Summer 2023

56 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 C armel-by-the-Sea has been luring artists from all over the globe for more than a century. An exception, Robin Mahoney was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula; she’s a home-grown original. Her shop, Robin’s Jewelry in the Doud Arcade, showcases the two things the artist loves best: crafting jewelry and Carmel itself. “I dabbled in all kinds of art media through my life,” she says, “but it wasn’t until my 40s that I discovered that working in sterling silver and stones was my true calling.” She learned to use tools from her father, who owned an auto body shop and had a home shop. “I’d come home from school at Carmel High and head straight to his shop, using pliers and cutters to make little sculptures.” Mahoney’s delicate and colorful jewelry is evocative of her surround- ings. She finds inspiration in the natural beauty of Carmel and turns stones, beach glass and silver into one-of-a-kind artwork treasured by visitors and locals alike. “I love creating things that look like pieces of Carmel. I like to say they are made by a landlocked mermaid out of what washed up in the tide.” Currently celebrating “sweet 16” years in business, Robin’s Jewelry is view- able online at www.robinsjewelrycarmel.com. — Michael Chatfield ART I ST PROF I L E Robin Mahoney Photo: Kelli Uldall