From otherworldly jellyfish earrings to moon-inspired designs, Alison Morse Jewelry brings the beauty of the natural world to life, one handcrafted piece at a time.
Founded in 2016, Alison Morse Jewelry grew from a passion for traditional metalsmithing and a lifelong fascination with nature. Morse first learned to make chainmaille as a teenager at a local bead store before taking her first metalsmithing class in 2005. After earning an art degree and working with several jewelry designers, she eventually decided to take the leap into full-time self-employment.
“Giving back has always been something I wanted to build into my business from the very beginning,” said Morse.
Her work draws inspiration from the outdoors, gardening, hiking, the ocean, miniatures, and traditional craft techniques. The result is a collection of handcrafted jewelry that feels personal, whimsical, and connected to the natural world.
“I think what makes my work unique is that every design starts with a genuine fascination for the natural world,” said Morse. “Rather than chasing trends, I create pieces inspired by the places, plants, and animals that have left a lasting impression on me.”
This is especially evident in her jellyfish collection, which has become the signature of her brand.
Inspired by the Sea
Morse once considered becoming a marine biologist, but her career took a different direction when she discovered metal smithing. Her fascination with marine life eventually found its way into her jewelry designs, with jellyfish providing an especially compelling subject.
“They’re such fascinating creatures, almost alien, and their beauty and movement just needed to be made into earrings!” said Morse.
The resulting pieces are playful and elegant, with a distinctive look that tends to attract attention. For Morse, the ability to spark a conversation is part of the appeal.
Unlike jewelry produced through molds and mass manufacturing, her pieces are hand fabricated. Each design begins with a flat sheet of metal or wire before Morse saws, files, solders, and polishes the materials into the finished piece.
The jellyfish earrings range from $85 to $200, depending on their size and materials.
The process is particularly hands-on. The tops of the earrings are formed from flat sheets of metal that are drilled, dapped, and given a patina. Copper versions receive either a flame patina for a red finish or verdigris for a green finish. Each of the jellyfish’s legs is individually shaped, while the wire-wrapped pearl or turquoise centers are also made by hand.
Morse recently began using hypoallergenic niobium for the ear wires, making the collection accessible to more customers.
“Because every pair is made by hand, each one has its own subtle character while maintaining high attention to detail and quality,” Morse said.
The earrings are also designed to be lightweight enough for everyday wear while durable enough to become keepsakes.
Jewelry With A Purpose
For Morse, creating jewelry is also an opportunity to give back.
Ocean conservation has become an important part of Alison Morse Jewelry, particularly through her partnership with the 4ocean Foundation.
“As someone who loves exploring the outdoors, it’s heartbreaking to see plastic pollution impacting our oceans and the marine life that depends on them,” Morse said.
For every pair of jellyfish earrings sold, enough is donated to fund the removal of four pounds of plastic from the ocean, rivers and coastlines.
“I love that customers aren’t just purchasing a beautiful pair of earrings; they’re directly contributing to cleaning up our oceans,” she said. “It gives every purchase a purpose beyond the jewelry itself.”
The initiative started about two years ago, and it has already made a measurable impact.
“Since we started this initiative at the end of 2024, we’ve helped fund the removal of just over 500 pounds of plastic from the ocean,” Morse said.
For Morse, seeing that impact grow has been one of the most rewarding aspects of running the business.
“One of the most rewarding parts of running my business has been watching that impact grow over time,” she said.
A Gift for Ocean Lovers
With their unusual design and connection to marine life, the jellyfish earrings make an unexpected gift for ocean lovers, scuba divers, beachgoers, marine biology enthusiasts, and aquarium fans. They can also appeal to teachers, handmade jewelry enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates supporting small businesses.
“Most people have never seen jewelry quite like them, and they almost always become conversation starters,” Morse says.
They’re also a gift with a story. In addition to receiving a handcrafted piece of jewelry, the recipient can learn about the ocean cleanup effort connected to the purchase.
“Knowing that each purchase also helps remove plastic from the ocean makes the gift feel even more meaningful,” Morse says.
Every order arrives thoughtfully packaged in a jewelry box with an informational card about the ocean cleanup partnership, so recipients can learn more about the impact associated with their gift.
Beyond the Jellyfish
While the jellyfish earrings have become Morse’s signature collection, her work extends to other nature-inspired designs, including brass moon phase earrings that are especially popular for gifting.
For Morse, the most rewarding part of creating jewelry is seeing how customers connect with the pieces.
“One of my favorite parts of this business is meeting the people who connect with my designs,” she said. “Whether someone is drawn to the jellyfish because they love diving or the moon phase earrings because they follow the phases of the moon, every piece tends to carry a personal story. Hearing your stories and how you relate to the pieces lights me up.”
That personal connection, combined with the handmade craftsmanship and ocean conservation partnership, makes the jewelry a meaningful option for holiday shoppers looking for something beyond the ordinary.
Morse recommends ordering early, as every piece is handmade. Orders placed by December 1 guarantee holiday delivery, and each order arrives in a jewelry box with an informational card about the ocean cleanup partnership.
“I hope my jewelry encourages people to spend a little more time outside, appreciate the incredible places around them, and remember that even small choices like supporting handmade work or helping remove plastic from our oceans can make a meaningful difference,” she said.
The full collection is available at www.alisonmorse.com, with Morse also participating in select art festivals and holiday markets throughout the year.
Also, make sure to visit their Instagram and Facebook.
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