Who we are
“Crafted with tradition, shaped by skill, carried through time.”
Modern Heirloom® jewelry is created by Ben and Kathryn Stewart and their small but powerful team at Silver Bonsai Gallery. Working together through all stages of the jewelry making process from design to creation to create each piece. In our NC Studio the artists, enjoy working closely with each client to design create beautifully unique and personal pieces all while creating original collections available in our gallery where we also provide expert repair and restoration in silver, gold, and platinum. Crafted with tradition, shaped by skill, and carried through time each Modern Heirloom® creation carries the unique beauty through the artistry at the root of Ben and Kathryn’s story as creators and as artists.
Old knowledge. Present hands. Future memory.
Masterful Stonesetting by Ben Stewart
"Where ancient inspiration meets modern craft"
Our history
"Expert craftsmanship, precious metals, and jewelry with your story in mind”
Featured Collections
In the Garden
honors the memory of Kathryn’s grandmother & the sanctuary of her garden.Hand-crafted to capture the quiet magic of garden, the rhythm of the seasons, and the stories held within. These creations carry memory, intention, and elegance.
Illustrated Jewel
Drawing on Japanese woodblock prints, Art Nouveau & Deco, Italian ornamental engraving, and fantasy art, they create the Illustrated Jewel™ Collection—hand-engraved jewelry where artistry and story come alive.
By the Sea
Inspired by the waves of the North Carolina coast, By the Sea captures the movement and sparkle of the shoreline. Hand-engraved surfaces catch the light like sunlight on water, crafted with traditional techniques and a timeless coastal influence.
Modern Heirloom® Gents
Bridge past and future, turning history and hidden knowledge into wearable art. Each hand-set gemstone and engraved detail carries story, intention, and quiet elegance for the modern man.
“Mythic Treasures. Crafted by Hand. ”
Precious Materials
We work in sterling silver, gold, and platinum. All gemstones are hand-selected for cut, color, and Unique qualites. Our diamonds personally selected by Kathryn Stewart, a GIA-certified Diamond Grader (DG), ensuring exceptional quality, integrity, and brilliance.
Masterful Goldsmiths
“Our Modern Heirloom® goldsmiths craft treasures with masterful skill, meticulous design, and artistic intuition. We create pieces which carry the legacy of old knowledge, the intention of present hands, and the promise of future memory.”
Premium Support
For personalized assistance or to explore our Modern Heirloom® creations, visit us at Silver Bonsai Gallery in Manteo, NC, where our studio and gallery bring craftsmanship to life, or connect with us online for inquiries and guidance.
Who we are
“Ornamental Hand Engraving, Artfully Illustrated.”
Rooted in illustration, Kathryn trained at the New Approach School for Jewelers, while Ben is a self-taught engraver. Drawing on Japanese woodblock prints, Art Nouveau & Deco, Italian ornamental engraving, and fantasy art, they create the Illustrated Jewel™ Collection—hand-engraved jewelry where artistry and story come alive.
Our Value
“Creating Rings as Unique as the Love you share”
Hand-carved wedding bands shaped to endure, inspired by gardens, the ocean, fantasy illustrations, and architectural forms. Each wave, leaf, flower, fern, and seashell is hand-engraved, creating jewelry that tells a story, captures a feeling, and preserves a moment.
Crafted with Old-World Techniques. Enhanced by Modern Technology. Shaped by Skilled Hands.
Rooted in illustration, our creativity and design skills shine—hand-sketched and digitally sculpted for precision and artistry.
Working together for over 30 years, we craft each piece in our NC studio—from first concept to finished Modern Heirloom®.
Handengraving | sculpting | Gold, silver & platinum| Stones chosen with care| GIA-certified diamonds| Jewelry that tells a story|
Why Choose us
“Handmade. Exceptional. Timeless.”
“At Modern Heirloom®, we handcraft each piece with meticulous attention to detail, blending centuries-old techniques with contemporary design. From bespoke creations to expert repair and restoration, our jewelry embodies artistry, story, and lasting value.”
“Skill, Story, Legacy.”
“Every Modern Heirloom® begins with a vision. We craft most pieces to order, allowing you to customize the details—from metals and stones to engraving and finish—so your jewelry feels uniquely yours. With careful handcrafting and thoughtful design, each piece becomes an enduring treasure made to carry meaning into the future.
