Carrie Armstrong’s lifelong connection to metal began in 1997 while working with Italian sculptor Ron Bertocchi, where she learned welding, forming, and foundational metal techniques. She later earned a BFA in printmaking from Southern Oregon University, further deepening her understanding of metal through etching and engraving.

After meeting her husband, Ali Lee, and master goldsmith Karl Lee, Carrie transitioned naturally to the jewelry bench. Under Karl’s mentorship, she developed advanced hand fabrication skills while cultivating her own design voice. Upon his passing in 2013, Carrie and Ali inherited the studio, continuing its legacy of fine studio jewelry.

Each piece is individually hand fabricated using traditional techniques such as fusion, keum-boo, granulation, and hand-forged chain work. Carrie works with platinum and reclaimed gold and silver, often featuring gemstones like tourmaline, ruby, sapphire, diamond, garnet, and turquoise.

Now based in the Pacific Northwest, Carrie creates from the historic Karl Lee Big Sur bench in collaboration with Big Sur Goldsmiths, carrying forward over 50 years of exceptional craftsmanship.