Modern Heirloom® is a fine jewelry brand founded by artists Ben and Kathryn Stewart. Known for hand engraved heirloom jewelry, every piece is meticulously crafted in our North Carolina studio to turn personal stories and life milestones into wearable keepsakes meant to be passed down through generations.
Our Founders & Artistry
Ben and Kathryn met while studying illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). They were part of the program’s earliest jewelry graduating cohorts in the mid-1990s. Combining their background in illustration with technical mastery in hand engraving and stone setting, they create custom heirloom jewelry that serves as a bridge between the past and the future.
The Studio: Silver Bonsai Gallery
Located in the coastal town of Manteo, North Carolina, our studio and gallery is where “Old knowledge, Present hands, and Future memory” come together. We specialize in traditional techniques, including hand fabrication and intricate hand engraving, ensuring that every piece is a unique work of art.
Signature Craft
- Hand Engraving
- Stone Setting
- Illustrated Jewelry Design
- Bespoke Redesign of Heirloom Stones