Goldsmith Jennifer Odell’s journey as an artist channels a bit of Circe—the goddess of magic and transformation from Greek mythology. For Odell, Circe is not only a goddess, but also a muse. As Odell has traveled extensively, collecting antiquities along the way, she began creating jewelry from these pieces, and infused her love of “ancient cultures, mythology, and world religions,” and ultimately enrolled in formal goldsmithing classes. In 2012, while living in New Jersey, just ten miles outside of Manhattan, she founded her jewelry company, Paris & Lily, where her inimitable designs were presented to a sophisticated and exacting clientele. “I was right there in the treasure trove,” she explains, “in the center of everything I needed—my sources for gemstones are on 47th Street, along with the refinery that I work with.” 

Paris & Lily has grown along different branches: on the first, Odell has stayed true to her beginnings by repurposing heirloom jewelry in what she refers to as “Alchemy Projects.” In some cases, she’ll create a new ring to reset a diamond, while in others she may transform engagement and wedding bands from 14K to 22K gold. “An important portion of my business has been bridal jewelry that comes to me as a starting point,” she says. 

A second branch of Odell’s work arises from the synergy of collaboration with visual artists around certain themes. Past collections include “Golden Summer,” a Nantucket-Basket-inspired homage to her childhood summers in Hyannis Port; and “Le Fay Amulets,” which feature stud earrings wrought from the spells of King Arthur’s oft-maligned half-sister. For both projects, Odell worked closely with illustrator Hillary Bott Sorrentino. 

A decade ago, Odell decided to return home to New England, though she still maintains her business in New Jersey by appointment only. She and her husband bought a house on the Cape, serendipitously, just four houses down from the home where she spent her childhood summers, and put down their roots. After just two weeks, her husband found a perfect spot for her new studio and showroom—in the warm embrace of Osterville’s Main Street. 

Lately, Odell has kept busy conjuring up her newest collection, “Two Girls and an Island”, a collaboration with painter Katherine Downey Miller that “explores the mythologies, magic and inspirations of living on an island.” Odell explains, “My work is really inspired by gems of the oceans, and of shoreline solitude.” Pearls, which she describes as “absolute little miracles,” feature prominently in her work. They come from as far away as Asia, and as near as domestic freshwater farms. 

For Odell, the experience of her first winter on the Cape comingled with the nostalgia of childhood summers to concoct a potent enchantment. “I felt like Circe here, alone with her animals,” says Odell. Almost a year ago, she and Miller began weaving their magic. Odell would direct Miller to certain locations: favorite spots from Squaw Island, to Craigville’s Long Beach and to Dowse’s Beach in Osterville. She says, “Katherine came down in the fall and winter, took photos of these sites at different times of day, in different weather conditions. Then, she painted from those. When we finished a piece, we’d share pictures of it, to inspire each other. It was a great way to work.” Miller adds, “I am drawn to and inspired by Jennifer’s gorgeous handmade jewelry because of its visual and aesthetic connection to the past—most notably the antiquities. I just want to adorn myself in it!” In turn, Odell says of the painter, “The color palettes Katherine incorporates keep me lingering—from her magical violet sunsets to her crisp sunrises—I feel so in awe of her natural, timeless expressions of our beautiful New England landscapes.”

Odell and Miller’s “Two Girls and an Island” opens at Odell’s Osterville studio on June 29th with an evening event, and will run through the end of July. “All of the jewelry is handcrafted, wearable art,” says Odell. “The show will offer a multi-sensory experience, with the jewelry in the middle, surrounded by canvases, sketchwork, and sculpture.” 

To experience Odell’s artistry, visit her website at parisandlily.com or the shop at 574 Main Street in Osterville.