In her Victorian-inspired jewelry designs, Asheville’s Alice Scott uses symbols from cultures and traditions around the world to create pieces that look ancient, yet modern – and have an extra meaning and story.
Artist: Born in Washington, DC, Scott grew up in Charlottesville, VA, often traveling with her artist mom to craft shows. She went to Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a BFA in jewelry in 2009.
Company/studio: Symbology by Alice Scott, based in Asheville NC, started in 2011. Scott’s studio was in the River Arts District for years, but it was flooded in Hurricane Helene last September.
Scott relocated her studio to an old repurposed textile mill and opened a new gallery with a few friends called Luna Gallery in the part of the River Arts District that is still there. The gallery makes and sells work, including Scott’s, inspired by plants and nature.
In the beginning: Started making jewelry when she was six years old, often painting brooches with pumpkin faces to sell at the shows for Halloween. At age 14, she decided she wanted to be a jeweler when she grew up.
Art & materials: Victorian-inspired jewelry but updated so it can be worn every day. ($40 to $600).
Materials include sterling silver with black patinas, as well as 14k gold. Scott often uses her favorite stones, Labradorite and Moonstone, because they are so magical and unique.
“I love embracing contradiction in my work,” said Scott. “Pieces that are soft and feminine but also badass at the same time.
“I love using Victorian jewelry as inspiration because it was so romantic, over the top, and nostalgic. I think that’s what all jewelry should be.”
What’s popular: The inner compass necklaces are a current favorite.
The necklaces are shaped like compasses with a stone in the middle and radiating circles around it.
“My hope is that it serves as a reminder to look inward for wisdom and power,” said Scott.
Favorite tool: Her mini torch. She solders all her pieces with it. The mini torch is the only expensive piece of equipment she has.
“I saved it from the flood in the nick of time,” said Scott.
Fun or special commissions: Working on custom pieces called “Power Talismans.”
How it works: Folks fill out a questionnaire about the intentions they’re trying to bring into their life.
Scott then makes a one-of-kind necklace that incorporates symbols to help remind them of their intentions.
Recent project: The new gallery, Luna, opened Feb. 1.
Longer term project: Creating big watercolor paintings to match her jewelry.
Where to buy:
- Symbology-jewelry.com
- Luna Gallery, Asheville (in person).
Connect:
- Instagram: @symbologyalicescott
