Cities In Dust

Chicago’s Cities In Dust Jewelry creates playful, nostalgic pieces with a modern twist. Led by designer Meghan, this female-run studio hand-fabricates every design with a deep love for storytelling—blending the past and present into accessories made for every body and every style. We wanted to learn more about the heart behind her work, so we asked her a few fun questions. And if you fall in love with her world (you will), don’t forget to shop Cities In Dust for your next special piece!

If your jewelry had a soundtrack, what three songs would play when someone puts it on? 
Cities In Dust is the name of a Siouxsie And The Banshees song, so def that. Additionally: something ambient from Aphex Twin or Tangerine Dream fits the current place i’m in with my work. 

What’s the first piece of jewelry you ever fell in love with—and do you still think about it?
A glass iridescent heart that belonged to my grandmother. It was faceted and about 30mm. I thought it was the most mystical and amazing thing in the world. It likely had almost no monetary value, but I loved it. I still have it and it makes me really happy to think about it/her.

If you could collaborate with any artist—alive or dead—to design a collection, who would it be and why?
I would actually have to think deeper on this questions honestly, but the short and quick answer is designing with cartier between 1920-1930. some of my favorite jewelry ever! it would also be cool to learn a thing or two from the Etruscans, or any old world maker! 

What part of jewelry-making makes you lose track of time completely?
Jewelry making is pretty hard on the body, so i have a limited capacity. What makes me get lost in time is sketching and designing. 

Is there a piece in your collection that feels like a secret self-portrait? Which one and why?
I love this question. My wedding stack is really special to me. for me it represents so much more than my marriage. it pulls together a lot of variables of who i am. the engagement band itself is really timeless and the stackers are made to inner-change. I feel like I'm always changing but also still the same. 

What’s the most memorable reaction someone’s ever had to wearing one of your pieces?
I can't say I recall one specific reaction, but I really get so much joy out of creating future heirlooms. These pieces are so significant to my clients and I do not take for granted the fact that somehow I am a part of this. 

If you could only design one type of piece (rings, necklaces, etc.) for the next year, what would you choose?
Gosh, another great question. I am really into colored stones and would love to go out of bounds on a project using some really spectacular colored stones. i would love to use varying shapes and sizes. I'm thinking a chunky, stunning, cocktail ring! 

What’s something about jewelry design that most people would never guess is part of the job?
I think often people underestimate the amount of time it takes to source stones.

What’s one tool in your studio you could never live without—besides your hands?
I think my most valuable tool is my polishing wheel. It's the last step to making and just such an incredibly satisfying task to complete. 

What does “timeless” mean to you when you think about jewelry?
To me timeless means something you can wear forever. It's not trend driven. It will age well with you. It's classic, it's clean, it's chic. 

What upcoming trend do you secretly love—and which one are you ready to bury?
I have built my past jewelry career on trends. I try to lean into them as little as possible and honestly I try not to pay too close attention anymore. It can get you into trouble. It's very hard with IG algo to avoid this. I love that chunky gold pieces are in style, but I don't know if that trend will go anywhere. I hope it stays! 

Finish the sentence: “My jewelry is for people who…”
My jewelry is for people who value shopping small and appreciate hand crafted and artisanal goods.

When you start a new piece, what usually comes first: the shape, the story, or the stone?
All of these variables are taken to account while designing. The order usually differs. I am a big story teller so I like to lead with that. 

 Thanks, Meghan, for answering these questions! If anyone wants to find out more about Meghan, Cities in Dust and buy some beautiful pieces don’t forget to check out the Cities In Dust Site!