FAQ

Each shell found in this carefully curated collection was selected by Katy while walking the local beaches here. The shell is cast in plaster and that mold is then used to create slip casts with a fine porcelain clay. These casts are able to capture the details and character of the shell’s surface textures while also adding strength to what would often otherwise be an extremely fragile molted exoskeleton. (a tiny horseshoe crab molting, for example). The clay casts are then meticulously shaped and refined by hand and in some cases glaze is strategically applied. Next the pieces are transformed into a glassy, white porcelain by firing in a kiln up to 2,232 degrees fahrenheit. Some pieces are left purely porcelain with no additional surface treatment while others are further adorned with luminous  22k gold or platinum luster. These liquid solutions are brushed onto the glazed sections of the clay. An additional firing then melts and fuses the gold or platinum to the surface of the piece. The jewelry is finished with either sterling silver or 14k gold filled hardware. It is quite a lengthy process and at each stage, the pieces are showered with more special treatments, which I believe makes each one all the more unique and valuable. 

Collections of new work are released periodically on my website. While my production speed varies, I tend to open the shop with new work every two months. In addition, my jewelry can be found at a number of shops and galleries here on Cape Cod. I also enjoy selling my work in person at craft fairs and pop-ups occasionally throughout the year. You can find a full list of retailers and events here.

I consider many of the items I create as staples of my practice (belon oyster necklace, for example), and produce multiple pieces from the same molds, so it is reasonable to expect many of these items to appear at the next collection release. However even from the same mold, each piece of jewelry is one of a kind. While I often use the same techniques when creating pieces, I allow myself the freedom to explore new strategies and experiment with new ideas. This is my most favorite part of making work and it is for this reason that familiar forms may have subtle differences in the next batch of work. It is also where some of the more divergent and unique pieces I make come from. I make a conscious choice to devote a significant amount of my studio time to the unknown. It helps my work stay fresh and keeps the spark in my creative spirit! 

While I’m always flattered to hear from customers who would like something they’ve seen or to have something special made, I often cannot fulfill special requests. Due to the nature of ceramics, it can be difficult to ensure a piece will come out as expected, which can create a challenging timeline for special orders. In addition, accommodating made-to-order pieces shifts the focus in my studio practice away from my creative process, therefore it is not a sales format I wish to pursue at this time. 

Yes! All orders can be shipped priority. I am happy to ship your order to anywhere in the world, though additional shipping fees may apply. I will package your piece with great care and am willing to work with you to ensure that your order gets to you wherever you are!

Absolutely! I will be happy to coordinate with you and will share details when the item is ready to be collected.

Katy’s studio is nestled back in a quiet neighborhood, just over a mile from the beach, in Brewster, MA. You may schedule an appointment to visit the studio or to pick up your online order by emailing Katy directly at: 

katytaylorcapecod@gmail.com

Porcelain jewelry is fragile and is best handled with care. Like other fine jewelry, store in a cool, dry place, such a dust pouch, when not wearing. With exposure to sun and moisture over time, sterling silver will develop a tarnish, which can be  removed with a polishing cloth or solution as desired. However, avoid polishing any luster on porcelain for it will destroy this delicate surface. Instead, to clean porcelain components, use a gentle soap with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.