Meet Chloe of Solar Wilds

This February, Moon+Arrow is thrilled to feature Chloe of Solar Wilds as our visiting artist. Chloe is a talented Philadelphia-based metalsmith whose whimsical, nature-inspired jewelry is made with care, creativity, and sustainability in mind. Through hand fabrication and lost wax casting, Chloe transforms ethically sourced stones and recycled silver into stunning wearable art. We sat down with Chloe to learn more about her journey, her inspirations, and what makes her creations so special.

For Chloe, the journey to becoming a jewelry artist began during the pandemic. Like many of us, she sought a creative outlet during an uncertain time. After exploring various crafts such as sewing, crocheting, embroidery, and photography, she discovered metalsmithing through social media. As soon as she picked up her torch for the first time, she knew instantly that this was for her. In just two years, Chloe has honed her skills and fallen deeply in love with the craft, continually learning and evolving her style.

Since picking up her first saw in January 2023, Chloe’s artistry has flourished. She has developed a keen eye for selecting stones that speak to her, favoring jaspers and Montana agates for their unique patterns and earthy tones. Over time, Chloe has learned to embrace experimentation and the occasional mistake, which often leads to unexpected and beautiful results. Her personal style leans toward simplicity, allowing the natural beauty of the stones to take center stage. However, she still enjoys crafting intricate, bold pieces as a way to play and expand her creative boundaries.

Chloe’s connection to nature is the heart of Solar Wilds. She sees nature scenes in all of her stones, whether it be the blues of the ocean, the greens of the forest, or oranges of sunset tones. Her designs often reflect these elements, blending minimalist elegance with whimsical details such as silver balls soldered along the edges of bezels. A standout in her current collection is her fern and cedar necklaces, inspired by Maine, a place she describes as her happiest and most connected to nature. Using real leaves to imprint on wax, Chloe’s designs bring a piece of the Maine wilderness to life, resulting in jewelry that is both meaningful and wearable.

Ethics and sustainability are integral to Chloe’s work. All of her stones are sourced from small-batch lapidary artists, supporting independent businesses like Jordyn in Oregon. Chloe also prioritizes eco-friendly practices by using recycled silver and saving her own scraps to be reused or refined. Even her packaging is made from recycled materials, designed to minimize waste and encourage reuse.

Chloe’s hope is that her jewelry inspires confidence and connection in those who wear it. Even if you are spending the day in the office, just having that piece on and knowing that the stone came directly from the earth is pretty cool. For Chloe, jewelry is not just an accessory, it is a way to feel grounded, inspired, and complete.

Starting Solar Wilds has been a rewarding but challenging journey. It is really scary putting art out into the world, especially in the online space where critiques can feel personal. However, the joy of connecting with customers and seeing people love her pieces makes it all worthwhile. From participating in art fairs to growing her small business, Chloe has created something truly special.

This month, we invite you to explore Chloe’s one-of-a-kind creations at Moon+Arrow. Whether it is her fern and cedar necklaces or her whimsical silver designs, you are sure to find a piece that resonates with you and brings the beauty of nature into your life. Stop by Moon+Arrow this February to shop Solar Wilds and support this talented artist’s journey. Together, let us celebrate craftsmanship, sustainability, and the magic of handmade jewelry.