Nettie Kent was born and raised on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, and the close proximity to the sea in formative years made a lasting impression on the designer. Raised by a painter and a librarian, Kent’s bohemian upbringing nurtured her creative spirit and abilities - she could hold a paint brush before she could talk – and eventually brought her to Hampshire College where she earned a degree in Fine Arts Painting. After studying mural painting in Mexico and fresco painting in Italy, Nettie made the move to New York City to pursue her love of art. She found herself moving beyond the two dimensional drawn towards an interest in metal work and sculpture. Untrained in metal smithing she sought out apprenticeships with leading jewelers in New York, and a love for handcrafted objects with stories to tell along with a lot of self described ‘trial and error’ all combined in a perfect storm to inspire Kent to start her own line in 2008.

Since then, Kent has earned a cult following and loyal clientele that appreciates her organic forms, unique designs and her ethical approach to jewelry making that emphasizes sustainable design and sourcing recycled materials. Summers on the beach and winters in Brooklyn influence all of Nettie's designs, a mix of organic shapes cast in rough golden metals juxtaposed with soft leathers. Kent works with abandon - sketches give way to carving where she “just lets it happen” finding the piece as it unfolds itself from the wax she carves. Layering gold leaf on leather, Kent says “the process brings me back to my roots as a painter. It’s just a really fun and unrestricted way to work.”

Although she is now quite content living as a city girl in Brooklyn, NY, Kent continues to be inspired by nature, especially the sea - from coral reef bronze necklaces to leather fringe earrings, her beautiful 70's inspired pieces look as if they were washed ashore in a mermaid's jewelry box…