About Amy Sandoval
I’m Amy, the artist and silversmith behind Joy Garden Jewelry. I grew up in Forest Ranch, a small town in the northern Sierra Nevada, where much of my childhood was spent outside—among creeks, trees, wildflowers, and whatever small thing caught my attention. That habit of noticing has never left me.
“I’m drawn to the symbols we find in the natural world and to the way a small object can hold a surprisingly large feeling.”
Curious about how the pieces are made? Visit the FAQ or take a look around the shop.
I’ve always made things. Before jewelry, my creative life included costume and clothing design, writing, dance, and a great deal of cooking. Silversmithing brought together the parts I loved most: imagination, precision, problem-solving, and the pleasure of turning raw materials into something that can be worn and kept.
Each Joy Garden piece begins in my Chico studio with silver sheet, wire, loose gemstones, and an idea. Many designs come from Northern California; the shape of an oak leaf, the movement of birds, or light playing across water. Others begin with a symbol or feeling I want to give form.
I use responsibly-sourced silver and gemstones from suppliers committed to environmental care and fair labor practices. My hope is that the finished piece feels personal: something that reflects what you love, marks a moment, or simply makes an ordinary day a little more beautiful.
