Chelsea received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Metals and Jewelry. Her daily walks through the squares of downtown and adventures to obscure areas outside of town sparked her interest in the age, history, and natural beauty of Savannah. One influential exploration led her to a set of overgrown railroad tracks where she found what came to be her muse – the first lot of buried ceramic shards.
Soon after graduating, Chelsea started her jewelry business, Chelsea Miller Designs. She hosted her first show in November 2006 and has since been participating in group shows, solo shows, and art fairs across the country. Her jewelry is currently sold in various boutiques and through her business’ website, www.c-m-designs.com. She lives in Charleston, SC where she continues to dig for buried treasures.

The ceramic shards in our jewelry were once intact plates or bowls dating from early 1600's to the 1940's. Tossed out, lost, or otherwise buried in the earth, they have since been gradually modified by nature. Temperature, moisture, and soil composition have produced changes in color, crackling, and the texture of the piece.
At CMD, we dig up each ceramic shard and give it an approximate date, based on the history of the land and other objects found at the site (i.e., bottles, porcelain dolls, pipes). With shards from approximately 30 locations, the material differs greatly. For example, the shards found in northern climates often show chipped/irregular surfaces, because the freezing and melting of groundwater weakens and cracks the glaze, causing it to flake off.
During the fabrication process, we cut, grind and sand each ceramic shard into a beautiful form. Some are polished into regular shapes with clean edges –the Royal style – while some retain their more organic angular shapes – the Rogue style. In offering these distinct styles and a variety of settings, we appeal to diverse personalities, tastes, and ages.
Digging for this material has become a way for us to re-connect with the earth. The shards we find, convert into jewelry, and wear are mementos and representations of the passage of time and history. We hope to pass these connections on to you, the wearer. It’s a testament to the material that inspiration for new creations is forever forthcoming – we look forward to future finds and designs!

At Chelsea Miller Designs, we want to help people feel good about themselves. This means creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that remind a girl of her individuality and unique sense of style each time she puts one on. In a world of mass production, the ability to stand apart is increasingly coveted. We strive to increase each woman’s self-confidence by providing her with a fashionable, original piece.
Gratification here is two-fold, for the wearer can also feel good about herself by resting assured that her purchase is not harming the environment. CMD reduces the impact on the environment by fabricating each item by hand, by conservatively using recycled packaging, and by applying good old-fashioned elbow grease in digging for materials. We don’t buy ceramic plates or bowls (even from thrift/antique shops)! Every single ceramic shard is dug straight from the earth and completey repurposed to create an eco-friendly product.

We want every customer to be completely happy with their order! Please contact us immediately if there is a problem with your order. We will work with you to alter or fix a product that you’re not satisfied with. Or you may return the product (in its original condition) WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIPT for a full refund, credit, or exchange. CMD is not liable for returns that are lost or damaged in the mail. For this reason, please insure the items that you return. Return shipping is non-refundable. If you have any further questions regarding the return policy, please contact us @ 630-865-6935.

Obviously, some of the ceramic pieces are very fragile, especially the thinner ones. So PLEASE be careful with them!
Many of the pieces incorporate sterling silver, which naturally tarnishes over time. To slow down the rate at which it tarnishes, you can store the piece in an anti-tarnish bag or a sealed container. To remove any tarnish: Use a polishing cloth first. If that does not completely remove the tarnish, carefully apply a jewelry cleaning solution (i.e. Tarnish Off) with a paintbrush or Q-tip to the tarnished silver. DO NOT submerge the ceramic shard into the solution.
Don't use anything abrasive as it will scratch the ceramic and metal. An ultrasonic cleaner is a great way to remove gunk (i.e., makeup, debris) from hard to reach areas – most jewelry stores have one that they may let you use.