.

I am a California native, and have been intrigued with jewelry making since I was a teenager, taking apart necklaces and creating new ones with the vintage beads. I started to pursue this creative outlet as a side business beginning in the early 90’s, creating beaded jewelry, playing with unique color and bead combinations, along with sterling accents. My pieces have definitely evolved. I am curre

ntly working with metals... mixing sterling, brass, copper, and steel. Adding texture, by hammering, with my rolling mill, or etching, and altering the color of the metal by torching, patinating, hand painting, enameling or antiquing. My beading background has now become the pop of color that I add to some of my designs. I don't normally have a plan of action when I sit down at my work table...some of my best ideas have come to me as I lay in bed. I never know where my next inspiration will come from...I have even transformed scrap metal pieces into some of my best designs!

She’s finished! Very happy with the results. Will show the final results once installed to the table…
08/16/2026

She’s finished! Very happy with the results. Will show the final results once installed to the table…

A whole lot of hammering/punching going on. And this is just the first shape! 🤪🤪🤪
08/11/2026

A whole lot of hammering/punching going on. And this is just the first shape! 🤪🤪🤪

Today I started on the background color in class. The tiles I am using are already precut, so it’s kind of like a puzzle...
08/10/2026

Today I started on the background color in class. The tiles I am using are already precut, so it’s kind of like a puzzle putting them together. I’m adding some round iridescent colored glass tiles to add a bit of interest to the background. Need to have all the background done by next week so it is ready for grouting. My teacher suggested possibly going with a lighter grout on the body to differentiate the colors a bit more since the tiles are dark. I may attempt to do that at home so that it is all dry for the main grouting. Can’t wait to see how it looks when the grout is all in!

08/08/2026

Lots of prep goes into teaching a class. Today I am punching brass and copper sheet in a variety of shapes and sizes for my upcoming Contemporary Mixed Metal Soldered Earring class at the Maloof Center on Saturday, August 15th from 10a-3p. You will be creating 3 pairs of earrings. Spots still available. You can sign up at malooffoundation.org under “Take a Workshop”. Members $150, Non-Members $165. Hope to see you there!

She is ready to bond to the backer board! A tedious process (of course that’s my own fault for creating something so int...
08/06/2026

She is ready to bond to the backer board! A tedious process (of course that’s my own fault for creating something so intricate for my first project)…🤪🤪🤪 Once that is done, then I have to determine what background color I want to go with. Will have more insight after my class this week.

The body has been assembled. Changed 3 of the tile colors to green. Still waiting for my shipment to arrive before I com...
08/06/2026

The body has been assembled. Changed 3 of the tile colors to green. Still waiting for my shipment to arrive before I complete the wing assembly. Going to begin bonding the body into place.

A bit more progress. Waiting for a couple more tiles to show up that I purchased to see if I want to include them in the...
08/05/2026

A bit more progress. Waiting for a couple more tiles to show up that I purchased to see if I want to include them in the wings. Hoping to start bonding some of the pieces down tonight.

I hope you can join me to learn how to make my Boho Chic Hand Crocheted Beaded Necklace on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at A ...
08/04/2026

I hope you can join me to learn how to make my Boho Chic Hand Crocheted Beaded Necklace on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at A Place To Bead in San Marino. The class is from 11a-3p. Class cost is $70 + supplies. Show up a little bit early (10:30a) to get started with your selection of beads and clasp options from the shop. All necessary tools are provided for use in class. Please call the shop at 626-529-2863 to register. There are only 3 spots left! Hope to see you there!

Nothing has been attached other than the border tiles. Will figure out the background once the dragonfly is completed an...
08/04/2026

Nothing has been attached other than the border tiles. Will figure out the background once the dragonfly is completed and attached to backer board. Pretty happy with how it looks so far.

Address

P. O. Box 1608
Glendora, CA
91740

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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