Elysian Theory is a collection of sculptural, dreamy jewelry that turns every day into a special occasion. Each piece is handmade by designer Elyse Tolles in Annapolis, Maryland.

Elysian Theory takes inspiration from old-world feminine elegance, playing dress up, and rituals of adornment. Featuring an eclectic mix of materials and processes, Elysian Theory designs frequently reimagine classic silhouettes and explore personally meaningful motifs and symbology — while striking a balance between wearable and individualistic.

Elyse was inspired to explore jewelry as a creative medium after leaving graduate school, where she studied classical flute performance. Her professional music background remains a constant source of inspiration and influence over her design process.

Elysian Theory has been featured in partnerships with Anthropologie and Michaels Stores, featured in Etsy's Featured Shops series, and chosen as a finalist in Etsy's first ever Design Awards, an international design competition.

Elysian Theory works with an eclectic mix of materials that include polymer clay, cellulose acetate, freshwater pearls, 14K gold-filled metals, brass, and semi-precious stones, and employ a diverse variety of jewelry making methods such as lost-wax casting, beading, and sculpture.

Be sure to store your jewelry carefully away from humidity, direct sunlight, and other metal pieces that might scratch the softer surfaces of polymer clay or acetate. Please remember that pearls and other delicate gold-filled parts can be damaged by rough handling, so take care while wearing and removing jewelry. 

Gold-filled metals contain a minimum of 5% gold (100 times more than gold plated!) which is bonded to a core of high quality jeweler's brass. This means that it is more compatible with sensitive ears, and resistant to tarnish, although individual body chemistry influences this greatly. Gold-filled jewelry can easily be cleaned with a jewelry polishing cloth. Take care of makeup or dirt buildup on clay and other materials with a gentle swipe from a soft cotton pad and a bit of rubbing alcohol.

Brass and bronze metals may tarnish and darken over time if exposed to water and oils from the skin, but can be cleaned with a soft jewelry cloth (sunshine cloth) and/or tarnish remover. 

All jewelry is nickel free. Please see individual product descriptions for more information.