est 1964 - Big Sur

Big Sur Goldsmiths

Handmade

Fine Jewelry

A collection of work by our family

One-of-a-Kind Studio Jewelry

Originals made by hand in our studio

CARRIE ARMSTRONG

CARRIE ARMSTRONG DESIGN

ALI LEE

AAL DESIGNS

KARL LEE (1945-2013)

KARL LEE DESIGN

Handmade

Fine Jewelry

One-of-a-kind, bespoke jewelry, crafted with care in our family studio. We specialize in hand fabrication, using recycled high karat gold and ethical gemstones, many of which are sourced from our family’s collection, lovingly built over three generations. Each piece reflects our commitment to sustainability, lasting quality, and the timeless artistry of our craft.

MADE TO BE WORN FOR LIFE

22k gold ring with pure platinum. Diamond cabochon surrounded by cognac diamonds
A collection of handmade rings and a cuff featured at Patina Gallery in Santa Fe New Mexico
big sur classic ring by carrie armstrong design. 22k gold and a rare native silver cabochon



ROOTS & REFLECTIONS

Balancing Tradition & The Contemporary

A friend in Japan recently shared ideas that resonate deeply with our work and the legacy we honor:

Denshou (伝承)

Tradition passed down unchanged through generations.

Dentou (伝統)

Tradition that evolves, with each new disciple adding their touch.

Our legacy: Handmade, hand-forged, hand-fabricated—that’s all we know. One-of-a-kind adornment for one-of-a-kind humans.

This collection of works by Carrie and Ali celebrates a handmade legacy and tradition, blending the past and present. Each piece embodies the timeless fusion of heritage and modernity, crafted to be cherished throughout life’s journey and to endure for future generations to treasure.

In a fickle world filled with fleeting trends, we honor our legacy by creating enduring testaments to nature’s beauty and preserving a tradition of craftsmanship. Each handmade piece carries the imprint of the maker’s intent, skill, and soul, with subtle imperfections that add character and authenticity. This work reminds us of the importance of patience, dedication, and the tactile connection to our world. Preserving these traditions isn’t just about maintaining a skill; it’s about keeping alive a vital connection to what makes us human.

We hope you enjoy the work and find a piece you can wear on your journey.

Carrie & Ali

Here’s a month’s work at the bench: seven new classics, born from a family tradition that has quietly endured through the decades. A cabochon set in 22k gold, a silver-forged ring—each one made by hand, one at a time, with tools tha
Cabochons are subtle, and somehow more true to their nature than faceted stones. I grew up with them rolling around my father’s workbench, catching the light when you turned them. They’re honest—nothing to hide. These stones—
After refining, alloying, and milling this 22k gold, the next step is to select a few cabochons—perhaps aquamarine, tourmaline, beryl, garnet, or turquoise—and begin forming the heavy gold bezel on an old steel block. It’s a deliber
Sometimes things just come together effortlessly. These three rings moved across the old jewelry bench like a gentle breeze. Each holds a magnificent tourmaline cabochon, set in rich 22k gold—timeless classics, made to last a lifetime. The pr
This ring was a joy to bring to life. @carriearmstrongdesign got it started, but then had to head out of town to care for her mother, leaving me to see it through. I’d been in a bit of a slump, finding it hard to sit down and really get to work

The Essence of Handcrafted Jewelry

Big Sur Goldsmiths represents our family tradition of crafting jewelry celebrates the beauty of individuality.

Founded in the 1960’s by my late father, Karl Lee, our work is grounded in the timeless designs he created. Today, we continue this legacy with contemporary pieces that reflect the natural landscapes of Big Sur, carrying forward the skilled craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Each piece is unique, carefully handcrafted and fabricated—not cast—from recycled gold that we alloy and mill in-house. We are committed to using ethically sourced gemstones, ensuring that our creations are as responsible as they are beautiful.

Distinctive yet versatile, our jewelry is designed for daily wear, blending simplicity with elegance. Every piece we craft tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the artistry of the human hand, inviting you to embrace authenticity in your style. Our work captures the spirit of nature and honors the legacy of our family with every creation.

-Ali A Lee

Handmade

One of a Kind

Fine Jewelry

Forged for Life’s Journey

est 1964 in Big Sur

Tradition

Heritage

Legacy

Custom Jewelry

for:

Engagement, wedding and celebrations of milestones