Our Story
We are moved by the light and color of gemstones. Inspired by every color-kissed gemstone that is as individual as the person who chooses to twine their life with that of the stone. And in awe of how gemstones flaunt their beauty in naturally occurring inclusions that catch light and color to singularly striking results.
We find beauty in the inclusions, the unique fingerprints inside gems. Some consider these flaws but we design jewelry to accentuate these galaxies that live inside tiny crystals, bring it out and complement it in every way with timeless designs.
Starling brings the past, present and future together in a manner of making that is naturally circular with precious materials that are endlessly recyclable. Crafted in California, Starling Jewelry contributes to a responsible future that honors our materials, our community of makers and fine jewelry’s connective force.
Designing in conversation with the customer and the materials, we seek out the rare and extraordinary to represent the loves, commitments and major moments of your story—the twinkly points on the timeline—in thoughtfully unexpected ways.
We believe the best pieces are the ones that are well-worn and well-loved. They’re made with devotion to exquisite materials, design and craftsmanship that tell your story and connect with you deeply. They are simply made to be — ever yours.
Our Team
All Starling jewelry is entirely made by hand in Los Angeles, California by a close-knit family of creative collaborators and craftspeople. Our team is composed of the best skilled artisans in the city, with many of our metalsmiths, stone setters and casters 3rd and 4th generation jewelers. Our founder, Chelsey Bartrum, a jeweler and graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, sources only the highest quality stones and metals, at the fairest price. Bartrum also personally inspects each and every stone, allowing for unparalleled quality control.
Founder
Fascinated by adornment and design throughout her childhood, Chelsey Bartrum was pursuing a Master’s Degree in nursing, when a visit to Chetumal, Mexico, ignited a life-changing decision. Inspired by the color and craft of Central America, Bartrum decided to forgo nursing school in favor of settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was here where she would begin a longtime apprenticeship with a master goldsmith and a rewarding job at a boutique silversmith’s gallery. A decade later, Bartrum’s extensive jewelry design experience includes a Graduate Gemologist degree from Gemological Institute of America and time spent working alongside master goldsmiths and designers throughout the United States, including Janis Savitt, Scosha, Loree Rodkin and Pippa Small.In 2016, Bartrum founded her own line, Starling, a culmination of her years of training and her passion for creating accessible fine jewelry, for everyday wear. With the birth of her daughter in late 2019, she relaunched Starling's modern mama and mini heirloom bracelets, that have quickly become the brands best selling pieces.