The Brand: Cat Bates is an artist and jewelry-maker based in Biddeford, Maine. Cat has been working on this body of work for the last decade and it continues to evolve organically and magically. Cat says, “I find a distinct beauty in utilitarian objects, and often notice that through use such objects become more beautiful still. I think of a bronze oarlock, its exterior caked with oxide from exposure to salt spray, its interior buffed to a warm luster by the rubbing of a dinghies wooden oars. It excites me to see that the metal has been worn smooth, and to know that if use continues the metal will eventually wear thin, will eventually no longer serve its function; that the use of an object will eventually lead to its end. I design jewelry that will last long enough for use to compound its beauty. If you wear one of my pieces, I hope that you will take pleasure in knowing that you are part of what makes it beautiful.”

Description: Inspired by the traditional marine hardware of the same name, the Pelican Clip is one of Cat’s best-selling styles. The continuous loop cord, which wraps around the wrist twice, is hand-braided in-house using a kumihimo loom. The tan cord is pigmented rather than dyed and will fade to a pale white or grey over time. To open the clasp, the cord moves up over the end of the hinged arm; to close, simply push the cord back in place.

Details: tan hand braided cotton cord, to be wrapped around wrist twice, 3 sizes available: (measurements are end to end including clasp) small - 14 inches, medium - 15 1/2 inches, large - 17 inches, made in Maine, fades to light gray (see last photograph)

A Note From Erika: I don’t like to take my jewelry off. One of my favorite things about Cat’s work is that you can live in it. The more you wear it, the better it gets. Bonus on this one: you can wear this piece as a bracelet or a necklace.