THE ARTIST

Little Christa Clark loved to make things. Growing up in Spokane, Washington, she spent her childhood drawing, creating, and dreaming of growing up and being an artist. Her parents encouraged her by sending her to every art class she begged them to pay for, and always telling her that if she put her mind to it, she could do anything she wanted to do. By the time she was ready to leave the nest, she had dabbled in painting, sculpture, pottery, printmaking, and metalwork.

1989 took Christa to Seattle and the University of Washington. There she studied fine art in all its forms, took her time figuring out how she could make a living being creative, and ultimately earned a degree in interior design at Bellevue Community College. She quickly set out to make a name for herself as a designer and still practices interior design today, with Seattle architecture firm Mithun.

Somewhere in the late 1990’s, Christa was searching the shops for a necklace she had conjured in her mind – it was a long necklace that would tie in the front, studded with chunky turquoise stones. She was convinced that this necklace would make her life complete. - surely it had to be out there somewhere. When her search was rewarded with nothing but disappointment, Christa remembered what she always told herself growing up – “I’ll just make it!” She made the necklace and started wearing it, and was surprised at the number of comments that she received from friends, colleagues, even people on the street. She continued to make pieces for herself, until a friend encouraged her to participate in a local art show, show her jewelry, and maybe sell a few pieces. Christa ended up selling every piece she’d brought, and coming away with orders for a couple dozen more – and this is where Swish was born.

Christa founded Swish in the winter of 2005, and never looked back. Today, her jewelry is sold in several Seattle boutiques, and has amassed a loyal following of discerning accessory-philes. She lives in Seattle with her husband John and their sweet little girl, Ryan.

THE ART

Designed and handcrafted in Seattle, Washington, Swish jewelry is composed of precious and semi-precious stones set in fine silver, sterling silver and 14 karat gold filled. Christa’s hand-forged, precious metal pieces strike the perfect balance between simple, modern design and warm, organic tactility. Characterized by unabashed combinations of materials and an adventurous play on scale and proportion, these pieces will become your favorites.