Born in Cambridge, England, a city known for its famous universities, drooping willows trees, and rolling hills, a young Simon Cardwell, head designer of Simon Cardwell Jewelry, could often be found sketching the surrounding countryside and wildlife. His studies in nature brought him to Kingston University in London where he received two degrees, one in Painting and one in Art History. Upon graduation, Cardwell worked on a game reserve in Africa, teaching underprivileged children art and sculpture. Those small sculptures inspire many of his designs today.

In 2001, Bob Guiney of The Bachelor commissioned Cardwell to design an exquisite engagement ring now worn by his wife, Rebecca Budig, of All My Children and Full Frontal Fashion fame. Other celebrities who have worn his creations include Tori Spelling, American Idol star Katherine McPhee, Nelly Furtado and Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger (star sign: cancer) who adores her new, “Tanzanian tree hole crab” pendant.

Today Cardwell’s sterling silver, gold and platinum creations are all made in the USA, are sprinkled with precious gems and, most important, are now being produced from 100% recycled materials. So, with his latest collections featuring -hand-carved creatures, many of which are named on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Cardwell returns to nature—and his roots.