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BigSurGoldsmiths

Karl Lee 1945 - 2012

A tradition continued by Carrie Armstrong & Ali Lee 

The Golden Mean is a concept as old as civilization. For the ancient Greeks it meant a life with nothing in excess. For the Gautama Buddha it was living the middle way or taking the “middle path” between asceticism and self indulgence. For legendary jeweler Karl Lee it meant a balance between form and function, silver and gold, high art and fine craft.

Karl Lee began his passionate, rich and prolific career in the “Art Barn” at the famous Esalen Institute on the rugged Big Sur coast of California. His path led from ceramics to metals and by the late 1960’s he had perfected his skills in traditional methods of jewelry making. While he often worked solely in gold his most famous jewelry pieces were frequently a balance of sterling silver and 22 karat gold. The silver shank of his rings made for “everyday” wearability and affordability. The gold 22k bezel protected Karl’s lush minerals and gemstones from damage. Form following function. The Golden Mean, Big Sur Style. Meanwhile Karl also  himself to investigate more unconventional design, one of a kind creations that explored his personal intersection of meaning and design. While his various studios eventually moved from the California Central Coast to Kauai, Hawaii to coastal Oregon, Karl’s spiritual grounding was always in Big Sur.

Since his passing in 2013 Karl Lee’s studio has grown into a family affair of jewelers. His son Ali Lee and daughter-in law Carrie Armstrong continue that path that Karl followed for over fifty years. Together Ali and Carrie continue to produce signature Karl Lee designs as well as to create their own unique styles. The passing of the generational “baton” maintains the high level of respect for delicious gemstones and minerals, fine metals and skilled craftsmanship. 

Karl used to say that his jewelry was created to be worn. Not just as a form of occasional “dress up” expression but as an everyday part of our lives, a representation of our daily selves. In Big Sur people still do “chop wood and carry water”. And to this day they frequently can be seen doing so wearing a Karl Lee design.