The Beginnings of GROUNDED jewelry
I'm Meghan, the maker at Grounded ceramic jewelry. I've been an art maker since I was little, but my journey with jewelry making began during a season of transition. In 2015 after my daughter was born, I craved creative expression and connection during an unpredictable and lonely time. Intermittent periods during naps creating functional ceramics soon became an exploration into wearable artwork. I discovered how jewelry has the power to become a part of daily life in a meaningful, intimate way. Every piece begins as soft clay, eventually fired into permanence. A transformation begins once you wear it and the jewelry becomes more than an accessory. It’s a reflection of identity and a way to wear meaning close to the skin.
I thrive being outdoors in nature. Whether it's the gentle curve of a branch, the textured surface of stone, or the warm glow at twilight, nature connects us to something simple yet profound and I strive to capture that essence. Each piece is a small, personal connection to something larger than ourselves and an invitation for you to pause, reflect, and feel grounded.
From clay to a cherished wearable artwork
To create each piece I use porcelain clay, which is delicate and reactive to touch, temperature and movement. I typically roll out the clay into a thin slab then cut and form it into the desired shape and texture.
Once the piece dries I bisque fire it in the kiln until it reaches about 1945 degrees Fahrenheit. Afterwards, I might paint with underglaze and glaze. The pieces are loaded into the kiln a second time and fired to a temperature of 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually takes around 7 hours. If I am adding gold luster, each piece is fired a third time to a lower temperature. Lastly, I form the wire component of the piece using quality metals and metalsmithing tools.
Materials Matter
I use a US based company, Rio Grande, to purchase metals and jewelry making supplies because their values are important. They source metals from refiners on the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) list meaning the refiners are in good legal standing and they certify and independently audit that all supplies are traceable and conflict-free. They operate in a net-zero energy building, and have been certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). I will not buy metals or any components for my jewelry from Amazon. Additionally I buy my clay from a local company, Ceramic Supply Chicago, and use recycled packaging materials as much as I can. I aim to make as little of an imprint on the earth as possible.