Karl Lee in the Esalen Art Barn circa 1964

Est. 1964 - Big Sur

Big Sur Goldsmiths

Handmade Fine Jewelry

One-of-a-Kind

made by hand, to be worn

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 in our family studio with care. We hand fabricate using high karat gold, recycled and pure. Ethical gemstones, many from our family’s collection. Three generations have built this treasure. Each piece tells a story. A commitment to sustainability. Quality that endures. Timeless artistry. This is our craft. Each ring, each pendant, unique. They stand alone. They carry history in their form. Our legacy shines in their beauty. A love for the earth. A respect for tradition. In every piece, our heart. A life lived in gold and stone. Simple and profound.

MADE TO BE WORN FOR LIFE

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



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

This one is heavy. Silver of an uncommon alloy, pure platinum, 22K gold, 18K gold—all fused together like they had no choice in the matter. Diamonds and sapphires, set like a secret code, with a Sri Lankan moonstone turned upside down just to s
Everyday beauty. Forged silver, 22k gold, and gemstones—handmade to be worn always, everywhere. Simple, strong, and made to last. These are for you to wear, and for us, they’re the cello and fiddle lessons for the kiddo…the growth
The light is just right this afternoon, catching on the fusion of 22k gold, platinum, and silver—forged together with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Handmade, one by one, into a small series, each piece meant to find its wearer, settle in, an
Sapphires set in 22k gold on forged silver bands—crafted to last a lifetime and beyond. A timeless design, true to its origins, infinitely wearable. I’ve just finished a few of these—perhaps one is already the perfect fit for you. I

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

Custom Jewelry & Bespoke Designs
We take a limited number of custom orders each year, mainly from our existing collectors.