Jewelry inspired by fungi, lungs, and tentacles sounds like it could be a hot seller in a goth store, but designer Peggy Skemp isn’t trying to gross you out. Having grown up in a family of environmentalists, biologists, and doctors, she’s genuinely excited by the natural sciences. A talented metalsmith, Skemp finds beauty in sinew and suction cups, crafting pendants depicting bits of muscle tissue and sterling silver rings approximating tubular fungi clustered in a meandering row. Other creations include tentacle rings with tiny diamonds set in the suckers and the popular anatomical heart pendant—cool jewelry for your inner science nerd.
Best Jewelry Artist
Peggy Skemp