In this episode of The Materialist , Marc interviews Presley Oldham , a jewelry designer whose path to creating unique, handcrafted pieces was shaped by his creative upbringing and personal exploration.Presley shares his journey, starting with a childhood in an artistic family—his uncle a fashion designer, his father a metalsmith, and his grandmother a fine artist—and his early pursuits in performing arts. These experiences, along with the introspection brought on by the pandemic, led him to focus on jewelry, a tangible art form that resonates deeply with him.Presley discusses launching his jewelry business in 2020, emphasizing the importance of using upcycled and natural materials, particularly pearls, which he views as unique and elemental. His designs highlight individuality and imperfection, blending traditional techniques like wire wrapping with modern creativity. His pieces, which gained immediate traction, are intentionally genderless and aim to evoke emotion and connection in the wearer.Throughout the conversation, Presley reflects on the challenges of building a small, sustainable business while maintaining creative integrity. He describes his inspirations, from nature and vintage archives to classic films and the personal histories embedded in heirloom jewelry. He also shares the transformative experience of participating in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition, where he expanded his creative storytelling to include clothing and fashion shows.Marc and Presley explore themes of artistry, craftsmanship, and the evolving relationship between the maker, the object, and its wearer. Presley highlighted three designers he admires, each bringing something special to the world of jewelry: * Ted Muehling : Presley loves how Ted’s work is all about simplicity and understated beauty. There’s an elegance to his designs that Presley finds incredibly inspiring—it’s jewelry that doesn’t need to shout to make an impression. * David Rees and Ron Anderson of Ten Thousand Things : Presley couldn’t say enough good things about this duo. They hand-carve gemstones into stunning, thoughtful pieces, and their commitment to handmade craftsmanship is something Presley really connects with. He even mentioned they’ve become friends, and he thinks their work deserves way more attention—it’s truly exceptional. * Monica Castiglione : An Italian designer whose pieces Presley grew up seeing, thanks to his mom, who’s a big fan. He describes her work as natural and organic, the kind of jewelry that feels timeless—something you’d want to keep and pass down. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com
